Townhomes and other attached homes are becoming an increasingly important part of today’s housing market. As home prices rise and land becomes more limited, many builders are shifting toward higher-density designs — and buyers are responding.
For home shoppers, understanding where attached homes are gaining ground can help set expectations around pricing, layout options, and availability in 2026.
Cities Where Attached Homes Already Dominate
Some metros have long embraced higher-density housing, and attached homes now make up the majority of new construction in those areas. Cities such as New York, Baltimore, Miami, San Diego, Washington, and Richmond see more than 60% of their new home supply coming from attached products like townhomes and row homes.
These markets share common characteristics: higher land costs, limited developable space, and building regulations that favor more compact housing. For buyers, that often translates into more townhome communities to choose from and more attainable price points compared with detached homes. In many of these cities, attached homes cost more than $100,000 less than single-family homes, offering meaningful budget relief.
Markets Where Attached Homes Are Growing Fastest
Other metros are experiencing a faster shift toward attached housing. Since 2019, Richmond, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Durham, and Charlotte have seen some of the largest increases in attached home share, each rising more than 20%.
These markets continue to attract strong migration, but rising affordability pressures and tightening lot supply are prompting builders to expand attached offerings. Buyers are responding accordingly. In Richmond, roughly two-thirds of online home searches focus on attached homes. Raleigh and Salt Lake City are also seeing strong interest as buyers seek modern features in neighborhoods that remain within reach financially.
Sales Data Signals Strong Buyer Demand
Sales performance provides another clear indicator of this trend. In many of the markets where attached homes are expanding most rapidly, they are selling faster than detached options. Richmond stands out, with attached homes selling at more than double the pace of detached new construction.
For buyers, this suggests strong competition for well-located townhomes and underscores their growing appeal.
What This Means for Buyers in 2026
Attached homes can offer a compelling mix of affordability, efficient floorplans, updated designs, and access to desirable neighborhoods. As more builders incorporate higher-density communities into their pipelines, buyers are likely to see expanded options in 2026 — particularly in fast-growing regions like the Southeast and Mountain West.
The Bottom Line
Attached homes are no longer limited to traditionally dense cities. They are becoming a central part of how builders address affordability challenges and land constraints across the country. Buyers are validating this shift through strong demand and faster sales. If you’re entering the market this year, expect to see more townhome communities — and consider how attached living may align with your budget and lifestyle goals.
The insights in this article were taken from more in-depth research reports published in Zonda’s National Outlook subscription.
