3 Townhome Features That Add Real Value (And 2 That Just Look Good on Instagram)

That waterfall island? Gorgeous. But will it actually boost your townhome’s resale value?

In today’s scroll-happy market — especially in fast-moving areas like Langley, Surrey, and South Surrey — it’s easy to be seduced by trendy features. You swipe through beautifully staged homes on Instagram or Realtor.ca and fall in love with floating shelves, gold hardware, or dramatic light fixtures.

But when it comes time to sell, not all features are created equal. Some offer long-term utility and financial upside. Others? They’re just eye candy. If you want your next townhome to deliver both lifestyle perks and future-proof value, here are the features to prioritize — and the ones to be cautious about.

✅ 1. Side-by-Side Garage (vs. Tandem)

If you’ve ever lived in a tandem garage, you know the struggle. One car always has to be moved to let the other out, and storage becomes a Tetris-style challenge.

In contrast, a side-by-side garage is a feature that buyers in Langley and Surrey actively search for. It offers:

• 🚘 True 2-car parking (not just in theory)
• 🧰 Room for bikes, shelving, or a home gym setup
• 🛠️ Better layout for day-to-day convenience
• 💰 Higher resale demand due to limited supply

In newer communities like Mayfair by Zenterra or Wexley in Willoughby, homes with side-by-side garages often sell quicker and for more than their tandem counterparts.

✅ 2. Main-Floor Powder Room

This one might seem small — but ask anyone who’s lived without one, and you’ll hear the regret loud and clear.

Having a main-floor powder room means:

• 🚻 Guests don’t need to use your upstairs bathrooms
• 👧 Kids can wash up without running through your bedroom
• 📦 You can convert the upstairs bath into a true ensuite

Older townhomes (pre-2010) often skipped this feature. Today, it’s a layout standard in most new builds — and something buyers increasingly expect.

Look for homes where the powder room is conveniently placed near the living/dining area without taking up prime living space.

✅ 3. Private Outdoor Space

A balcony is nice. A private patio or fenced yard? That’s where the real value lives — especially in communities with lots of families, pets, or garden lovers.

Here’s what outdoor space adds:

• ☕ A place to enjoy morning coffee or an evening glass of wine
• 🐕 Room to let the dog out without a full walk
• 🪴 Space for container gardening or a BBQ
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Better lifestyle flexibility for growing families

When resale time comes around, this feature becomes even more important. In Langley’s competitive townhome market, it can be the difference between a quick sale and sitting on the market for weeks.

🚫 Instagram Traps: Features That Look Good but Don’t Add Value

1. Floating Shelves & Accent Walls

Yes, they photograph beautifully. They give off that curated, Pinterest-worthy vibe. But here’s the thing:

• 🪵 They’re almost always DIY-friendly
• 🎯 They don’t change the function of the home
• 📉 They don’t move the needle on price

If you love them, go for it — but don’t base a buying decision around trendy finishes that a weekend and a Home Depot gift card could replicate.

2. Open-Tread or Floating Stairs

These stairs are visually striking — especially in modern West Coast-style townhomes. But they come with drawbacks:

• ⚠️ Can be slippery and less safe for kids or seniors
• 👎 Reduce storage space underneath
• 👀 Appeal to a niche segment of buyers

They’re an interior design flex, no doubt. But they may narrow your buyer pool — and possibly create future issues with baby gates, pet safety, or insurance.

🔧 Bonus Tip: Look for Smart Layouts, Not Just Smart Features

Function beats flash every time. Ask yourself:

• 📐 Is the kitchen flow functional or just pretty?
• 🛋️ Can you comfortably fit furniture in the living room?
• 🛏️ Are the bedrooms generously sized, or just staged well?
• 🔁 Is there a good balance between open concept and defined zones?

Square footage is important — but how that space is used matters more. A 1,300 sqft townhome with thoughtful storage and a proper foyer may feel better than a 1,500 sqft unit with wasted nooks and awkward corners.

📍Where to Find High-Value Townhomes in Langley

Some local communities consistently offer layouts and features that hold long-term value. Here are a few to watch:

• Willoughby Heights: Newer builds, smart designs, and walkability to schools and shops
• Yorkson: Excellent mix of modern townhomes with side-by-side garages and powder rooms
• Walnut Grove: More mature builds with extra outdoor space and established strata communities
• Latimer Village: A new master-planned community with walkability, SkyTrain access (future), and strong rental potential

Work with a local agent who knows which developments deliver lasting quality — and which ones are better suited for Instagram photoshoots than long-term ownership.

❓FAQs About Townhome Features & Resale Value

Q: Are upgrades worth paying for in a townhome?

A: Some are — especially those that enhance daily function. Think storage, energy-efficient appliances, durable flooring, and garage layouts. Skip upgrades that are purely cosmetic unless they’re priced fairly or part of a larger value package.

Q: What adds the most resale value?

A: Features that serve families, professionals, or downsizers all tend to perform well. That includes:

• 🛻 Side-by-side garages
• 🛁 Main-floor powder rooms
• 🌿 Outdoor space
• 🔌 EV-ready parking
• 📶 Strong internet wiring / smart home features

Q: Should I prioritize aesthetics or layout?

A: Layout, always. You can change countertops — you can’t move structural walls. A good floor plan will serve you and future buyers far better than a trendy backsplash.

💡 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Buy Pretty — Buy Smart

Design trends come and go. But practical features and thoughtful layouts will always stand the test of time.

When you're looking at townhomes in Langley or beyond, it’s tempting to chase the look — but the smarter investment is to chase the lifestyle. Features that make your daily life easier, more flexible, and more functional will pay off long after the Instagram likes fade away.

Let’s go beyond the filters and floorplans to find a townhome that fits your goals — now and in the future.

📲 DM me on Instagram or email me, Let’s explore your next chapter together.

🔍 View Listings of Langley Townhomes

Dexter Alandi is a licensed Realtor® with eXp Realty, specializing in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley. He helps homeowners transition confidently — one property at a time.