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When shopping for a house, there are lots of big decisions to be made. And one of the first choices is the type of property you want to own. In other words, do you want an apartment, condominium, or single-family house?
But even if you choose a single-family home, there are subcategories to think about, such as patio homes.
What Is A Patio Home?
Over the years, houses have gotten bigger and more complex. And while the allure of having a big house is certainly there, many homeowners are frustrated to discover how much upkeep and ongoing maintenance is required to keep all of that square footage intact.
While large homes are still the overarching trend, many builders are focusing on the segment of the market who would prefer something more manageable and intimate. In response, we’re seeing a rise in patio home communities.
As Natale Builders explains, “Patio Homes are smaller single-family units with one or two stories where the development has a higher density of residences. This allows for more units at close vicinity to fit more homes into a subdivision or development.”
Some patio homes can be detached – like the ones Natale Builders develops – while others are connected. These latter developments are essentially one- or two-story townhomes.
Patio homes are especially common among empty nesters, retirees, and even seniors. However, we’re also seeing a rise in the number of single young adults and busy professionals who are looking for an easy and comfortable place to call home.
4 Reasons To Choose A Patio Home
When it comes to buying a house, it’s easy to get swept up in factors like curb appeal and cosmetic upgrades, losing sight of what truly matters. But as you search for your next home, we recommend thinking about the bigger picture.
In other words, consider the practical and financial ramifications that come with purchasing different types of homes. And while a patio home certainly isn’t for everyone, you may discover that it checks off a lot of your boxes.
Here are a few of the benefits that patio homeowners enjoy:
1. Less Upkeep
Patio homes are not “tiny homes,” but they are smaller than your typical house. They’re usually built on small or zero lot lines (which means at least one edge of the house actually touches the property line). And of what little yard there is, it’s usually very easy to maintain. You won’t find many trees or shrubs. Even grass is kept to a minimum. Hardscaping is quite common, as it’s easy to manage.
All of these features add up to less upkeep. And in a lot of cases, the landscaping is handled by the HOA anyway. This means you can sit on the front porch and watch someone else take care of your yard!
2. More Opportunities For Socialization
Patio home communities generally allow for more socialization and opportunities to interact with neighbors. (This can be seen as a pro or con, depending on your personality.) Because homes are located more closely together, you’re more likely to rub shoulders with your neighbors and see them out in the yard. This makes it easier to get to know one another.
Additionally, the shared amenities that come with some patio home communities make it easy to congregate and enjoy one another’s company on a regular basis.
Speaking of shared amenities, many patio home communities offer clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, ponds, and other resources that are covered under the HOA fees. This provides additional benefits for those who want to take advantage of such things.
4. Tax Savings
Depending on the type of patio home, the location, local laws and regulations, and how the builder designed the community, there could be significant tax savings associated with owning a patio home.
For example, many of the Natale Builders patio homes in Western New York have a “condominium status.” This allows for significant annual tax savings on the property.
Finding Your Perfect Home
We’re not going to sit here and tell you whether or not you need to buy a patio home – that’s your decision. However, what we do know is that patio homes offer a number of compelling benefits and advantages that simply aren’t seen in larger homes in traditional neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, comfortable, cost-effective place to live, this might be it.
