Staring at two Fairmount listings that look similar, but one is a “rowhouse” and the other a “townhouse”? You are not alone. In Philadelphia, those labels often overlap, and the differences that really matter show up in layout, light, parking, systems, and what you can change under local rules. This guide breaks down how the terms are used in Fairmount, what features to compare, and the key items to check at a showing so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What “rowhouse” and “townhouse” mean in Fairmount
In Philadelphia, a rowhouse usually refers to an older, attached brick home built in a continuous row with shared party walls and a street stoop. Most were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, so you’ll see classic facades, narrow footprints, and multi‑level living.
Townhouse often describes newer attached homes or renovated properties that mimic single‑family layouts. These can offer wider floor plans, interior garages, roof decks, and modern primary suites. In local listings, though, agents may use the terms interchangeably.
The takeaway: do not rely on the label alone. Confirm layout, parking, and lot configuration during your tour and by reviewing property records with the Office of Property Assessment and recorded deeds. If you plan exterior changes, remember that many Fairmount blocks fall under oversight from the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
Key differences that affect daily life
Footprint and floor plan
Rowhouses in Fairmount tend to have narrow, deep lots with stacked rooms over multiple levels. Kitchens were historically smaller but are often opened during renovations. Basements typically hold mechanicals and storage, and may be finished as rec rooms.
Townhouses, especially newer ones, can be wider with open main levels and larger bedroom suites. Some include internal garages or flexible ground‑level entries.
What to check: usable vs finished square footage, ceiling heights on main floors, stair pitch and accessibility, and whether the basement is finished or just utility space.
Natural light and ventilation
Middle rowhouses receive light from the front and rear, which can leave interior rooms dimmer. End units gain side windows and better cross‑ventilation. Newer townhouses may be designed with larger windows, side setbacks, or light wells where zoning allows.
What to check: orientation of rooms, condition of skylights, presence of side windows for end units, and any roof‑deck or attic access that adds light.
Outdoor space
Most Fairmount rowhouses offer a small front stoop and a narrow rear yard. Roof decks are a popular way to add usable outdoor space. Newer townhouses may advertise private patios, roof decks, and layouts that shift yard dimensions to accommodate garages.
What to check: exact lot dimensions, alley or easement details, any shared areas, and historic district restrictions that could affect rear additions or decks.
Parking and access
Street parking is common in Fairmount and can be competitive. Many older rowhouses do not include off‑street parking, though some properties have alley garages or legal curb cuts that command a premium. Townhouse listings are more likely to include garages or parking pads. Public transit and the area’s walkability reduce the day‑to‑day need for a car for many residents.
What to check: posted parking rules or permit requirements, the condition and legality of any garage or curb cut, and how typical parking availability fits your routine.
Maintenance and lifecycle costs
Older rowhouses may include aging boilers, wiring, or plumbing stacks unless they were fully updated. Brick and brownstone elements need periodic tuckpointing and repair. Party walls can complicate exterior work and access.
Newer townhouses or renovated rowhouses may have modern systems, energy upgrades, and recent work, but fresh finishes can hide deferred maintenance. A thorough inspection is essential.
What to check: roof and flashing age, basement water intrusion, chimney and gutter condition, HVAC and electrical capacity, and permits for structural, plumbing, and electrical work.
Legal, zoning, and historic rules
Many Fairmount streets are in local or national historic districts. Exterior changes to facades, windows, and cornices may require review and permits from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Zoning rules influence additions, height, rear yard coverage, and roof decks. Party wall agreements can shape who pays for and who can access shared structures.
What to check: historic district status, permit history with the Department of Licenses & Inspections, and any recorded party wall agreements during attorney review.
Resale and marketability
Demand in Fairmount is strong for move‑in‑ready homes, especially those with private outdoor space or parking. End units and properties with more light, a garage, or a roof deck tend to sell faster and at higher prices. Consider your target buyer pool for future resale and how improvements like legal bedroom counts, roof decks, or parking could affect value.
What to check: recent comparable sales on the same or nearby blocks, time on market for similar homes, and the value‑add potential of projects you are considering.
Fairmount location perks and realities
Fairmount is known for walkability and quick access to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park, and a strong local dining scene. Transit access is solid, with convenient SEPTA bus routes and connections to Center City and University City.
The neighborhood’s historic streetscapes add charm, and they also bring oversight for exterior changes. Older infrastructure is common, including combined sewer systems, so you will frequently see waterproofing, sump pumps, and backflow devices in basements. Parking rules vary by block, and resident permits may apply in some areas.
Your Fairmount showing checklist
Bring this checklist to your next tour and discuss findings with your agent, inspector, and, where needed, an attorney.
Property basics
- Exact lot dimensions and property lines, including rear yard depth and width.
- Any recorded easements, historic easements, or party wall agreements.
- Permit history for renovations, including structural work, finished basements, dormers, and roof decks.
Structural and envelope
- Roof, flashing, gutters, and chimney age and condition.
- Signs of basement water intrusion or foundation issues.
- Brick, mortar joints, cornices, and stoops condition.
- Paint condition and, for pre‑1978 homes, lead‑paint considerations.
Mechanical and systems
- Age and service records for boiler or HVAC, water heater, and electrical panel.
- Wiring type; knob‑and‑tube or old aluminum are red flags.
- Sump pump, sewage ejector, or backflow preventer presence and condition.
- Insulation levels and window types.
Light and layout
- Which rooms get morning vs afternoon sun.
- Presence of side windows for end units or only front/rear light.
- Ceiling heights on main and top floors.
Outdoor, parking, and access
- Private parking details, legality, and any shared access agreements.
- Alley access and maintenance responsibility.
- Feasibility of adding a roof deck or rear expansion under zoning and historic rules.
Neighborhood and practicalities
- Block‑level parking rules and permit programs.
- Proximity to transit, grocery, parks, and emergency services.
- Noise sources such as the Parkway, night‑time corridors, or schools.
Red flags to probe further
- Unpermitted renovations or conversions to multiple units.
- Evidence of repeated flooding and major waterproofing.
- Structural settlement, major cracks, or sagging floors.
- Square footage discrepancies between marketing and public records.
Questions to ask the listing agent or seller
- Any insurance claims for water, fire, or structural damage in the last 10 years.
- Existence of recorded party wall agreements with neighbors.
- Open permits or past code violations.
- Typical utility costs and recent property tax bills.
- For historic‑district properties, whether prior exterior changes needed approvals.
Which is right for you?
If you value historic character, a walkable address, and are comfortable with a narrower footprint, a classic rowhouse can be a great fit, especially with tasteful renovations and a roof deck. If you want wider rooms, a garage, and a modern primary suite, you may prefer a newer townhouse or a rowhouse that has been extensively reconfigured. In Fairmount, the label matters less than the specific features, condition, and what you can legally improve.
When you are ready to compare your short list, a guided tour, thorough permit and record review, and a strong inspection will help you buy with clarity.
Ready to find the right Fairmount home for your lifestyle? Reach out to Tyé Grays for patient, high‑touch buyer representation, access to Private Exclusives, and steady guidance from first tour to keys in hand.
FAQs
What is the difference between a rowhouse and a townhouse in Philadelphia listings?
- In Fairmount, “rowhouse” usually means older attached brick homes and “townhouse” often refers to newer or reconfigured attached homes, but listings use both terms interchangeably.
Are Fairmount homes in historic districts and how does that affect changes?
- Many blocks are under historic oversight for exterior features, so facade, window, and cornice changes may need review and permits while interior work is generally not regulated.
How does parking typically work for Fairmount rowhouses and townhouses?
- Most older rowhouses lack off‑street parking and rely on permitted street parking, while some townhouses include garages or pads that add convenience and value.
What should I look for in the basements of older Fairmount homes?
- Check for signs of water intrusion, presence and condition of sump pumps or backflow devices, and documentation of any waterproofing work.
Can I add a roof deck on a Fairmount rowhouse or townhouse?
- Many owners add roof decks, but feasibility depends on zoning, permits, and any historic district rules, so you should verify before planning.
How do I verify lot size, parking legality, and past permits in Fairmount?
- Review Office of Property Assessment records, recorded deeds and agreements, and the Department of Licenses & Inspections permit history with your agent and attorney.
