Why Townhomes Are So Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers

If you’ve been watching the market lately, you may have noticed something interesting.

Townhomes are moving.

And for many first-time buyers across South Snohomish and North King County, they’re not a compromise. They’re a strategy.

Let’s look at the numbers.

1. The $210,000 Price Gap Is Bigger Than It Looks

Current averages in our market:

• Townhomes: $660,000
• Single-family homes: $870,000

That’s a $210,000 difference in purchase price.

Now let’s break that down into down payment and monthly payment.

With 5 Percent Down:

Townhome at $660,000
• Down payment: $33,000
• Loan amount: $627,000
• Approximate monthly principal and interest at 6.5%: $3,960

Single-Family Home at $870,000
• Down payment: $43,500
• Loan amount: $826,500
• Approximate monthly principal and interest at 6.5%: $5,220

That is roughly:

• $10,500 more upfront
• About $1,260 more per month

Over the course of a year, that is over $15,000 in payment difference.

That is real money.

And remember, this does not include taxes, insurance, or HOA dues. This is strictly principal and interest for clean comparison.

For many first-time buyers, that monthly gap is the difference between feeling comfortable and feeling stretched.

2. Lower Barrier to Entry Without Sacrificing Quality

One of the biggest surprises buyers experience when touring townhomes today is how modern they feel.

Across Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace, many townhomes feature:

• Open concept layouts
• Quartz countertops
• Energy efficient systems
• Attached garages
• Flexible bonus spaces for remote work

In some cases, buyers are getting newer construction at $660,000 that would cost significantly more in detached inventory.

3. Lifestyle Simplicity

Many townhome communities include HOA coverage for:

• Exterior maintenance
• Roofing
• Landscaping

For buyers who want ownership without constant yard work or large exterior repair responsibilities, this is a major advantage.

4. A Strategic Entry Into the Market

For many of my clients at CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center, the first home is not the forever home.

It is the first wealth building move.

Buying at $660,000 instead of waiting until you can comfortably afford $870,000 allows you to:

• Start building equity now
• Benefit from appreciation
• Reduce long term rent exposure
• Position yourself for a future move up purchase

Waiting for the “perfect” detached home can sometimes cost more in lost time than people realize.

What This Means for You

The payment difference between $660,000 and $870,000 at today’s rates is significant.

About $1,260 per month significant.

For some buyers, that gap makes townhomes one of the most logical and strategic options in today’s market.

If you are currently renting and want to see what this looks like based on your exact situation, we can run real numbers together.

No pressure. Just clarity.

If you would like to see what townhomes are for sale, click HERE.