Difference Between A "Multi Family" and "Townhomes"

[Blake Reynolds]

I have been wondering for a while what distinguishes the differences between these two things?

I often see townhomes where there are only 2 or 4 units all attached in one "building" but when you look them up they are categorized as townhomes and priced individually. What makes that different from a multi family property with 2-4 units that would be considered as a duplex etc. and priced as one unit.

[Travis Sperr]

Town homes are individually deeded  -with what is referred to as a lot and block - this just means that the property has its own tax/parcel id number - it can be owned separate from the other units. A town home wont have a unit above or below - the unit is owned from the ground or lot up to the sky.

Multifamily units are almost always going to be zoned as multi unit with the whole structure being one owner, tax id, etc. In most places can't be split to sell individually.