The Difference Between A Townhouse And A Condo

There are some vital differences you should know about a townhouse and a condo if you want to buy either one of them. As for townhouses or townhomes, adjacent homes share one or two walls of each house since they are individual houses placed side-by-side. A condominium or condo is housing in which the homeowner owns a specific part of a larger property, almost like an apartment within a complex. In contrast, all condo residents communally own all other connecting areas of the complex. In this article, we will explore the differences between townhouses and condominiums so that you can see the advantages and disadvantages that each of them has.

What is a Townhouse?

Colorful townhouses

Characterized by its multi-floor layout, a townhouse is typically attached to similar units via shared walls. Unlike apartments, each townhouse has its own entrance from the street, providing a sense of privacy and the feel of a single-family home without the maintenance responsibilities of a standalone house.

Originating in Europe, the townhouse concept has evolved over centuries to accommodate the growing need for efficient, space-saving residential options in urban areas. Today, townhouses are found in neighborhoods across the globe, appealing to residents seeking a balance between the compact, low-maintenance aspects of apartment living and the autonomy of a detached home. These properties often come with shared amenities such as parks, gyms, and pools, managed by a homeowners association (HOA) that ensures the upkeep and communal well-being.

What is a Condo?

Condominium building

A condo, short for condominium, is a private residence within a larger building or complex, where each unit is independently owned. What sets condos apart from other types of housing is the ownership structure. While residents own their individual units, common areas such as pools, gyms, and outdoor spaces are jointly owned and maintained by all the unit owners through a homeowners’ association (HOA). This association plays a crucial role in the condominium community, managing the maintenance of shared spaces and enforcing rules to ensure a harmonious living environment.

Condos offer a compelling lifestyle choice for those who seek the comfort and privacy of home ownership without the maintenance responsibilities often associated with single-family homes. They are especially popular in urban areas, where land is at a premium, providing a practical living solution that combines convenience, security, and access to amenities.

The Differences Between a Townhouse and a Condo

As both types of housing are found more frequently in urban areas, townhouses are built with square footage and have lower HOA fees, while condos are smaller with higher HOA fees. You will find a few differences between a townhouse and a condo below.

HOA Fees

Most of the time, HOA fees for townhouses are much lower and cover a small set of services, including lawn care and waste service. As for condos, their HOA fees are much higher than townhouses. Apart from having more shared spaces, condos have some unique amenities that require more money to cover, such as rooftop barbeques or exercise rooms. Other monthly HOA fees that may be included are DSL or cable internet service, water, insurance coverage, and other utilities or services.

Land Ownership

High-rise condominium buildings

You own the land that you build your home on if you own a townhouse. As for the condo, you don’t own the land if you have a condo. You are only entitled to the space inside the apartment that you own. Ultimately, you must pay property taxes, whether you own a townhouse or a condo.

Common Areas

You will enjoy fewer common areas if you own a townhouse. The typical consideration for townhouses is that they are independent and individual homes, usually with garages/carports and private yards that can be fenced even when they share one or two walls. The spaces jointly owned are quite small. However, a broader neighborhood with a communal area, like a park, pool, or a small playground, can be part of townhouses in some cases.

Structure

Your ideal townhouse is designed within a row of connected houses, which doesn’t make it an apartment. Most townhouses are typically two to three stories tall and are built more narrowly than conventional detached homes. As for condos, their standard configuration is that of an apartment within a complex. A townhouse shared one or two walls with the other homes based on where it is in the row. The interior space of the condo can belong to you, and you can jointly own the spaces outside of a condo, including the building’s roof, pools, garages or parking lots, exercise rooms, halls, and others. Though it is not common, a condo can be an independent office within a multi-unit complex.

Privacy and Space

Townhouses with parked cars on the street

When it comes to privacy and space, townhouses typically offer more of both compared to condos. Because townhouses are designed with multiple floors and often have private entrances, they can provide a sense of separation and individuality that many condo units, especially those in larger buildings, cannot match. Additionally, townhouses may come with private outdoor spaces like backyards or patios, which are less common in condominium setups. This distinction makes townhouses a preferred option for those seeking the feel of a single-family home without the full maintenance responsibility.

Community Layout

The physical layout of the community itself can also highlight differences between townhouses and condos. Townhouse communities are often planned in rows, where each unit shares one or two walls with its neighbors but has its own direct access to the outside. Condominium complexes, on the other hand, can take various forms, from high-rise buildings to sprawling, landscaped grounds with multiple buildings. This difference affects not just the community’s appearance but also the nature of daily life, including factors like noise levels, the proximity of neighbors, and the availability of outdoor space.

Financing and Insurance

Financing and insuring a townhouse can be more straightforward than a condo because townhouses are considered single-family residences in many aspects. This classification can make it easier for potential buyers to secure mortgages and insurance policies, as lenders and insurers view townhouses as less risky compared to condos, which can have more complex ownership and governance structures. Condos might require buyers to navigate additional rules regarding mortgage qualifications and insurance coverage, making the buying process a bit more complicated.

Flexibility in Modifications

Owners of townhouses typically enjoy more flexibility when it comes to making modifications to their property. Since townhouse owners often have full ownership of the structure and the land it sits on, they may have fewer restrictions on making exterior and interior changes. Condo owners, meanwhile, are usually bound by stricter HOA rules regarding what changes can be made, especially to the exterior of the unit and common areas. This difference is crucial for those who wish to customize their living space to a greater extent.

Conclusion

Townhouses stand out for their multi-level living spaces, private entrances, and the blend of autonomy with community living. They cater to those seeking the feel of a traditional home with some benefits of communal amenities and shared maintenance responsibilities.

On the other hand, condos appeal to those prioritizing a maintenance-free lifestyle, a variety of on-site amenities, and the convenience of urban living in potentially more densely populated environments. Choosing between a townhouse and a condo ultimately comes down to personal priorities, including desired levels of privacy, space, maintenance responsibilities, and community living.

Additional Suggestions

  • Knowing the differences between a townhouse and condo is essential if you are looking for Myrtle Beach townhouses for sale.
  • Townhouses usually have much lower HOA fees compared to condominiums.
  • If you own a condominium space, you own all exteriors and common areas in a complex of condos.