Why more people are choosing townhouses

Townhouses were once seen as options for investors and first-home buyers, but today they occupy a broader section of the home-buying demographic.

Families and downsizers have gravitated towards townhouses as a more affordable and lower maintenance property choice than a traditional single-storey home.

The growing popularity of townhouses is driven by a broad section of home buyers whose vision of the Great Australian Dream has evolved in recent years.

Today’s house-hunters are less hung up on the idea of a Hills Hoist in a large backyard and more concerned about the lifestyle possibilities their home will deliver.

“One of the key attractions of townhouse living is that they are often positioned near amenities such as open space, shops, schools, walking and bicycle trails, and public transport, which is fantastic from a lifestyle and investment perspective,” says Averley senior development manager Andrew Jones.

Current house prices, which have risen by as much as 30 per cent in parts of the country, have also contributed to a surge in demand for townhouses, and not just among couples and singles.

“Land developers and builders have worked together over time to offer larger high-quality townhouses with three or four bedrooms, multiple living areas and bathrooms and home office zones that appeal to larger families,” Jones explains.

Their wide-reaching appeal is one of the reasons townhouses are among the off-the-plan properties on sale at Lendlease’s Averley community in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor.

The development near Pakenham will provide around 1500 lots by the time it’s completed and includes more than 20 hectares of parks and reserves. Townhouses will be built throughout the Averley community, giving residents proximity to parklands, playgrounds, bike trails and walking paths.

Buyers can choose their builder and home design, including floor plans to suit their lifestyles. Contemporary townhouses feature flowing living areas and private bedrooms to give families spaces to come together and areas for relaxing in peace and quiet. Generous storage is also a prominent detail and one that every buyer enjoys.

Averley offers a range of different-sized lots and positions, including elevated sites overlooking the surrounding green hills.

But perhaps the most important factor for buyers is the nearby amenities, which include a planned train station in Pakenham East PSP, making it easy for residents to commute to and from Melbourne’s CBD.

Among other future attractions are four planned schools, a shopping centre and a community centre in the local neighbourhood.

The well-established suburb of Pakenham, which neighbours the development, is popular with families and has a variety of cafes, shops and community facilities, including the tranquil Pakenham Lake.

Josh O’Brien, co-owner of Nancy Eatery at the Robert Gordan pottery, says Pakenham has grown to become a more cultured postcode in recent years.

“Over the past few years, I feel Pakenham has really come into its own. We own Nancy, which is a fresh modern eatery – serving specialty coffee, an amazing brunch menu – and it wouldn’t be out of place in any trendy suburb of Melbourne,” he says.

“We are surrounded by local gyms, yoga studios and schools, so we have a mixed and varied local clientele.”

Pakenham is sought-after by families for its parks and community feel, but also by people wanting to live out of the suburban hustle and bustle within an easy drive of coastal hotspots,” O’Brien says.

“Pakenham is the gateway to the east,” he says. “It’s a short trip down to Phillip Island and the coast and a wonderful starting point to head off and see what Gippsland has to offer.

“Public transport is great, especially if you want to work in the city [but] want to feel like you’re living in the country.”