Toronto offers six main types of townhomes, each with different costs, layouts, fees, and long-term risks. Stacked townhomes are the cheapest but come with major compromises like no indoor parking access, basement-like lower units, and weak resale. Podium condo towns offer great walkability and condo amenities but carry very high fees. Traditional condo towns provide the best value among condo options with bigger layouts and backyards, though older buildings may face special assessments. Freehold towns with POTL fees feel like freehold but still have condo rules and rising fees over time. Back-to-back freeholds offer large space but no backyard, which hurts lifestyle and resale demand. Traditional freehold towns are the strongest overall, with full basements, backyards, no fees, and top resale—just the highest price. Understanding these differences helps buyers avoid hidden problems and choose the right product for lifestyle, budget, and long-term value.
1. STACKED TOWNHOMES
(Condo ownership – cheapest option – maximum compromises)
What It Is
Two units stacked on top of each other.
• Lower unit = feels like a basement
• Upper unit = two floors above ground
Pros
- Lowest price of all townhomes
- Modern layouts and newer builds
- Reasonable condo fees
- Often in convenient, urban areas
Cons (Very Important)
- No direct indoor access to underground parking → groceries, strollers, kids = a hassle
- Lower units feel like basements (low light, noise from above)
- Upper units have stairs immediately at the entrance
- Small entrances = no space for strollers/shoes
- Noise travels easily between units
- No backyard
- Long-term resale can suffer because of inconvenience
Fees
Approx. $200–$400/month (garbage, snow removal, landscaping).
Who Should Buy
Singles, couples, first-time buyers who want price over convenience.
Who Should Avoid
Families and anyone who hates carrying groceries up stairs or through outdoor walkways.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
Parking access — the biggest complaint of stacked-town owners.
You must walk outside to reach the underground garage.
2. PODIUM CONDO TOWNHOMES
(Townhomes attached to the base of a condo tower)
What It Is
Townhomes built on the “podium” or base of a condo building.
Pros
- Best walkability (usually next to major transit stations)
- No elevators needed — walk straight into your unit
- Full access to condo amenities
- Modern finishes
Cons
- High maintenance fees (same formula as high-rise units)
- Many are 3 floors, meaning more stairs
- Outdoor space is limited
- Often narrower than freeholds to maximize density
Fees
Can be $700–$1,000+ per month depending on size and amenities.
Who Should Buy
People who want condo convenience + ground-level living.
Who Should Avoid
Anyone looking for low fees or a backyard.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
The condo fee — it climbs the larger your unit is.
3. TRADITIONAL CONDO TOWNHOMES
(Older, larger, more land — best value among condo options)
What It Is
Classic two-story or three-story townhomes inside a condo complex.
Pros
- Bigger layouts than newer products
- Backyards or patios
- Lower maintenance fees than podium towns
- Often include basements
- Good long-term value
Cons
- Older finishes unless renovated
- Exterior changes require condo board approval
- Older buildings may face special assessments (unexpected repair costs)
Fees
Approx. $250–$450/month, covering the private road, garbage removal, snow removal.
Who Should Buy
Families wanting yard space but can’t afford freehold.
Who Should Avoid
Buyers who want modern layouts or ultra-low fees.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
Potential special assessments for roofing, windows, or road repairs.
4. FREEHOLD TOWNS WITH FEES (POTL)
(Freehold-style living, but still a condo underneath)
What It Is
Legally a condo (“Parcel of Tied Land”), but marketed as freehold.
Pros
- Feels like a freehold
- Newer and more modern
- Lower fees than traditional condos
- Private garage
- Higher ceilings
Cons
- No backyard in most cases
- Still technically a condo → fees + rules
- Fees can rise over time as the complex ages
Fees
Usually $100–$250/month, covering snow removal and garbage on the private road.
Who Should Buy
People who want a newer build and don’t mind small fees.
Who Should Avoid
Buyers expecting true freehold with no rules or restrictions.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
Thinking it’s “freehold” — when legally it’s not.
5. BACK-TO-BACK FREEHOLD TOWNHOMES
(Freehold, but with the biggest lifestyle compromises)
What It Is
Two rows of townhomes attached back-to-back — so no backyard at all.
Pros
- Larger square footage (sometimes up to 1,900+ sq ft)
- Modern layouts
- Lower long-term maintenance costs (since it’s freehold)
Cons
- No backyard
- Narrow layouts = more stairs
- Small or no basement
- Outdoor space limited to balconies or rooftop terrace
- Resale demand is weaker than traditional freeholds
Fees
None (freehold).
But snow + garbage is your responsibility.
Who Should Buy
Families needing space but not a yard.
Who Should Avoid
Anyone dreaming of outdoor play space for kids, pets, or BBQs.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
You lose the largest value feature in family homes:
the backyard.
6. TRADITIONAL FREEHOLD TOWNHOMES
(The gold standard — best lifestyle and resale)
What It Is
Full freehold — no condo board, no fees.
Pros
- Best resale and demand
- Backyard space
- Full-sized basement
- Garage + driveway
- Living space usually on the main floor (no stairs at entrance)
- No condo rules
- Best for families and long-term ownership
Cons
- Highest price
- More maintenance responsibility
- Rare inside Toronto due to land costs
Fees
None.
Who Should Buy
Families, long-term buyers, investors wanting strong appreciation.
Who Should Avoid
Buyers on a tight budget.
The Part That Hurts Buyers
Only the price — everything else is the best overall experience.
SUMMARY — WHICH ONES TO WATCH OUT FOR?
The Most Comfortable Lifestyle:
- Traditional Freehold Town
- Traditional Condo Town
The Ones That Can Hurt You If You Don’t Know What You’re Buying:
- Stacked Townhomes → parking + stairs = daily pain
- Back-to-Back Freehold → no backyard
- POTL Freehold with Fees → not real freehold
- Podium Townhomes → high maintenance fees
Pre-Construction 24 7 