As you browse 30A real estate listings, you’ll most likely see more than a few that say “patio home.”
But what is a patio home, and is its ownership any different than any other type of home? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s a Patio Home?
Surprisingly, when a home is called a patio home, the term doesn’t have anything to do with its porch.
Instead, a patio home is one that’s attached to other, similar homes – a lot like a condo or townhome would be. They’re architecturally similar to both of those types of homes… but patio homes are typically one or one-and-a-half stories high. Usually, they’re single-story homes.
Other Names for Patio Homes
Patio homes are sometimes called:
- Carriage homes
- Garden homes
- Cluster homes
- Courtyard homes
See a pattern? These homes don’t necessarily have carriages, gardens or courtyards – but they are joined together, making the term cluster homes most appropriate.
What to Know About Patio Homes
Usually, patio homes are offered as affordable alternatives to single-family homes. They’re not massive inside, and they typically have small lots. You’ll probably have to be part of an owners’ association if you buy a patio home – but for some people, that’s a good thing (just don’t forget about dues, which are often payable monthly, quarterly or annually).
How Patio Homes Are Different From Condos
Patio homes look and sound a lot like condos – but in a patio home, you actually own the lot your unit sits on. In a condo, you don’t own any exterior property (you only own your interior walls and the stuff between them). You’ll probably own your porch, sidewalk and fencing, too.
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