Townhouses, Twin Homes and Condos... What's the Difference?

Confused about the difference between townhouse and twin homes? Wondering about condos?  

by +Sarah Marrinan - Keller Williams Premier Realty 

Let's look at the official definitions from the NorthstarMLS.

Townhouses

Quad/4 Corners 
Usually split entry design. Each unit in one corner.
Side x Side 
Commonly has two to six units connected with common walls side by side. Also called rowhouse.
Detached 
Single family stand alone unit with a townhouse-type homeowner association (building exterior maintenance, snow removal, sanitation, etc.).

Twin Home 

Zero lot line ownership, double side by side. May have a homeowner association. Common wall agreement necessary as part of purchase agreement.

Condos and Coops

High Rise (4+ Levels)
Four or more levels. Has common entrance and hallways. Includes converted apartment buildings.
Low Rise (3- Levels)
Three or fewer levels. Common entrance and hallways. Includes converted apartment buildings.
Manor/Village
A manor has one entry hall for four units, two units on first floor and two units on second floor. The village is similar to the manor style plus added units on each end with private entrances. Other village designs have two or three stories with stairways and shared hallways, or two stories with outside entrances for each unit and no shared hallways.
Two Unit 
May be side x side or up and down. Often a duplex converted to a condominium or coop.
Converted Mansion
Converted single-family home with three or more units.

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