Townhouse vs. Detached in Langley: What Gives You More Value?

Townhouse vs. Detached in Langley: What Gives You More Value?

If you're house hunting in Langley or Surrey, one of the first big questions you'll face is:
Do I go for a townhouse or stretch my budget for a detached home?

As a Langley Realtor who also serves as a Surrey Realtor, I help buyers make this decision every week. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your lifestyle, budget, long-term goals, and where you're looking.

But here’s the good news: in 2025, both options offer excellent value depending on your stage of life — and the neighborhood you’re considering.

Let’s break it all down so you can make a confident, informed choice.

🏘️ What’s the Difference in Price?

Let’s start with the numbers. Here’s the July 2025 Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) update:

🔹 Average Sale Prices in Langley:

• Townhomes: $919,000

• Detached Homes: $1,441,000

🔹 Average Sale Prices in Surrey:

• Townhomes: $946,000

• Detached Homes: $1,521,000

That’s a $500,000+ difference between townhomes and detached properties — which means your decision will likely come down to space vs. budget.

As a local Surrey Realtor, I often see buyers start their search thinking they need a detached home, only to realize a townhome in the right area offers more convenience, less stress, and better resale potential.

🏡 Townhouse Perks: More Than You Think

Townhomes have come a long way in Langley and Surrey.

In sought-after neighborhoods like Willoughby or Clayton Heights, modern townhomes feel more like detached homes — just without the giant price tag.

What You Get with a Townhouse:

• 3–4 bedrooms, often with a flex space or office

• 1,500–2,000+ sqft of living space

• Private fenced yards (great for kids and pets)

• Side-by-side garages or large tandem

• Lower maintenance costs (roof, siding, exterior are shared)

Many developments, like Sandhill Village in Willoughby or Leafside Lane in Surrey, offer:

• Quiet, family-friendly streets

• Strata maintenance (no mowing, no snow shoveling)

• Walking distance to schools, shops, and parks

Plus, strata fees often include:

• Landscaping

• Exterior insurance

• Garbage & snow removal

• Management fees

So you’re saving time and surprise repair costs — not a bad trade-off for most buyers.

🏠 Detached Home Benefits: Freedom & Future Growth

Now, let’s talk detached.

If you’re looking for total control, space to grow, or future rental income potential — detached homes in Langley or Surrey still offer serious long-term value.

Why Go Detached:

• You own the land (important for future equity)

• No strata fees or restrictions

• Ability to renovate, build a suite, or add a laneway home

• Larger backyards and more privacy

• Higher potential for appreciation in land value

Take Murrayville for example. Detached homes here typically sit on 6,000–7,000 sq ft lots. They’re older builds (1990s-2000s), but well-kept — and often sell in the $1.3M–$1.6M range depending on updates.

If you're planning to stay for 10+ years and want flexibility, detached might be worth the stretch.

💸 Long-Term Cost Comparison

Here's what a monthly breakdown might look like:

*Assumes 10% down, 4.79% interest, 25-year amortization. Always check with your broker for updated rates.

Now consider this: If you invested the extra $2,000 per month into renos, investments, or lifestyle, could that townhouse option make more sense — at least for the next 5–7 years?

🌆 Lifestyle Factors to Consider

✔️ Choose a Townhouse If:

• You want a lock-and-leave lifestyle

• You’re a first-time buyer, upsizer from a condo, or young family

• You want to be close to schools, shops, and transit

• You’re not interested in yard work or major maintenance

✔️ Choose a Detached Home If:

• You need more space (backyard, workshop, suite potential)

• You want full control over renovations or landscaping

• You plan to hold long-term for land value appreciation

• You have pets that need room to roam

🏘️ What Are Buyers Choosing in 2025?

Right now in the Fraser Valley, we’re seeing a surge in townhouse sales — especially in Willoughby and Clayton Heights. With interest rates hovering near 4.79%, more buyers are opting for the middle ground.

• Townhomes in Clayton are selling in 7–14 days

• Multiple offers are common under $950K

• Detached homes over $1.5M are seeing longer days on market unless they include rental income or have been recently renovated

That means homes for sale in Surrey under $1M — especially modern townhouses — are in high demand.

Final Thoughts from a Local Langley & Surrey Realtor

There’s no wrong choice here — only the right fit for your stage of life.

I’ve helped downsizers sell their detached homes and fall in love with the ease of townhome living. I’ve also helped growing families upgrade to a backyard paradise in Cloverdale.

If you're moving to Langley or exploring homes for sale in Surrey, let’s chat about your budget, goals, and lifestyle. We’ll figure out the smartest move together — and I’ll make sure you feel good about every step.

📥 Want to learn more?

Download my FREE Surrey & Langley relocation guide. It includes:

• Neighborhood breakdowns

• Best schools

• Commute tips

• Buyer traps to avoid
  👉 Just click here or message me for a copy!