A zero-lot-line house is a type of real estate development that has become increasingly popular in urban areas due to its low cost of ownership and maintenance and proximity to amenities. As the name implies, a zero-lot-line house is a piece of residential real estate in which the main structure comes up to, or even just shy of, the property line. This style of development is as popular among detached or single-family homes as it is with townhouse-style condos and “row-house” apartments.

The advantages to a zero-lot-line house are largely financial. Since a higher density of housing units can be squeezed onto the same acreage when the structures are closer to the property line, the prices for each structure can be lower. Additionally, the maintenance costs for zero-lot-line structures tend to be lower since small yards generally require much less labor and materials to keep in good shape.

But a closer proximity to neighbors come along with some potential drawbacks for zero-lot-line homes. Along with fewer existing walls to block noise from other residences, highways, trains, and other sources, zero-lot-line homeowners may not be able to enjoy the same level of privacy one would find in a larger home farther from the road. In a further twist, some neighborhoods’ local zoning ordinances may actually stipulate a minimum distance between homes, making a zero-lot-line property hard to come by.

Given these competing considerations, what is right or wrong for you depends on your individual lifestyle and needs. For example, those seeking the energy efficient and low maintenance benefits of a zero-lot-line house, along with its built-in neighborliness, can benefit from that close proximity to friends and family. But if you summer in the country and only want to visit a city to shop, dine, and go to work, then you may want to look for options that provide more distance.