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7 minute read Published on Jul 14, 2024 by BrokerLink Communications
Entering the real estate market as first time homebuyers is both exciting and duanting. Beyond choosing where you want to live, and your property budget, one of the main decisions you'll need to make is the type of property, you want to live in.
Although not everyone is able to move directly into a detached single family home, condos and townhouse communities are a great way to get into the market. If you're considering a condo or townhouse, you may have some questions about what owning one entails and what exactly the differences are between these two types of properties.
If you want to learn more about condo owners vs. being townhouse owners, stick around to find out more below!
A townhouse is a type of single family home that is part of a row of similar units. Each townhouse will share one or two walls with the unit that is directly next to them. However, each townhouse is individually owned and the ownership extends to not only the interior living space, but the land that the structure sits on, typically the front and back yard.
On the other hand, a condo, also known as a condominium, is a type of ownership where a person owns an individual unit within a building. Condo owners also own a portion of any common areas and amenities that are shared with other owners in the complex. These jointly owned spaces include fitness centres, meeting rooms, the lobby, hallways, elevators, outdoor areas, and other common amenities.
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Now, here's the real question: what exactly makes condo buildings and townhouses different? While both have many similarities, there are some notable differences that potential buyers need to be aware of, including the following:
Key differences to consider when purchasing a condo:
Being a condo owner means you own the interior of your actual unit and share part ownership of any common areas and amenities with other residents who live in your building.
Condos tend to be similar to apartment buildings, seeing as they are often one or multiple buildings within a complex. Each building has numerous floors and multiple units within it that people either own or rent out to others.
Shared common areas in a condo building often include lobbies, hallways, elevators, recreation areas, and sometimes the surrounding gardens around the building's exterior.
All maintenance and repairs are managed by a condo association, which collects condo HOA fees each month. These monthly fees are sometimes referred to as strata fees and are owed by all residents in the building on top of your monthly mortgage payments.
In the following section, we will outline the essential differences buyers need to keep in mind when purchasing a townhouse:
Townhouse owners own their individual units and the land that their townhouse sits on, such as a front and back yard, depending on the complex.
Townhouses, also known as row houses, often have multiple stories connected side-by-side. They share walls with their neighbours, whether on one or both sides. The property itself has more square footage than a condo but is smaller than a traditional house.
Townhouse communities tend to have fewer amenities than what is offered by a condo complex. Sometimes, however, they offer tennis courts, playgrounds, private gyms, and a clubhouse.
A townhouse may also have its own version of homeowners associations that manages shared spaces. However, if you live in a townhouse freehold, you are responsible for maintaining your living space and the exterior property.
Living in a condo versus a townhouse can be distinguished by several key aspects, including:
Privacy is a significant factor that sets condos and townhouses apart for the following reasons:
Location differences between condos and townhouses can significantly influence your lifestyle and convenience for the following reasons:
There are several financial distinctions to consider when purchasing a condo versus a townhouse, including:
Condos often have lower purchase prices than single-family homes and townhouses in the same area. However, HOA fees can be higher and usually cover maintenance, amenities, and sometimes utilities. Condo owners also have to pay property taxes.
Generally, townhouses are more expensive than condos. However, they are less costly than single-family homes. If you do have monthly HOA fees, they tend to be more affordable than those paid to a homeowners association in a condo. Both a condo and a townhouse pay property taxes.
Condo insurance covers the interior of the unit, personal belongings, and liabilities, while the condo association's insurance covers the building and areas shared by residents.
Townhouse owners need more comprehensive insurance covering the interior and the home's exterior.
In this section below, we will explore how governance impacts the living experience in condos and townhouses throughout the year:
In Canada, fees are a significant distinction between condos and townhouses. Understanding the fee structure is crucial when considering which property type best fits your financial situation and here's why:
Both condos and townhouses have benefits. However, there are some advantages to owning a townhouse compared to a condo. These advantages include:
At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you're looking for in a property and your overall spending budget. Both types of properties offer benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you research each in detail before making a decision about which one to purchase.
A row townhouse does not have an HOA, which is a key difference between a condo townhouse. Owners typically have more control over their property and fewer restrictions. A condo townhouse is a part of a condominium association and tends to have more amenities, fees, and regulations.
Condos and townhomes are similar because they both involve owning a specific unit within a larger community or larger building.
Condo fees and townhouse fees are often paid to an HOA on a monthly basis and this money is put toward maintenance, repairs, and other shared services like landscaping, security, and sometimes utilities.
Additionally, both condo and a townhouse owner must follow community rules and regulations outlined by HOA, even though the overall rules and regulations will be different between the two types of properties.
Do you own a condo or townhouse? Get high-quality insurance solutions for your property to protect your home from unique insurance risks with the help of the experienced brokers from BrokerLink.
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