Definition
A row house, also known as a terraced house in some regions, is a type of residential building characterised by a series of identical or mirror-image units that share side walls. Each unit typically has its own entrance and may be spread over two or more floors. Row houses are designed to provide a compact and economical use of land, especially in urban environments where space is limited.
Examples
- New York City Brownstones: These iconic row houses are predominantly found in Brooklyn and Manhattan, characterised by their distinct brown sandstone façades and uniform architectural elements.
- Philadelphia Row Houses: A common sight in Philadelphia, these homes often feature brick exteriors, stoops, and classic 19th-century architectural details.
- London Terraced Houses: In London, terraced houses or row houses are a staple in many residential neighbourhoods, exemplified by long rows of uniformly designed homes that date back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a row house and a townhouse?
Both row houses and townhouses consist of units connected by common walls. However, the term “townhouse” often refers to a more modern style with contemporary architectural features. “Row house” is typically used to describe older, often historic structures with a uniform façade.
Are row houses a good investment?
Row houses can be a good investment, particularly in urban areas with limited space. They tend to retain their value well due to their location and historical significance in many regions.
Do row houses provide private yards?
Typically, row houses come with small private backyards or courtyards, while the front retains a uniform appearance with little to no front yard.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Townhouse: Similar to a row house, a townhouse is a unit within a multi-unit dwelling that shares one or more walls with neighboring units and typically includes multiple floors.
- Terraced House: The term commonly used in the UK to describe row houses; a form of medium-density housing with adjacent units sharing side walls.
- Semi-Detached House: A residential building that shares one common wall with an adjoining unit, allowing more privacy than a row house.
Online Resources
- Investopedia: Row House
- Wikipedia: Terraced House
- National Association of Realtors: Understanding Row Houses
References
- National Single-Family Housing Council reports on row houses and their impact on urban development.
- “The Row House Reborn” by Charles Lockwood, a comprehensive guide to the evolution of row houses in America.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Row House City” by Stephanie Ryberg-Webster
- “The Row House Reborn: Architecture and Neighborhoods in New York City, 1908-1929” by Andrew M. Dolkart
Real Estate Basics: Row House Fundamentals Quiz
### What is a row house?
- [ ] A single-family detached home in a suburban area.
- [x] A single-family dwelling unit attached to other units by common walls.
- [ ] A high-rise apartment complex.
- [ ] A duplex with shared walls.
> **Explanation:** A row house is a single-family dwelling unit that is attached to other units by common walls, often found in urban areas.
### Which city is known for its brownstone row houses?
- [ ] Los Angeles
- [x] New York City
- [ ] Chicago
- [ ] Miami
> **Explanation:** New York City is well-known for its iconic brownstone row houses, particularly in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
### What is a primary benefit of row houses in urban areas?
- [ ] They offer more space than detached houses.
- [x] They make economical use of limited land.
- [ ] They include larger yards.
- [ ] They require less maintenance.
> **Explanation:** Row houses make economical use of limited land, which is particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas.
### Row houses typically share which architectural feature?
- [x] Common walls
- [ ] Unique façades
- [ ] Detached garages
- [ ] Large front yards
> **Explanation:** Row houses are characterised by sharing common walls between units and often have uniform façades.
### What would you likely find in the front area of a traditional row house?
- [ ] A large garden
- [x] Little to no front yard space
- [ ] A detached garage
- [ ] A swimming pool
> **Explanation:** Traditional row houses often have little to no front yard space, maintaining a uniform appearance in the front.
### How do townhouses differ from row houses?
- [x] Townhouses often have more modern architectural features.
- [ ] Townhouses are only found in suburbs.
- [ ] Row houses are multi-family units.
- [ ] Townhouses only have one floor.
> **Explanation:** While both consist of attached units, townhouses often have more modern architectural features compared to the typically historic structure of row houses.
### Are row houses a good investment option?
- [x] Yes, especially in urban areas with limited space.
- [ ] No, they tend to lose value quickly.
- [ ] It depends on the number of attached units.
- [ ] Only if they are newly built.
> **Explanation:** Row houses can be a good investment, particularly in urban areas where land is scarce and property values are stable or increasing.
### Where are terraced houses typically found?
- [ ] Rural areas
- [ ] Mountainous regions
- [x] The United Kingdom
- [ ] Desert areas
> **Explanation:** Terraced houses are a form of row house commonly found in the United Kingdom.
### Do row houses usually have private backyards?
- [x] Yes, they typically have small private backyards.
- [ ] No, they share communal outdoor space.
- [ ] Only if they are semi-detached.
- [ ] Never, due to their design.
> **Explanation:** Row houses typically have small private backyards or courtyards, providing outdoor space for residents.
### What is one historical benefit of row houses?
- [ ] They encourage suburban expansion.
- [ ] They reduce construction costs.
- [ ] They preserve local architectural history.
- [x] They economize land use in cities.
> **Explanation:** Historically, row houses have economized land use in urban areas, making efficient use of limited space.
