---
title: "What Is a Single Family Home?"
description: "Real estate lingo can be confusing for homebuyers. Find out what a single family home is and the benefits of owning this type of property."
publishDate: 2019-05-29
author: "K Hovnanian Homes"
category: buying
tags: ["single-family homes"]
canonical: https://www.khov.com/blog/what-is-a-single-family-home/
markdownUrl: https://www.khov.com/blog/what-is-a-single-family-home.md
---

House hunting is an exciting time for prospective buyers,
especially first-timers. However, all of the real estate lingo can be confusing
for a first-time buyer.

“Single-family home” is a term that buyers will frequently
hear during the house-hunting process. We’ll explain what a single family home
is and what the benefits of owning one are.

## **Single Family Home Characteristics**

What is an example of a single family home? A single family home is a freestanding structure that is used as a single dwelling. This is different from condos or townhomes that often have multiple units and living spaces in one building.

Listed below are some characteristics of single family homes that separate them from [other types of residential properties](https://www.khov.com/blog/types-of-residential-homes/).

### **No Shared Walls**

Unlike townhouses, condos and apartments, single-family
homes do not share any walls with their neighboring structures.

### **One Kitchen**

Single family homes only have one full-size kitchen with a stove and oven. You’re probably thinking, what about houses that have a guest suite? It’s not uncommon for guest or in-law suites to have a kitchenette. However, kitchenettes are different from kitchens; they do not come with a stove or oven.

### **Property**

When you purchase a single-family home, you own the parcel
of land that the house sits on. Whether you live on an acre or a zero-lot-line
property, you own the entire lot. This includes the front, back and side yards.

### **Access Points**

Apartment and condominium buildings have hallways or entranceways that lead directly to the street, and they are shared among residents. In contrast, a single-family home has its own private access to the street.

![Single Family Home Built by K. Hovnanian](https://www.khov.com/api/image/transform/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fauthoring.khov.com%2Fglobalassets%2Fimported-wordpress-blog-images%2Fnicholsonfarm_oxnardii-1024x655_cde25dce.jpg&width=900&modern=true&maxAge=2592000)
_A [K. Hovnanian Single-Family Home](https://www.khov.com/) in Aldie, VA_

## **What are the Advantages of a Single Family Home?**

Although it varies by geographic region, single-family homes are the [most common type of residential property](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/09/21/the-most-popular-type-of-home-in-every-major-american-city-charted/?utm_term=.5dd7722119d8) in the country. Although buying a home is a personal decision, many homeowners choose single-family homes for the benefits below:

### **Privacy in Single Family Homes**

With no shared walls or floors, single-family homes give you
more privacy than other types of residential buildings. If your neighbor
decides to try Beachbody or another high-intensity workout, you won’t hear them
jumping around or running in place. That also goes for neighbors who listen to
music at the highest volume possible.

### **Room for Expansion**

Do you plan to grow your family in the future? With a
single-family home, you can always build out another bedroom or convert your
garage into a playroom. But if you purchase a condo or a townhouse, it would be
hard or very unlikely for you to expand your home.

### **Storage Space**

Single family homes are prefect for homeowners that need extra storage space. They typically have basements, attics and/or garages that can store your golf clubs, family mementos, tools and seasonal clothing, to name a few commonly stored belongings. Due to their smaller size, condominiums and townhomes have limited space for storage.

### **More Freedom**

Have you always dreamed of having a rose garden or a baby blue-colored house? Owning a single-family home gives you more control over your exterior space. Because the units are attached in condo and townhomes, you are unable to change the exterior paint color. Depending on the type of townhome that you live in, you may not have a say in the landscaping either.

**Looking for the perfect single family home? Let **[**K. Hovnanian in your state**](https://www.khov.com/)** build your dream single-family home. **