Sometimes only a townhouse will do.

Like any real estate purchase, they can be a great investment when priced properly. And they may well be an ideal solution, not only for young families looking to get into the market, but for those who know exactly what they want.

B次元官网网址淭he advantage to the townhome is you have a low-maintenance yard, you pay a strata fee and you donB次元官网网址檛 have to worry about maintaining the property, because it is paid for by the complex,B次元官网网址� said real estate agent Dale Sheppard, with ReMax Camosun West Shore. B次元官网网址淚f you want to have a turnkey operation, (or you) travel, you donB次元官网网址檛 have to worry about who is going to look after your house.B次元官网网址�

One advantage to many townhomes, he said, is they have an almost built-in Block Watch-type neighbourhood, which can be a factor for those who frequently travel for work or pleasure. On top of peace of mind, insurance for the exterior is often covered by the strata fees, so there is less need to worry about damage or challenges outside the home.

There are also other perks Sheppard said. B次元官网网址淰ersus a condo, itB次元官网网址檚 an advantage because you generally have the parking right (next to) the unit itself as opposed to parking in a parkade,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎nd for the most part (they have) a small yard area, which is a good alternative, because (in a condo) normally you get a balcony or patio.B次元官网网址�

The size of that yard can be both a plus and a minus depending on lifestyle, interests and needs. It can be a positive for those uninterested in maintaining a large garden, or having any garden at all, as well as people who donB次元官网网址檛 have time for landscaping their property. However, Sheppard said, there are potential challenges potential homebuyers need to be keenly aware of.

B次元官网网址淭he disadvantage is you are in a strata; you do have to abide by the rules and bylaws of the strata (corporation) and there is a monthly fee you have to pay.B次元官网网址�

For some that can be a major challenge, he said, but B次元官网网址渋t depends on the person.B次元官网网址�

Because townhouses are typically three or four bedrooms, compared to the typical condo at one or two bedrooms, they are a popular choice for younger first-time home buyers who either donB次元官网网址檛 want a detached home or canB次元官网网址檛 afford one yet.

Sheppard said seniors may also find a townhouse a good fit, especially rancher-style ground-level options without stairs.

They can allow seniors to maintain independence and perhaps enjoy a community atmosphere. Townhomes also offer a viable option for empty nesters looking to downsize after their children leave home.

alim@goldstreamgazette.com

Q: What does the West ShoreB次元官网网址檚 townhouse market look like?

As of the first week of October, there werenB次元官网网址檛 as many townhomes available as some might expect said Dale Sheppard of Remax Camosun West Shore.

In Langford there were 37 townhouses available, the majority of which were in the downtown core of the city, with a few on Bear Mountain and in the Happy Valley area.

Prices of those townhouse properties on the market  ranged from $225,000 to $600,000, depending on size, age and location.

Colwood was next highest on the West Shore list with 18 advertised townhomes for sale in early October, not counting a handful placed in new developments that may or may not have their listings on the market yet.

Prices in Colwood fell between $275,000 and $689,000.

View Royal had nine available townhomes between $275,000 and $569,000. Neither Metchosin or Highlands had any townhomes for sale.

B次元官网网址淭he market for (townhouses) is slowly getting stronger in the West Shore,B次元官网网址� Sheppard said. B次元官网网址淚t hasnB次元官网网址檛 picked up as much as Victoria has this year, but it is moving in a positive direction. Listing inventory is down across the board and sales are up.B次元官网网址�

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE 禄 MONTH TO DATE OCT. 13/15  COURTESY VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD

禄 268 / 602 -- NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / TOTAL, October 2014

禄 371 / 945 -- NEW LISTINGS / TOTAL, October 2014

禄 3,338 / 3,927 -- ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / TOTAL, October 2014