A major townhouse development is coming to Lauderhill, transforming a former golf course into a 650-home community. As land availability continues to shrink and costs rise, townhouses are becoming the go-to choice for developers and homebuyers in South Florida.
Townhouse Construction Outpacing Single-Family Homes
A recent report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates a significant shift in the trend of house construction. Townhouse building increased by 10% in 2024, overtaking single-family home construction. Nationally, 174,000 townhomes were built last year, compared to 158,000 in 2023.
Broward County is emulating this trend, as nearly half of the new single-family homes constructed in 2024 were townhomes. Figures from the Broward County Property Appraiser show that 699 townhomes were constructed in 2024 and 809 single-family dwellings. The percentage was slightly higher in 2023, reflecting a steady demand for townhome living.
NAHB also predicts townhouse construction to endure as more buyers need medium-density family communities. The "urban village" atmosphere that they create encourages walkability, amenities, and affordability when compared to typical single-family housing.
National Trends and Long-Term Outlook
This trend in the construction of townhomes is not Broward County-specific nor South Florida-biased. Overall, countrywide townhouse construction saw notable growth throughout the year 2024 as housing starts rose by 10% compared to a year before. According to NAHB analysis of recently available Census data, townhouse housing starts reached 174,000 in 2024—up from 158,000 in 2023—to a new high. Townhouses now account for 19% of all single-family home housing starts, a proportion not seen since the series began in 1985.
Historically, townhouse market share has fluctuated. The highest recorded market share of townhouse construction in the past two decades occurred in early 2008, when townhouses represented 14.6% of new single-family starts. Since the early 1990s, townhomes have steadily gained popularity, and with the recent uptick, the long-term prospects for townhouse development are promising. Customers are increasingly drawn to medium-density developments—frequently referred to as "urban villages"—with pedestrian-friendly environments and a range of amenities, posing an attractive alternative to scattered single-family homes.
Townhouse construction is predicted to thrive in areas where zoning allows. Under continuing pressure from consumers for value homes and tight availability of land, townhomes are a solution that benefits the builder and customer.
Why Buyers and Builders Prefer Townhomes
The majority of homebuyers are turning to townhomes because of their affordability and lower maintenance compared to older single-family homes. New townhomes often cost the same as older resale homes that may require costly repairs. Because there is less property to deal with, developers like smaller areas of land on which to build townhouses or multi-unit homes as opposed to single-family homes. Builders also benefit from townhomes, as they can utilize land and construction costs more efficiently.
Significant South Florida Townhouse Developments
There are several new townhouse developments completed or under construction in South Florida:
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Emory at Plantation – 86 sold in 2024, from high $500,000s to mid-$600,000s.
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Oak Tree in Oakland Park – 410-unit development with 100 townhomes.
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Casia Commons at Lauderdale Lakes – 40-unit townhome development.
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Everton in Lake Worth Beach – 210 townhomes being built now, with sales this summer. Pricing will start at the high $400,000s to low $500,000s.
Future projects involve a 184-townhome development in Pompano Beach and the redevelopment of the Inverrary Golf Course in Lauderhill, which closed in 2020. A former luxury golf destination, the course will be redeveloped as a mixed-use community with an estimated 650 townhouses.
Other New Townhouse Communities in Broward County
Broward cities are experiencing a townhouse boom:
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Davie – 51-townhouse complex, Vineyards on Griffin Road.
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Pompano Beach – Seven projects in development, including Highland Oaks (138 units) and Sports Residences (52 units).
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Fort Lauderdale – 150 townhomes under construction.
Affordability and Market Trends
Townhouses are becoming a more feasible option for first-time homebuyers, especially since the price of single-family homes continues to rise. The majority of newly built townhomes are larger than older townhomes, and therefore an intelligent option for those who are unable to purchase single-family homes. With prices on houses falling in most instances between $500,000 and $700,000, townhouses are a less expensive point of entry into homeownership.
Real estate agents know that townhomes offer a budget-friendly alternative to buyers and developers. They are a cost-effective way of owning a home in prime locations but with minimal maintenance as opposed to single-family homes. With affordability always being a priority, the townhouse market will keep on growing.
The Future of Townhouse Development in South Florida
As home prices remain high and available land becomes scarcer, townhouses are likely to play a crucial role in South Florida’s real estate market. Buyers looking for modern, low-maintenance homes in prime locations will continue to turn to townhome communities.
For expert guidance on buying or investing in South Florida real estate, contact The Mastropieri Group,Realtors® at (561) 544-7000. Whether you’re looking for a townhouse or a single-family home, our team can help you navigate the evolving market.
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