Spring_bubble,
it really depends on your budget and needs and goals. 450K is different from 600K, which was discussed above. Sooner or later, most 4S SFRs would reach 450K (some already did I think). If you are fine with a SMALLER townhome even in the long run (family wise), then I don’t think you should tie more money in RE and buy a SFR. I wouldn’t overstrech my budget in these days. You never know what the future brings. But then, if you are fine with a smaller townhome, then I would definitely rent one for a while in the area I want to buy and wait to buy my dreamhome SFR at the 450K price…in a couple years…Yes, I know that the lower end condos and townhomes went down the most, but we are talking a high-end area closer to the Coast. Those may still have a ways to go down. I don’t believe the rise in price we see is sustainable.

The property loooks ok to me, but I haven’t been inside. I’d prefer a larger townhome than that, and there are some there for comparable prices at 1750 sf, according to recent closings in SDL (the 1750 sf is the type I looked at 5 yrs ago, when they were selling in mid500K). Maybe one of the realtors here (SD R?) went inside. Question is, should you buy at all? Why do you want to buy now? It’s hard to advise when one doesn’t know more details.

You mentioned 4S, which properties/developments you liked/considered?