Smart living, smaller footprint: How townhomes are redefining modern living

By Emily Fazio

Townhomes are having a moment, and it's more than just a trend. Across the U.S., they're one of the fastest-growing segments in residential construction, and data from the National Association of Home Builders showed the largest percentage of new construction starts for townhomes in 2025 since 2008. That's because townhomes combine many of the qualities and features buyers want to make living more affordable, efficient, sustainable and convenient — especially when integrated with smart technology.

 

For builders, the consumer shift toward townhomes also creates a reimagining of how space, design and technology come together. Townhomes are no longer a fallback option, but occupy a forward-thinking "sweet spot" between affordability and amenity-rich living. Here's why.

 

Urban appeal in a compact form

Today's buyers want more than square footage; they want smarter layouts, less maintenance, and closer proximity to parks, restaurants, work and transit. Townhomes are built for that lifestyle. Not only that, they allow developers to build higher-density neighborhoods without sacrificing livability. For the people moving in, it means getting the privacy of a home with many of the perks of a city apartment or condo.

 

Furthermore, these aren't the narrow, cookie-cutter units of the past. Townhomes today are being designed differently. Builders are creating open floor plans with natural light, flexible spaces and modern finishes. This appeals to first-time buyers looking for an entry point and empty nesters who want to downsize without giving up comfort. These homes also deliver a sense of community while offering just the right amount of private space. In a market that's rapidly evolving, that balance matters.

 

The modern buyer and the role of smart home technology

A smaller home doesn't mean fewer positives. In fact, some of the most effective designs today come from working within limits. When space is used intentionally, the result can feel even more functional — and in many cases, more livable. Townhomes are naturally challenged to embrace smart design, and technology plays a key role in making every inch work harder and satisfy more.

 

Smart home features have quickly gone from special perks to baseline expectations. Buyers now look for homes that help them manage energy, automate routines and stay secure. That's where Samsung's connected appliance lineup and SmartThings ecosystem offer a powerful advantage.

 

The SmartThings app serves as a central hub. It enables homeowners to control and monitor appliances, lighting, HVAC and more. In townhomes, where efficiency is already built into the footprint, smart tech adds an extra layer of usability, helping to make life easier, safer and more personalized.

 

From Bespoke AI all-in-one appliance systems to compact and modular units, Samsung appliances can help build and manage this connected living platform:

·     Smart energy use: With AI Energy Mode, homeowners can track usage in real time and automatically shift to energy-saving settings.

·     Remote control: Whether you want to preheat the oven, check your laundry status or adjust your thermostat before getting home, it's all just a tap away — and usually on your smartphone.

 

·     Streamlined living: Appliances that sync with daily routines — like refrigerators that monitor food freshness — can make everyday tasks faster and easier.

·     Built-in security: Samsung is synonymous with security, having the largest number of "Diamond" level IoT security rating verifications by UL Solutions in the Home Appliances Industry. That shows in the smart doorbells, cameras and motion sensors, which can be added and monitored directly through the app, offering peace of mind even when residents are away.

 

·     Maintenance alerts: Systems can notify property managers and residents when it's time to clean filters, replace parts or schedule service, helping to avoid costly repairs.

For homebuyers used to smart features in phones, cars and wearables, investing in a connected home just makes sense. And in townhomes, where thoughtful design is the whole selling point, tech integration completes the picture.

Building value with smart appliances

Townhomes often share floor plans, finishes and community amenities, and it can be hard for one project to stand out above the rest. Smart appliances can change that.

Samsung and Dacor offer appliance packages that combine high performance with leading technology. They look sharp in any layout and come ready to connect with SmartThings, giving homeowners an integrated, future-ready experience from day one. Whether it's a side-by-side refrigerator, front-load washer, dryer or slide-in range, these products fit seamlessly into today's townhome kitchens and laundry areas without compromising on capability.

 

Standardizing connected appliances across a build also helps make installation and support more efficient. Builders can offer tech-forward packages without adding complexity to their process. For buyers, it means one less decision, and more value built into the home.

 

It's more than just hardware. When you partner with Samsung and Dacor, you're building homes that are designed to grow and adapt with the people living in them. That flexibility resonates with today's mobile, multitasking, always-connected homeowners.

 

Smart design meets connected technology

The townhome boom is only getting stronger, and the expectations buyers bring with them will keep rising. They want homes that feel thoughtful and perform better, even if the footprint is smaller. That's why the intersection of smart design and connected technology is so important.

 

Builders who embrace this shift aren't just meeting the market. They're shaping what comes next. A connected townhome doesn't just function well today; it's designed to evolve as a home of the future.

 

With Samsung and Dacor, you're helping to create spaces that embody the future of living. As connected living becomes the new standard, townhomes equipped with smart, efficient technology aren't just a good option; they're the standout choice. For builders and buyers alike, that's a win.

 

Learn how to bring the townhomes of the future to your next project by exploring the full range of Samsung appliances for builders and developers, and contact Samsung today.