Duplex Living: The Smart Middle Ground Between Townhomes and Single-Family Homes

When shopping for a home, the choice often comes down to three main options: detached single-family homes, townhouses, or the increasingly popular duplex. Each type of home has its own set of advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and future goals. But for many buyers—especially those looking for a blend of space, value, and privacy—a duplex can offer the best of both worlds.

Let’s dive into the unique benefits of living in a duplex and how it stacks up against townhouses and detached homes.

1. What is a Duplex, Really?

A duplex is a residential building divided into two separate living units, either side-by-side (like a semi-detached) or stacked (one unit on top of the other). Each unit typically has its own private entrance, driveway, and yard space.

This setup gives you the feel of a single-family home with shared infrastructure—resulting in cost savings and other practical benefits.

2. More Privacy Than a Townhouse

One of the biggest advantages of a duplex over a townhouse is privacy.

In a townhouse, you’re typically attached to neighbors on both sides. You may share walls with multiple households, which can lead to more noise and less personal space.

In contrast, most duplexes only share one wall, and many have private fenced yards, making them a more appealing option for those who value a quieter, more independent lifestyle. It’s also easier to avoid that “row house” feel you get in townhouse communities.

3. Lower Cost Than a Detached Home

Detached single-family homes offer the most space and privacy, but they also come with a hefty price tag—not just in purchase price, but also in property taxes, utilities, and maintenance.

Duplexes often offer comparable square footage for less money, especially in growing communities like Spruce Grove or St. Albert. You get many of the perks of a single-family home—like a yard, garage, and multiple levels—without stretching your budget as far.

This makes duplexes a smart choice for:

First-time buyers
Retirees looking to downsize without giving up yard space
Young families who want room to grow

4. Great Value for Investors and Owners Alike

Here’s a big bonus: many duplexes can generate rental income.

If you own both sides of the property—or if you live in one unit and rent out the other (in a legal up/down duplex)—you can offset your mortgage costs. This is less common with townhouses and not usually possible with detached homes unless you add a secondary suite.

Even if you only live in one unit, the resale value of duplexes remains strong, especially in Alberta’s growing suburban markets where multi-family living is gaining popularity.

5. Smaller Condo or HOA Fees (Sometimes None!)

Townhouses often come with monthly strata or condo fees, which cover shared amenities and exterior maintenance. While these fees can be convenient, they can also add hundreds of dollars per month to your cost of living—and you may not even use the amenities.

Duplexes, especially freehold duplexes, may have no condo fees at all, giving you full control over your property and a break on monthly expenses.

Even in cases where duplexes are part of a small condo-style development, fees are generally lower than in townhome complexes due to fewer shared elements.

6. Lower Maintenance Than Detached Homes

Compared to a detached home, a duplex tends to require less exterior maintenance.

If you’re busy, on a budget, or simply want to spend less time mowing lawns and cleaning eavestroughs, a duplex can offer a nice compromise: enough yard to enjoy, but not so much that it becomes a burden.

This is especially attractive to downsizers or retired homeowners who still want some private outdoor space but without the upkeep of a large lot.

7. More Space and Layout Options Than a Townhouse

Townhouses can be narrow, with three or more floors stacked vertically. This works for some, but it can be inconvenient for:

Seniors with mobility issues
Families with young kids
Anyone who prefers an open, flowing layout

Many duplexes offer wider floor plans, larger kitchens, attached garages, and main-floor living options—providing a better layout for day-to-day living.

You might even find bungalow-style duplexes (especially popular with retirees), which are rarely seen in townhouse designs.

8. Neighborhood Diversity and Location Flexibility

Townhouse developments are often clustered together in higher-density areas, which means less choice when it comes to neighborhood features like:

School districts
Proximity to parks
Street parking
Lot orientation

Duplexes, on the other hand, are frequently found mixed in with single-family homes in desirable suburban or infill areas. This gives buyers more flexibility to choose a location that suits their lifestyle—without being limited to large-scale developments.

9. Long-Term Flexibility

A duplex can offer more long-term versatility than other home types.

For example, some homeowners start by living in one side and renting out the other, then later convert both sides into rentals. Others use the second unit as a multi-generational living space for aging parents or adult children.

This kind of built-in flexibility makes a duplex a practical long-term investment, especially as housing affordability continues to challenge Canadians across all age groups.

10. A Great Fit for the Alberta Lifestyle

In Alberta communities like Spruce Grove, St. Albert, and Edmonton, duplexes are a common and highly desirable option. They reflect the lifestyle many Albertans want: a balance of indoor and outdoor living, privacy, and space—without breaking the bank.

Many new developments in these areas are designing duplexes with:

Upscale finishes
Attached garages
Smart home features
Energy-efficient construction

Whether you’re a young family, a working professional, or a retiree, there’s likely a duplex that suits your needs in Alberta’s evolving market.

Final Thoughts: The “Just Right” Option

While every buyer’s situation is unique, duplexes strike a powerful balance between townhouses and detached homes. They offer:

More space and privacy than a townhouse
More affordability and convenience than a detached home
Better long-term value and flexibility than many other options

If you’re house hunting and feel like you’re stuck choosing between “too small” and “too expensive,” take a closer look at what a duplex has to offer. It just might be the Goldilocks home you’ve been looking for—just right in every way.

Thinking about making a move in Spruce Grove, St. Albert, or Edmonton?
Let’s connect and explore duplex options that match your lifestyle and goals. 🏡📞