Types of Housing in Saudi Arabia: Townhouse, Villa, or Apartment?
Are you considering living in a town house? Or are you leaning more towards a villa or an apartment? Saudi Arabia offers a wide variety of housing types that suit different budgets and lifestyles. In this article from the Aqar Blog, we explore the differences between the most common housing options, with a special focus on the increasingly popular residential town house as a modern housing concept in the Kingdom.

One of the types of housing: apartments – Aqar App
Apartments in Saudi Arabia
An apartment is a self-contained residential unit within a shared building. It’s one of the most common housing options in Saudi Arabia, especially in major cities, and is suitable for individuals and small families.
- Lower cost: Ideal for limited budgets.
- Easy maintenance: Building management handles general maintenance.
- Central location: Most apartments are located in city centers.
Disadvantages of Apartments:
- Limited space.
- Less privacy compared to villas or townhouses.
- Possible noise due to proximity to neighbors.

Allen Residential Apartments Project in Riyadh – Aqar
Villas in Saudi Arabia
A villa is a standalone home built on its own plot of land. It offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas and private amenities like a garden or pool. Villas are the top choice for large families or those seeking privacy.
- High privacy: No adjoining neighbors.
- More space: Both indoors and outdoors.
- Design freedom: You can customize the structure as you wish.
Disadvantages of Villas:
- Higher costs: For purchase and maintenance.
- Self-maintenance: Owner is responsible for upkeep.
- More remote location: Villas are often in the suburbs.

Residential villa project in Saudi Arabia – Aqar App
Townhouse in Saudi Arabia
A residential town house is a hybrid housing option that combines features of both apartments and villas. These are attached units sharing side walls and are typically located within gated residential compounds.
- Moderate cost: Less expensive than villas but pricier than apartments.
- Shared amenities: Such as gardens and maintenance services.
- Integrated community: Located within compounds offering safety and services.

Townhouse in a real estate development project – Aqar App
Difference Between Townhouse and Villa:
The main difference is that villas are completely detached and offer greater privacy and space, while town houses are part of a shared structure, usually within a compound, and share side walls with neighboring units.
Tips for Choosing Your Housing Type
Based on Budget
- Apartment: Best for limited budgets.
- Town house: A balanced choice.
- Villa: Ideal for those seeking luxury and space.
Based on Need
- Apartment: Suitable for individuals or small families.
- Residential town house: A good family option with reasonable space.
- Villa: Best for large families or privacy seekers.
Based on Location
- Apartments: Typically located in city centers.
- Town houses: Found within fully-serviced residential compounds.
- Villas: Mostly located in suburban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a townhouse and a villa?
A villa is fully detached with more space, while a town house is attached via side walls and part of a compound.
What is meant by “town house”?
A moderately priced housing type that offers reasonable space and shares walls with adjacent units within a compound.
What are the disadvantages of a town house?
Limited privacy, restricted external modifications, and smaller outdoor areas.
Is a town house suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a good choice for mid-sized families looking for a balance between privacy and affordability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re searching for a city-center apartment, a residential town house in a gated compound, or a spacious private villa, the right housing type depends on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Stay updated with the latest in Saudi real estate and explore more expert housing guides on the Aqar Blog.
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