For Australian real estate developers, building townhouses is a more attractive notion than free-standing houses because more townhouses could be put on a block at a fraction of the cost of freestanding houses. Townhouses also meant fewer hassles when it came to submitting plans, where apartment blocks were still more problematic.

For many first-home buyers and retirees, shelling out $400,000 - $500,000 mark for a new townhouse has become lighter on the pockets over the years. That's the financial advantage of buying a townhouse rather than a stand-alone dwelling. Therefore, if you want to save money while still buying a valuable property, buy a townhouse.

Comparing Real Estate

No two real estate are alike, and if there is anything the wise buyer need to be vigilant about buying real estate, it's that he or she should check out and compare equivalent locations. Vacant blocks in inner suburbs are extremely rare and don't stay on the market long, so the comparison may be a little academic but will still make good economic sense.

The golden rule is that land value appreciates and the actual building depreciates, so a townhouse is going to make a better investment than an apartment. On the other hand, a townhouse is much more affordable than a similar home on what used to be considered an average suburban building block. From the inside, everything is the same. Outside, you still get room to entertain and garage your car. You just don't get a large garden.

Townhouses are definitely ideal then for first-time buyers because they are a sound investment whose value steadily climbs even as the years go by. If couples don't like their purchase, they can always rent out their townhouse. Townhouses in fact are a favorite dwelling place of yuppies and other office-working people who have the bulk of purchasing power nowadays.

Townhouses provide a route into a better location than what most couples could afford had they bought a more conventional house on a large block, inevitably in an outer suburb.

Online classified sites like CentralEquity.com.au, offer real estate listings of inner city sky-high penthouses and townhouses for sale. At OzFreeOnline.com, on the other hand, thousands of homes for sale around Australia are advertised daily. No doubt, there are many townhouses in Oz these days, all which would make good family homes either for young couples and retirees, or investments for those people who are interested. It's all up to you to do your homework.

----------
About the author:
Amos writes articles and press releases for OzfreeOnline - this piece she made served as an article exclusive for Real Estate - which offers a comprehensive list of office & commercial real estates, apartment and house for rent, online real estate, house for sale, property listing, real property search and an apartment finder to thousands of properties in Australia.