The official ARMLS stance is similar to the bedroom definition, in that we don’t have an official definition for townhouses or patio homes.
When it comes to identifying the differences between a townhouse or a patio home, the consensus is somewhat lacking. Listing agents (with guidance from their brokers) and their sellers get to make that decision. Some subscribers will often report an error on this topic, but it is not a violation of our rules to select townhouse over patio home or vice versa.
Dwelling Types in the MLS
Patio homes and Townhouses are only two of the eight different dwelling types available in the MLS:
- Single Family-detached
- Patio Home
- Townhouse
- Apartment Style/Flat
- Gemini/Twin Home
- Mfg/Mobile Housing
- Modular/Pre-Fab
- Loft Style
Your broker may be able to give you more concrete guidelines or definitions about townhouses and patio homes.
Anonymous
A patio home is one level, a townhouse is two or more levels.