Expert: Karyn Foley - 1/12/2006

Question
Hi, I'm not in your state but am hopeful you will know what that term means.
I am looking at properties and keep seeing "zero lot line" in the description. What is that?
Thanks for any insight.

Answer
Dear Connie:
 Most residential properties have requirements imposed by homeowner associations, cities, counties etc that designate how far apart each home must be from the ones next door to them.  For example, where I live, there is a five foot lot line requirement, so my fence that separates me from my next door neighbor is five feet from my home.  This allows sufficient distance from one home to another not to give the feeling of overcrowding.  The big estate properties can have ten feet.  Some more rural areas have more and even require mimimum lot sizes.
But - zero lot line properties can be either townhomes or condominium projects, or even planned unit developments of single family detached housing that is built in a cluster type of setting.  Each area may have their own design for this similar theme of zero lot lines.
 I would suggest that you visit a few of these zero lot line developments, as some are very, very nice.  They may even have it that way to allow for vast areas of open space around the development rather than spacing them out and not having common areas of open space.
Some homes nestled in the hills have that theme giving a spacious country type of natural environment and allowing neighbors to share facilities and amenities more easily.
 Also, there are advantages, such as everyone perhaps participating in the paying of taking care of these open spaces and amenities thus keeping them up at a high standard of condition and giving more improvements for family or individual recreation.  Some areas have
trails for hiking and horses.
 You may find that this is an easier lifestyle for you, allowing you to enjoy your home knowing you have less individual maintenance and outdoor jobs to do.  
 Please let me know how you find it, as I am always interested in what people find out and what they end up liking.
 Good luck to you.  You are doing the right thing by seeing all that is out there.  Buying a home is such a major investment that I feel it requires a lot of education before jumping in.
 KARYN FOLEY