Duplex, Unit, Apartment, Villa, Townhouse: What’s the Difference?

If you’re buying property in Perth or anywhere across WA, you’ve probably come across listings for units, apartments, villas, townhouses, and duplexes — and it’s easy to get confused. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, each describes a different style of home with its own pros and cons.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference:

Apartment

What it is: Apartments are part of a multi-storey building, often stacked several floors high. They typically share common areas like hallways, lifts, lobbies, and underground parking.

Best suited for:

• Buyers looking for low-maintenance, lock-and-leave living

• Investors targeting city or transit hubs

• First home buyers seeking affordable options

In Perth: You’ll find apartments in East Perth, Subiaco, South Perth, and Northbridge — close to restaurants, nightlife, and transport links.

Unit

What it is: In WA, “unit” usually refers to a single-level home within a small complex (typically 2–10 dwellings). It’s a common term for older-style properties and can include duplexes, triplexes or villa-style arrangements.

Best suited for:

• Entry-level buyers

• Downsizers or retirees

• Buyers looking for simple, compact living

In Perth: Units are widespread in middle-ring suburbs like Como, Maylands, and Bayswater, often offering a budget-friendly step into the market.

Villa

What it is: A villa is a single-storey home, usually within a small strata complex, often with a courtyard and private driveway or carport. Villas are generally more spacious than apartments or units.

Best suited for:

• Downsizers

• Buyers wanting a low-maintenance property with a little outdoor space

• Small families or couples

In Perth: Common in suburbs like Palmyra, Yokine, and Nollamara, villas are often sought after for their practical layout and privacy.

Townhouse

What it is: Townhouses are typically two- or three-storey homes joined to one or more neighbours, often in rows. Each has its own private entrance, small yard, and garage.

Best suited for:

• Professionals

• Small families

• Buyers wanting more space than an apartment but with lower upkeep than a house

In Perth: You’ll find townhouses in high-demand areas like Mount Lawley, Leederville, and Victoria Park — close to cafes, schools, and city access.

Duplex

What it is: A duplex is one of two homes built on a single block, either side-by-side or one behind the other, and often with a shared wall. Each property is usually individually titled (as a strata or survey-strata lot).

Best suited for:

• Investors (can be a smart dual-income setup)

• Multi-generational families

• Buyers wanting a freestanding feel at a more affordable price

In Perth: Duplexes are common in older suburbs like Carlisle, Westminster, and Morley — and can offer excellent value for buyers wanting house-like space without the full price tag.

What About Condos?

If you’re from the U.S., you might be wondering where “condos” fit into all of this.

“Condo” (short for condominium) refers not to the type of building, but to the ownership structure.

In American terms:

• A condo is a property (often an apartment) that you own individually, while sharing ownership of common areas (like hallways, pools, gardens) with other owners in the complex.

• It’s contrasted with a co-op (common in some U.S. cities) where you don’t own the property outright but rather a share in a company that owns the building.

In Australia, we don’t typically use the term “condo” — but we do have the same concept. It’s called a strata title.

So, in Aussie terms:

• A strata-titled apartment is essentially the same as a condo.

• Villas, townhouses, and units can also be under strata or survey-strata titles.

Choosing the Right Property Type

Whether you’re after low-maintenance city living, a downsizer’s dream, or an investment opportunity, knowing the difference between these property types can help you make a more informed decision.

But once you’ve made your choice, you’ll need someone to handle the settlement — that’s where we come in.

Let Adaptive Settlements Handle the Rest

At Adaptive Settlements, we’re here to take the stress out of buying, no matter the property type. From reviewing contracts to finalising the transfer of ownership, our experienced Perth team ensures a smooth, efficient settlement process tailored to WA property laws.

Buying your next property? Let’s make it seamless. Contact us today.