Condo vs. Townhouse: What Are The Differences?

Deciding between a condo and a townhouse can be overwhelming when you’re on the hunt for a new place to call home. While they might be similar in some respects — such as sharing walls with neighbors and paying HOA fees — there are some key differences between them that could affect your decision.

Let’s take an in-depth look at condos and townhouses, what they are, as well as their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to buy your own property.

What is a condo?

A condo, short for condominium, is a type of communal housing that’s often governed by a homeowners association. Unlike apartments — which are typically owned by a company — condos are privately owned, which means residents can typically customize the interior of their units without a landlord’s input.

Condos are often located within a large building or complex but have separate living spaces. They provide an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home but don’t want to deal with traditional detached single-family homes’ high maintenance and upkeep costs. Plus, condominiums often have shared amenities, like fitness centers and pools, that buyers would normally have to pay for separately if they purchased a detached property.

What is a townhouse?

Townhouses are vertical multi-floor homes that share one or two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances. They’re usually easy to identify by their narrow design that stretches out along an entire city block. When you own a townhouse, you typically own the interior, exterior, and land that the home sits on.

The main appeal of owning a townhouse is having your own single-family home while enjoying community living. Townhouses often have shared amenities, such as playgrounds, and other common areas where residents can socialize and build connections. Because townhouses have smaller footprints and share exterior walls with neighboring homes, they’re generally cheaper than detached homes. This makes them attractive to those looking for an urban lifestyle without sacrificing affordability.

Condo vs. townhouse: Main differences

Though both condo and townhouse life can be comfortable for the right person, there are several differences to keep in mind.

1. Cost and fees. Since condos are typically smaller than townhouses and don’t include land, they might be cheaper depending on the real estate market. However, condos tend to have higher monthly HOA fees due to the comprehensive amenities they offer.
2. Property taxes. Since townhouse owners own both the interior and exterior of the property, townhouses will typically have higher property taxes than a condo.
3. Communities and amenities. Condos are typically part of a larger community that shares common facilities like pools, gyms, and other recreational areas. Townhouses usually have their own private outdoor spaces such as yards or patios as well as smaller shared facilities like parking garages.
4. Insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance might be more expensive if you purchase a townhouse instead of a condo since it’ll cover the inside and outside of your unit. On the other hand, condo insurance typically only covers the interior of the property.
5. Homeowners association rules. Generally speaking, condos tend to have more restrictive and detailed HOA rules for residents, while a townhome community might offer more freedom. Be sure to review your desired community’s HOA rules before making a decision.
6. Maintenance. Condos need very little day-to-day upkeep since there’s typically no private outdoor space for individual owners. On the other hand, since townhouses generally include outdoor living spaces like small yards, they may require more maintenance and attention than condos.

Pros and cons of condos

Consider the positive and negative aspects of owning a condo before taking the plunge so you know whether this move is right for you.

Pros and cons of townhouses

Like condos, there are pros and cons to owning townhouses. Let’s explore the perks and pitfalls of the townhouse lifestyle to help you make the right decision.

FAQs

Why a condo is better than a house?

A condo isn’t necessarily better than a house. Though owning a condo comes with several perks such as less maintenance and upkeep, affordability, and more amenities, they also have some drawbacks.

For example, condo owners have less privacy and freedom than traditional homeowners, as Homeowners Associations may outline rules that residents need to follow. Ultimately, whether a condo or house is better will largely depend on your needs and desired lifestyle.

What is the difference between a townhouse and a townhome?

There’s no difference between a townhouse and a townhome. Townhouses and townhomes are interchangeable terms used to describe multilevel homes that share walls with adjacent homes on one or both sides.

Is it financially smart to buy a condo?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since buying a condo is a personal decision that depends on many factors, such as your financial situation. Before buying a condo, be sure to carefully consider all of your options and research the local real estate market thoroughly.

What is the point of owning a condo?

Well, it depends. For some, perhaps it’s the luxury and convenience of having a private space to call home. And for others, owning a condo offers an investment opportunity with tangible wealth appreciation potential. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what you want to achieve and how owning a condo can help you reach those goals.