Types of Housing Settlements

Apartments and condos are two types of housing settlements.

There are many different types of housing settlements. While they vary from region to region and country to country, there are several that are common worldwide. These settlements include single family homes, apartments, condos, duplexes and triplexes.

Apartments

Apartments--also known as suites or flats--are very common everywhere. Most apartments will include at least one bedroom, a living area, a bathroom and a kitchen. Apartments can be found in both houses and free-standing buildings, depending on the area in which they are located. There are high-rise apartment buildings, which are anywhere from 6 to 30 or more stories high, and include an elevator. Low-rise apartments are not higher than 5 stories. The resident is responsible for paying rent (usually on a monthly basis), along with any utilities that are not covered by the rental agreement. The landlord is responsible for repairs on the unit and keeping the building up to code.

Condominiums

Condos can be similar to apartments, but they are usually purchased, rather than rented. When a condo is purchased, the buyer is purchasing the living unit, but not the land. Condo owners will pay a monthly maintenance fee to a condo association. This fee covers maintenance of the grounds and any amenities that are available on the property, such as swimming pools or workout rooms. Owners will also play their monthly mortgage and utilities.

Single Family Homes

This is the most common type of housing in North America, according to OurFamilyPlace.com. It is found in all communities, large and small, often in subdivisions--a group of single-family homes built in their own little neighborhood.

Single family homes usually offer more than one bedroom, a living area, one or more bathrooms and a kitchen. These types of settlements may also offer a backyard, a garage and a dining room, among other living spaces. While single-family homes can be found for rent, the residents of them are usually the homeowners. The owner is responsible for paying a mortgage--unless the home is paid off already or was paid in full when purchased--along with the utilities, fire insurance and property and school taxes. Homeowner is also responsible for upkeep on the property.

Duplexes and Triplexes

Duplexes and triplexes are located within a house or building that is divided into two (duplex) or three (triplex) apartments. These types of home settlements can be found where the apartments are side-by-side or one on top of the other. Many times the owner of the building will reside in the building and rent out the other available units. The renter is responsible for the rent along with any utilities that the landlord does not pay.

References

• Settlement.org
• OurFamilyPlace.com