What Is a Patio Home? Smaller Size, Low Maintenance and Potentially Perfect for You

You’re in the market for a new house and see a listing for a patio home that seems to check all of your boxes: number of bedrooms, bathrooms, size, and location. But what exactly is a patio home?

First things first: Don’t let the name fool you. A patio home may or may not actually have a patio. Rather, a patio home is defined by its architectural style and location to neighboring homes. The key characteristic is that a patio home has at least one shared wall between your home and another home. Also, patio homes typically are not higher than one-and-a-half stories. In many locales, these homes are built near golf courses, but they also may be found in many neighborhoods and residential communities. Let’s take a closer look at patio homes, what makes them so popular, and considerations to keep in mind to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Source: (Rona Proudfoot / Flickr via Creative Commons Legal Code)

What is a patio home?

Patio homes are known by many names, including cluster homes, courtyard homes, carriage homes, and garden homes. They’re attached to other patio homes similar to a townhouse or condominium. However, unlike a townhouse or some condos, patio homes typically have just one story. Some designs may feature an additional half-story of space that may be used as a loft or extra bedroom, but it’s not a full second floor of living space. And while many patio homes do share a wall with their neighbors, sometimes their attachment comes in the form of a fence, gate, or exterior landscaping. Also, while many patio homes are similar to ranch homes, there are many that include full basements, adding some additional space for homeowners.

Emerging in the 1970s as a popular home choice, patio homes are generally small-lot homes, meaning that they take up the entire plot of the property. Known as “zero-lot lines,” there is no traditional back yard or side yard separating the home from its neighbors. While you can find patio homes nationwide, they are particularly prevalent in the Northeast, especially on or near golf courses.

Due to their smaller size, patio homes are often considered easier to manage and are popular with empty-nesters and retirees looking for a low-maintenance home. But they’re not just attractive to older homebuyers. They also appeal to entry-level buyers who are looking for an affordable way to break into homeownership.