What Is a Patio Home? Smaller Size, Low Maintenance and Potentially Perfect for You

How does a patio home differ from a condo or townhome?

While a patio home shares similarities with a condo and a townhouse, all three have their own characteristics.

Condos typically are found in a building or a complex of buildings composed of several individual units. Depending on the size of the building, there may be other units above, below, or on either side of your home. One considerable difference between a patio home and a condo are land rights. With a condo, the homeowner owns everything within the walls of the unit only. There are no land rights to the grounds surrounding the condo building. With a patio home, the homeowner owns the exterior of the structure ─ and typically ─ the lot.

While floor plans and neighborhoods vary significantly, a townhouse typically has two or more floors (although, in some cases, it may have just one). Depending on the development, townhomes are usually attached in groups of three to six units, resembling row houses. This means your townhome could share walls on one or both sides, depending on where it is located in the complex, but it does not have upstairs or downstairs neighbors like a condo.

What are the benefits of a patio home?

Size and design

Because they are generally just one floor, patio homes make a good choice for people who want or need a home without stairs. Patio homes also often are designed with open floor plans, which are popular with a lot of homebuyers. They generally include a large living room that opens up into the kitchen and, possibly, a dining area. This layout can make entertaining more fun because no one is shut in the kitchen, and it also makes it easy to get around the home because there are no narrow hallways or doorways.

If the patio home has a half-story, this space could be used as an office, a rec room, or a reading nook — whatever the homebuyer wants. Of course, if the home includes a basement, that space could be converted into an extra bedroom and bathroom, a home theater, or playroom.

A perk of a patio home’s smaller size is that it means less time spent cleaning the home — something all homeowners can appreciate.

Pricing

Due to their smaller size, patio homes usually have smaller price tags, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, as with all homes, pricing depends on location, age, condition, building materials, and the current housing market. Patio homes can range in price from $200,000 to more than $1M.

Maintenance

While less square footage means less cleaning, a patio home typically requires less exterior maintenance. Many patio home developments have a homeowners association, a governing body that creates and enforces rules for the community. Homeowners pay annual dues for certain services, which typically include landscaping and lawn maintenance. That means you may not have to worry about mowing the grass or weeding the flowerbed. Additionally, your fees may take care of trash pickup, snow removal, and maintenance and upkeep of all roads and common spaces in the community. The homeowners association also may provide some insurance coverage, but you likely will need an individual homeowners insurance policy to cover your personal property as well as the structure of the home.

Community

Like many condo and townhome communities, patio home communities often offer a variety of amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, green spaces, bike paths, social clubs, or special events. Empty-nesters often can find patio homes in active adult communities, which typically offer numerous opportunities to get to know your neighbors and participate in activities together.

What are potential drawbacks of a patio home?

Lack of privacy

As with a condo or townhome, the most noticeable drawback of a patio home is the shared wall with the neighbors. If you have a noisy neighbor, this could take a toll on your enjoyment of the home. This close proximity to your neighbors also could lead to a lack of privacy.

Small outdoor spaces

Outside, the small lot size means you may not have much, if any, outdoor green space. Plus, since not all patio homes actually have a patio you may not even have a small paved space — other than your driveway — to enjoy the outdoors in any capacity.

Homeowners insurance concerns

Since your home is attached to another, you may run the risk of incurring damage because of an incident that originates in your neighbor’s dwelling. Your insurance agent can help you understand what this would mean for you, and guide you to the appropriate type and level of insurance coverage.

Homeowners association requirements

If your patio home is part of a homeowners association, it will have a list of covenants and rules you’ll need to follow. These could include anything from no long-term parking of RVs in the driveway to when you are allowed to display your holiday decorations. Homeowners associations also require you to pay monthly or annual fees to cover maintenance of all common areas and amenities, such as landscaping or a community swimming pool. How much those fees are depends on a number of factors such as location, number of homes in the community, and covered services and amenities, but the average fee is between $200 and $300 per month.

Similarly, some patio home communities have requirements that must be met to purchase a home. These could be minimum age requirements, a no-kids rule, or a no-pets rule.

Key pros and cons takeaways

Pros of owning a patio home

• Single-Level Living: Ideal for those who prefer or need a home without stairs, often with open floor plans.
• Low Maintenance: Smaller size and often part of an HOA, which may handle exterior maintenance like landscaping, snow removal, and trash pickup.
• Affordability: Generally more affordable due to smaller size and land, making them a budget-friendly option for first-time buyers or retirees.
• Community Amenities: Often located in communities with amenities like pools, fitness centers, and social clubs, offering a built-in social life.
• Efficient Use of Space: Despite being smaller, patio homes can include features like basements or half-stories, providing additional usable space.
• Privacy Compared to Condos: Unlike condos, you typically own the lot and exterior, giving you more control over your property.

Cons of owning a patio home

• Shared Walls: Lack of privacy due to at least one shared wall with neighbors, potentially leading to noise issues.
• Limited Outdoor Space: Small or non-existent yards, and not all patio homes actually have patios.
• HOA Fees and Rules: May be subject to homeowners association fees and restrictive rules, which can limit how you use your property.
• Potential Insurance Issues: Risk of damage from incidents originating in an attached neighbor’s home, possibly complicating insurance coverage.
• Lack of Privacy: Close proximity to neighbors can reduce privacy compared to single-family homes.
• Market Availability: Less common than other housing types, which might make finding the right patio home more challenging.

Shopping for a patio home

Finding a patio home can be a bit more challenging due to their unique style and limited availability. Start by working with a top real estate agent who understands your needs and has access to listings that might not be widely advertised. Look in communities known for patio homes, such as those near golf courses or active adult neighborhoods. You can also search online real estate platforms, using specific filters for property types to narrow down your options. Being flexible with your location and staying patient will increase your chances of finding the perfect patio home that meets your criteria.

Header Image Source: (Rendy Novantino / Unsplash)