KAWAIHAE CRESCENT WEST VS SINGLE FAMILY HOME
This is a question that many ask themselves as they search for a home in Hawaii Kai for sale. Most buyers are looking for a property with at least 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, but both town houses and single family homes fit this minimal request.
Price and affordability
Price and affordability are important issues for people searching for houses and town homes in the Hawaii Kai area . The least expensive single family home in this area is currently priced at $859,000 and the median price is $1,875,000. For a town house or apartment with a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, the current median price is $755,000. There is quite a price differential between these two types of properties. For buyers with limitations on their available cash or credit, price alone can sway them towards the town house option.
Maintenance fees vs home owner responsibility
For others, a town house is attractive because it offers the privacy of a single family home without all the responsibilities of exterior maintenance. That being said, a town house or apartment will have a maintenance fee attached whereas a single family home does not. The maintenance fee should cover all repairs to the exterior of the property, including roofing and painting. In a single family home, these maintenance tasks fall squarely on the homeowner.
Kawaihae Crescent West
To illustrate the differences between these two types of properties, let’s look at the Kawaihae Crescent West town house community and in particular 340 H Kawaihae Street, which is currently on the market. Kawaihae Crescent West is located in Hawaii Kai on the South Shore of Oahu. There are 61 units in this well-cared for community with quick and easy access to the Kalanianaole Highway.
This town house has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Most of the 1470 square feet of living space is on two levels, with a bonus office/ loft in the master bedroom. There is something for everyone in this town house with all new stainless steel appliances and luxury vinyl plank flooring, plus mini-lofts for the kids in the remaining two bedrooms!
This property is priced at $695,000 and has one of the lower maintenance fees in Hawaii Kai at $600 per month.
Of course, this property is within minutes of all the Hawaii Kai amenities including Maunalua Bay, dog and people parks, and Costco. All nearby schools follow an International Baccalaureate Curriculum, and they always rate at the top of all measures by the Department of Education.
Our sample single family home, located at 1354 Lunalilo Home Road, has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and 1230 square feet of living area. It sits on a 6,463 square foot lot. It appears to be in good condition similar to 340 H Kawaihae Street. It also has access to all the Hawaii Kai amenities. This property is priced at $905,000 and has no maintenance fee.
A personal choice
So what is the answer to the question of choice? It is an individual choice and needs to be in line with resources, time and ability/desire to solely maintain a property. I have lived and have listed and represented both town houses and single-family homes in the Hawaii Kai area. Both town homes and single-family homes have advantages and features that will fit the right Buyer. Which would you choose?
I work with buyers and sellers of real estate on Oahu. I provide analysis of your home for free and also distribute a free monthly statistical report on real estate on Oahu. I’d love to hear from you. Contact me today.
