As a builder, we know that when it comes to a home, one size doesn’t fit all – nor does one style! But while the difference between a mid-rise condo and a single detached might be easy to see, one type of home comes in all shapes and sizes: the townhome.
Across our communities, we build several different types of townhomes (or towns) in order to fit density requirements from the Region, as well as the budget and square footage requirements of our homeowners! They can vary quite a bit in size, design and style, and it’s often hard to tell the differences solely from the names.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what is different between a traditional town and a stacked town, or a split level and a three-storey town, read on!
Traditional Townhomes
Traditional townhomes are likely what you imagine when you think of townhomes. They share side walls with the neighbouring home and can vary in terms of how many units are in one building. These homes typically have a basement, are two-storey, and are often similar in size to single detached homes. For instance, the towns pictured above are the Hillrock and the Twinleaf! The Twinleaf actually has the same floorplan (and 2,399 square feet of space) as the Summerpeak single detached home – but for a lower price tag!
Two-Storey Townhomes
You may also see traditional townhomes referred to as two-storey townhomes, and that’s because they’re one and the same. The name simply speaks to the layout: main floor living spaces, bedrooms upstairs, a basement below, and your own yard and garage to round it out.
Three-Storey Townhomes
Three-storey townhomes are similar to traditional towns from the outside – but they’re built slab-on-grade, which means there is no basement. They share the sidewalls and have attached garages, but are three-storey (unlike the two-storey traditional towns!) The pictured towns are being built in Ormston at Doon South and have 1686 – 1840 sq. ft. of finished space. Because the main living space takes up the entire second level, the space is larger and more open than many other towns, since the garage doesn’t take up any of that square footage!
Bungalow Loft Townhomes
Bungalow lofts may look like a one-storey home from the outside, but they feature a loft area on the second floor for extra living space. What sets them apart is the main floor primary bedroom, ideal for buyers who want easy accessibility without giving up additional space upstairs.
Stacked Townhomes
Stacked townhomes are a type of multi-unit building which ‘stack’ one- or two-storey units on top of each other. They give homeowners more separation than a typical condo, because each unit has its own exterior front door and there are no elevators or shared lobbies.
Back-to-Back Townhomes
Back-to-back townhomes are just what they sound like: in addition to sharing sidewalls, homes share a back wall with another. This improves affordability, while still giving homeowners their own space. These homes still offer 1- or 2-car garages, 2-3 bedrooms with a large open concept living space and 1390 to over 1600 square feet of space.
Rear-Garage Townhomes
Rear-garage townhomes are similar in structure to three-storey towns, but with one key difference: the garage is accessed from behind the home through a private laneway or condo roadway rather than from the front. This means your street-facing entrance gets the full curb appeal treatment — think front porches, large windows, and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, with the garage completely hidden from view.
These homes often feature generous natural light throughout, and the rear-garage design is increasingly popular among buyers who prioritize aesthetics and a more neighbourhood-oriented feel from the street.
Villas
Villas are a unique style that sit somewhere between a stacked townhome and a traditional home. Each building contains a small number of separate homes stacked across upper and lower floors, with a feel that’s spacious, accessible, and easy to maintain. Upper units feature balconies, while many lower units offer a walkout patio, making them a great fit for those who love spending time outdoors.
Villas are particularly well-suited for buyers who want to minimize stairs, those looking to rightsize into a lower-maintenance home, or anyone who simply wants a calm, comfortable space to come home to.
Which Townhome Is Right for You?
Townhomes offer one of the best entry points into homeownership — more space than a traditional condo, often a private garage, and your own front door, all in great family-friendly neighbourhoods close to schools, parks, and the amenities you love. Whether you’re buying your first home, looking to rightsize, or searching for a smart investment, there’s a townhome style built for your lifestyle.
All Activa townhomes are built with careful attention to fire and sound separation for your privacy, comfort, and safety — and to ENERGY STAR® certification standards, so you get a more comfortable, energy-efficient home from day one.
Not sure which style fits your life best? Our Sales Representatives are here to help you find the right match. Browse our available townhomes here.
