Single-Family Homes (Like Colonials)
These are standalone houses on their own land—no shared walls. Colonials, a classic Delaware favorite, are two-story boxes with symmetric windows, often from the 1700s or modern remakes in suburbs like Middletown. They’re popular for families (over 50% of buyers choose them) because they offer space and privacy.
- Average Price Range (2025): $350,000–$500,000.
- Taxes and Costs:Property tax around 0.50% ($1,750–$2,500/year). Add $500–$1,000 yearly for yard care; no HOA fees.
- Key Aspects to Consider: Older ones might need updates for wiring or plumbing. In flood-prone spots (common in Sussex County), add $800/year for flood insurance.
- Decision Factors: Great if you have kids, pets, or want to build equity long-term. Skip if you hate maintenance—everything’s on you.
Here’s an example of a colonial-style home in Delaware:
Townhouses
Attached homes in rows, sharing walls but with your own entrance and small yard or patio. They’re booming in areas like Bear or Dover for young couples—up 15-20% in new builds this year as affordability rises.
- Average Price Range (2025): $250,000–$400,000.
- Taxes and Costs: Same 0.50% tax ($1,250–$2,000/year). HOA fees: $200–$400/month for shared fixes like roofs or pools.
- Key Aspects to Consider: Neighbors mean possible noise; check for traffic in urban edges. Limited changes allowed due to HOA rules.
- Decision Factors: Perfect for starters on a budget—shared costs save money. Avoid if you crave total privacy or dislike community guidelines.
Visualize a typical townhouse setup:
Condos
You own a unit in a building, sharing common areas like lobbies or gyms. Hot in coastal Rehoboth or Wilmington high-rises, suiting singles or retirees (about 20% of market share).
- Average Price Range (2025): $200,000–$350,000.
- Taxes and Costs: Tax at 0.50% ($1,000–$1,750/year). HOA: $300–$600/month, covering utilities and maintenance (higher near beaches).
- Key Aspects to Consider: Building issues could lead to extra fees . Rules on pets or rentals apply.
- Decision Factors: Choose for low effort—no mowing! Not ideal if fees strain your wallet or you need space.
Check out a beachy condo example:
Larger Homes or Villas
Bigger single-family (4+ bedrooms) or upscale attached units in gated spots like Lewes. Villas often mean luxury communities with perks—growing for families earning over $100,000.
- Average Price Range (2025): $500,000–$800,000+.
- Taxes and Costs: Higher tax ($2,500–$4,000/year). HOA in villas: $100–$300/month.
- Key Aspects to Consider: Bigger means more energy bills ($300+/month). Coastal zoning limits add-ons.
- Decision Factors: Go big if space matters. Detractor: High costs can overwhelm if not ready.
See a luxury villa vibe:
Taxes vary by county: New Castle (around 0.76%), Kent (0.57%), Sussex (0.35% after 2025 reassessment). Use the Sussex County tax calculator to practice estimating for your dream type.
Picking a type? Think lifestyle: Family? Go single-family. Low-key? Condo. Budget under $300,000? Townhouse. Delaware’s market favors buyers now with more listings, so explore! Next up: Budgeting—how to know if that colonial fits your wallet. Stay tuned.
(Word count: 950. Sources verifiable via links; data current as of December 2025.)