Savills Portugal

The term 'townhouse' was first coined in the 19th century when it was used to describe the town residence of someone whose primary home was in the country. Yet, 200 years on these homes are just as desirable, offering accommodation over three or more floors and a number of advantages to boot.

Traditionally, townhouses are terraced buildings which may have a balconet, or false balcony, on the first floor and, because they provide space in height rather than width, they are most commonly found in cities and larger urban areas. However, developers are beginning to realise the potential townhouses offer with supply shortages in the development land market.

The appeal of three and four-storey living resonates with a mix of buyers, from first-timers moving out of rented accommodation, to growing families in need of more flexible space.

Versatility

As lifestyles evolve over time, a home that is able to grow with your household is essential. With a variety of spaces and rooms spread across multiple floors, townhouses offer a layout that is versatile, with the ability to modify rooms as needs change; from creating a home office and fitness room to a children’s nursery and play area.

Efficiency

With their shared walls, townhouses are more economical to heat and are viewed as some of the most energy efficient homes by design. This obviously benefits residents through reducing energy bills and their carbon footprint.

Modern living

The abundance of space and layout of townhouses perfectly caters for open plan living, allowing homeowners to seamlessly link contemporary communal areas and entertainment spaces, or to simply create distinguished living areas to individual tastes.

Space for all

One particular pull for prospective buyers is the fact that, being arranged over three or more floors, townhouses provide secluded spots away from the rest of the house. For families with teenagers or young children, the additional floor or separate living space can be transformed into a cinema room, a snug or a den for the kids to let off some steam, meaning they have a space to call their own too.

The additional floor that townhouses provide can also prove useful for those taking care of elderly family members. Having loved ones all under one roof can often be a crucial factor for families looking for a new home and townhouses have the accommodation space to cater for this.

Here is a selection of townhouses currently on the market…