Apartment Website Builder vs. Website Template: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to build a new website for your apartment community, you’ve probably come across terms like “apartment website builder” and “website template.”

They sound similar—but they’re not the same.

In fact, understanding the difference can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • What an apartment website builder is (and isn’t)
  • The biggest advantages of using a pre-built apartment website template
  • How to choose the right solution for your multifamily community
  • Why Bluprint gives you the best of both worlds

Whether you’re a property manager, leasing agent, or marketing pro, this post will help you decide the smartest path to a modern, high-performing website for your apartment.


What Is an Apartment Website Builder?

An apartment website builder is a tool or platform that allows you to build a website, usually with a drag-and-drop editor and customizable blocks. Popular general platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow fall into this category, but some builders are designed specifically for the multifamily industry.

While a builder offers flexibility and control, it often requires more time, a higher learning curve, and ongoing management. Some builders also come with limitations depending on your plan or level of technical skill.


What Is an Apartment Website Template?

A website template is a pre-designed layout made specifically for apartment websites. It’s a streamlined solution that lets you plug in your content—photos, floor plans, amenities, etc.—without having to build or design your site from scratch.

Apartment website templates are fast, cost-effective, and often include industry-specific features like floor plan layouts, online tour scheduling, custom third-party integrations, and more.

So, What’s The Difference: Builder vs. Apartment Website Template?

An apartment website builder gives you the tools to create.

A template gives you a head start—with fewer decisions, less stress, and industry expertise.

Common Myths About Apartment Website Templates

Myth #1: “Templates are too basic.”

Truth: High-quality templates—like the ones we offer at Bluprint—are designed specifically for apartment marketing and are fully customizable.

Myth #2: “You’ll get better SEO results with a website builder.”

Truth: SEO depends on how your site is built under the hood, not just how it looks. Our templates follow SEO best practices and perform just as well (if not better) than builder sites.

Myth #3: “Templates all look the same.”

Truth: That might be true in some cases.. But modern apartment templates (like ours) offer tons of flexibility in color, fonts, layout, photos, and copy so your property stands out.


When to Choose an Apartment Website Template

If you’re looking for a website solution that is :

  • Fast to launch
  • Budget-friendly
  • Low-maintenance
  • Mobile-optimized
  • User experience centered around the renter’s journey
  • Built specifically for apartments or properties
  • Offers customized floor plan layouts and third-party integrations

… then an apartment website template is likely the better choice for you

Bottom Line: It’s the best way to get a polished, professional site without the stress of managing a custom apartment website builder.


When an Apartment Website Builder Might Make Sense

There are scenarios where a builder is the better fit, especially if:

  • You have complex design needs outside of standard apartment marketing practices
  • You want full creative control and have the time or in-house support
  • You’re experimenting with a unique brand concept or launching a niche real estate product that falls outside the typical apartment website structure

But for most individual properties or portfolios, templates will get you live faster and save you money long-term.


Customization: Apartment Website Templates vs. Builders

You might assume that using an apartment website builder gives you more customization options—but that’s not always the case.

At Bluprint, our apartment templates are:

  • Built for flexibility
  • Easy to personalize
  • Designed with UI/UX top of mind

That means you still get control over fonts, brand colors, layout blocks, content, and media, with the safety net of a proven design and codebase behind it.


How Bluprint Combines the Best of Both Builders & Templates 

Why choose between the speed of a template and the flexibility of an apartment website builder?

With Bluprint, you get both.

  • Professionally designed apartment templates
  • Built-in SEO tools and mobile responsiveness
  • CRM and Property Management System (PMS)  integration capabilities
  • Built on a modern, scalable tech stack
  • Ongoing support from a personable team that knows the multifamily industry

It’s everything you need in one smart platform—without the clunky back-end experience of traditional website builders.


Final Thoughts: Apartment Website Builder or Template?

If you want total design freedom and have time to spare, a true apartment website builder might work.

But if you want to launch fast, look professional, and attract renters today, a high-quality apartment website template is your best move.

Bluprint makes it easy. Explore our apartment website templates or get in touch to see how we can bring your community to life online, without the stress of building it from scratch.