Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
In today’s fast-changing real estate market, more buyers are looking beyond the traditional single-family detached home. One option gaining popularity is the semi-detached house often just referred to as a “semi”. But is it the right choice for you? In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what a semi is, the pros and cons you need to know, and the key factors to consider before making a move.
Jump Links:
Differences between duplex and semi?
Why would someone want to buy a semi-detached home?
What are the cons of semi-detached homes?
Have questions about semi-detached homes?
What is a semi-detached home?
Simply put, a “semi” is a home that has two sides owned by two different people. They often share a middle wall and are side-by-side. This style of home offer greater value and affordability than detached homes.
Differences between duplex and a semi?
A semi detached home are two homes that share a common wall and are attached, but have two different owners. A duplex are two homes attached that share a common wall/ floor that are owned by one person.
Why would someone want to buy a semi?
There are many reasons why someone would want to buy this style of home. Below we’ll list some of the pros of a semi-detached:
Lower cost:
A semi often costs less than a detached counterpart, because you don’t own the whole building. This can be a great option to get into a home as a first time buyer. Although the detached may be out of reach, you won’t have to sacrifice the area or neighbourhood because often both styles co-exist.
It’s worth noting however, that although this style cheaper to buy, they’re also less desirable to sell to new buyers down the road for re-sale. In this report from wowa, it outlines that a semi in the GTA is about 40% cheaper than a detached home.
No condo fees or HOA fees
Unlike condos or townhouses, semi-detached homes rarely have condo fees associated to them. This makes budgeting very predictable and offers low monthly expenses.
Lower utility costs
Because you share a common interior wall with the other half, semis homes are often more energy efficient than their detached counterparts. Things like Guelph utilies (hydro/water) and gas tend to be cheaper
You don’t have to sacrifice space
One of the main misconceptions of semis is that they’re small. This is often not the case, and in fact some semis can be larger than detached homes. A recent example is a home that we sold at 21 McTague St in Exhibition Park that was over 1400sf. This is larger than most post-war detached bungalows that between 900-1200sf! In many newer builds, semis can be anywhere between 1500-2000sf!
Rental value
Because of all the reasons above, semis homes could be a great option for investors. Additionally, if you ever want to upsize to a detached home, renting out your existing semi-detached could be a great financial move.
What are the cons of semi-detached homes?
Lack of privacy
The main concern most people have with this style of home is that you don’t own the whole home. You have a neighbour on the other side of the wall. This is fine if you get along with your neighbour, but if you don’t it can cause a lot of friction.
In some cases, you may also share common space, like a driveway or garage. If this is the case, be sure you understand your obligations and if there are any easements vs right of way on the property.
Keeping up with the Jones’
Another common complaint we hear about semi’s are that you have to maintain your home to the level of your neighbour. Although this isn’t completely true, there is an element of keeping up with the Jones’. As in, if the neighbour has beautiful gardens, so should you. If the neighbour gets new windows, so should you. This is why it’s important to have an open, friendly relationship with your neighbour!
It’s important to note that you need to follow building code and municipal zoning when doing any repairs or updates.
Maintenance and Repairs
What happens when one half of the semi wants to get a new roof, because their shingles are exposed to the sun more often? Does the other half have to get a new roof, too? Well no, but it may look super weird, especially if there is a colour difference. This sort of unforeseen expense can creep up anywhere that neighbours have shared space: from landscaping, to roof, to windows and even a dividing fence.
Additionally, in older semis one half would usually have the main plumbing stack, or electrical panel. This means that if the side without the access needs access, they need to come into your half. Also, this could mean trouble for the side that does have access. Things like flooding, repairs and damage disproportionately impact one side. This is less true of modern semis.
Lastly, be sure you are properly insured. You’ll want coverage in the event your neighbour has a flood or fire that impacts your half.
Noise
Shared walls could mean that noise travels into your half. Most older homes have a single or double bricked middle wall. Most new semis have insulation or sound barrier to muffle noise. However, it’s still possible to hear your neighbour, whether you want to or not.
Have questions?
If you have questions about these homes (or homes in general), get in touch! We help buyers and sellers sell all types of homes and can help you too! More on our homepage: Beth and Ryan Waller.
Here are other resources you may find helpful:
Guelph real estate market updates: we update bi-weekly on what’s happening in the Guelph real estate market with facts and figures you won’t find elsewhere
Guelph neighbourhoods map– an interactive view of Guelph neighbourhoods and how they performed in 2025
FAQ:
A semi-detached home is a property that shares one common wall with a neighbouring home while still having its own lot, entrance, and outdoor space. It sits between a fully detached home and a townhouse in terms of privacy and price.
Semi-detached homes are typically more affordable than detached homes because they share one wall and often sit on slightly smaller lots. They can be a great option for buyers who want more space than a townhouse at a lower price than a detached home.
Semi-detached homes offer a balance of affordability, space, and privacy. Buyers often enjoy private yards, multiple levels of living space, and fewer shared elements compared to condo properties.
Semi-detached homes can be a strong investment because they appeal to a wide range of buyers, including first-time buyers and families. Their lower entry price compared to detached homes often keeps demand high.
Semi-detached homes are ideal for buyers who want more space and independence than a townhouse or condo but want to stay within a more manageable budget than a detached home.