Townhomes are a lot of things for a lot of people, but its inherent affordability and easy attainability is what makes it one of the hottest selling types of homes right now.

For one thing, townhomes are offered in a wide variety of styles that work for different kinds of lifestyles. They may be stacked on top of each other; or sitting side-by-side in a row; they can offer single-level living or a three-storey lifestyle; they can have condo fees and there are those that don’t.

But the best thing about them is the unbeatable affordability.

Townhome buyers love the fact that they can get a two- or three-bedroom (increasingly, even four bedrooms) home for a lower price than is typical for a duplex or laned home, with the extra advantage of a low-maintenance lifestyle. Some also come with attached garages, which is a big bonus.

“Townhomes strike a sweet spot for those who want homeownership that feels attainable without compromising on design or livability,” says Victoria Petraschuk, Inventory Planning and Design Manager at Cantiro.

“They’re typically more affordable than detached homes, yet still offer private entrances, multiple levels, and thoughtful layouts that support day to day life. For many first time buyers, townhomes offer a realistic way to enter the market while still enjoying modern finishes, efficient floor plans, and—often—features like attached garages, outdoor spaces, and low ongoing maintenance,” she adds.

StreetSide’s Marketing Lead, Jacey Todd, agrees. “A new townhome is one of the most practical ways to enter the housing market while still enjoying the benefits of ownership. For many buyers, it offers the right mix of attainable pricing, stylish design, and functional living space.”

There is a wealth of new townhome developments in many of the newest communities in and around Edmonton, so location is not a problem. We spoke to a couple of award-winning townhome developers to find out why they are so appealing to today’s buyers.

Why buy a townhome

Cantiro says townhomes offer the perfect balance between space and style, with all the comforts of a single-family home and the low-maintenance lifestyle of condo living.

“At Cantiro, our design process starts with intent,” says says Petraschuk. “We think carefully about flow, light, and how spaces connect, so every square foot works harder and feels purposeful. The result is a townhome that’s efficient yet elevated, where thoughtful layouts, integrated storage, and considered details come together to create homes that feel intuitive, comfortable, and lasting.”

That same intentional approach extends behind the walls, with steel frame construction now incorporated into select townhomes designs in some communities, offering homeowner added structural durability and confidence in how their home is built.

“Townhomes are ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, and anyone seeking modern design and affordability in vibrant, connected communities,” says Gary Hoeft, General Manager, Cantiro Homes.

“Townhomes have always been in demand, but today’s market has amplified their appeal. Rising housing costs, changing household sizes, and a growing preference for low maintenance, well-designed homes have made townhomes a top choice.

They’re especially attractive to first time buyers looking for a smart entry point into homeownership, and to buyers who value modern design, efficient layouts and location.”

StreetSide, which won BILD EM’s AOE awards as Multi-Family Builder of the Year for the third year in a row, is similarly well-established brand for multi-family living in Alberta.

“StreetSide’s townhomes are thoughtfully planned to maximize square footage, with open-concept layouts, modern finishes, and everyday comfort in mind,” Todd says. “Buyers also benefit from owning a newer home built to current standards, which can mean greater efficiency and less maintenance.”

GST rebate program

Fuelling demand is the advent of the first-time homebuyer GST rebate program that can help qualified buyers to purchase certain townhomes for sometimes even as little as five percent downpayment.

Newly built townhomes are eligible for the First Time Home Buyer GST Rebate, provided the purchase price is under $1 million, and other federal criteria are met.

Hoeft says qualifying first time buyers can receive a rebate that effectively means paying no GST on their first home, which can translate into meaningful savings at purchase. “Buyers should always confirm eligibility with their legal or financial advisor, but townhomes are a great option for those looking to take advantage of this benefit,” he adds.

StreetSide’s Todd says for those currently renting, purchasing a townhome can be an opportunity to start building equity instead. “With communities located throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas, buyers can often find a home that suits both their lifestyle and budget.”

Types of townhomes

Cantiro offers a variety of townhome styles to meet diverse buyer needs, including no-condo-fee townhomes (also known as fee-simple townhomes). These come in a variety of widths from 12- to 20-feet wide.

Cantiro’s street townhomes include three-storey models with rear attached garages, two-storey rear lane models, and bungalow townhomes with rear lane garages. In Alces and Greenbury Park, buyers can explore three-storey townhomes built with steel framing, offering durability, stability and long term performance.

“Because many of these homes are fee simple, homeowners own both the home and the land, enjoy more independence, and avoid monthly condo fees while still benefiting from an efficient, community focused lifestyle,” Hoeft says.

In Edmonton and surrounding areas, Cantiro Homes currently offers townhomes in Alces, SW Edmonton; Greenbury Park, Spruce Grove; and Riverside, St. Albert. Upcoming townhome opportunities are planned for Verge at Stillwater, West Edmonton; Hillshire West, Sherwood Park; and Roseburn, Fort Saskatchewan.

“These communities are designed to offer buyers choice, whether they’re looking for a first home, a right sized space, or a low maintenance lifestyle without compromise,” Hoeft says. Learn more at cantiro.ca/homes.

Award-winning style

StreetSide has a similarly wide range of townhomes on offer. “We offer two-storey, three-storey, and bungalow townhomes, and now back-to-back townhomes, as well,” Todd says. “Offering multiple styles of townhomes as well as ownership formats allows us to really help buyers with a wide range of budgets.”

StreetSide’s wide variety of townhome styles meet different needs, budgets, and life stages. With the exception of the back-to-back townhomes – every style below comes in a no condo fee format for those who are looking for fee simple living.

“Some models focus on entry-level affordability, while others provide more space for growing families or downsizers wanting main-floor living,” Todd adds. “This range allows buyers to choose a home that fits how they live today and where they see themselves in the future.”

StreetSide’s no-condo fee townhomes give owners full control off their property, and greater flexibility on how they choose to live and use their property.

“Eliminating condo fees is often desirable as it creates a lower monthly cost and allows buyers to qualify for more with their lender,” Freeman says.

StreetSide is available in 30+ communities in the Edmonton and surrounding areas. “Currently, we have 10 show homes open to view the array of different housing options we offer,” Todd says.

Although their buyer demographic is varied from first time homebuyers all the way to downsizers, Todd believes townhomes are for everyone and every stage of life. “We also have a strong investor interest in this product as it’s a price conscious option that rents quickly.” Find out more at streetsideedmonton.com.