Townhouse vs. Condominium

Whether you’re in the market for your first home or looking to downsize, townhouses and condominiums may be on your radar. Both are viable options for those who don’t want to invest their money into a traditional house, and each has its positives and negatives. Deciding which one to choose will depend on a variety of factors. So, if you are looking for townhouses in Saskatoon or a condo it is important to understand the differences between a townhouse and a condominium.

Townhouse

If you are looking for something that is similar to a conventional home and yet doesn’t want all the stress of having the responsibility of a house, a townhouse may be right up your alley. Unlike detached houses, townhouses are lined up side by side and each residence shares a wall or two with their adjacent neighbours. Despite the shared walls, each unit Is recognized as a separate home with its own individual outdoor property. This gives people the ability to individualize their homes more freely.

Townhouses also have yards for people to enjoy. For many people, having a yard in which they can relax and tend to the garden is vital. This makes it ideal for anyone.

As is the case of owning your own the place, you will be responsible for any costs related to repairs, upkeep and major maintenance issues. Most townhouses have strata fees for the upkeep of things like the shared roof. Others also have their own maintenance team for lawns and other outdoor upkeep. This is something that a lot of people find appealing. So, if you are not wanting to deal with the outdoor maintenance, look for a townhouse that offers this option.

Although you share a wall with your neighbour, the thick walls of a properly built townhouse ensures your privacy. You can always ask those who live in the other townhouses what the noise level is like between the shared walls to give you a better idea before settling on a property.

As an independent alternative to other residential arrangements, townhouses offer a taste of suburbia nestled in an urban environment. Townhouses and duplexes are also quite similar, but have their own differences.

Condominium

Do you find the idea of owning a traditional home or townhouse too much for you? Maybe you’re at a point in your life where you’re thinking of downsizing. Or maybe you are just starting out on your own and you don’t need a large space to live comfortably. Whatever the reason, condominiums can provide a convenient setting to spend your time, enjoying your home.

Condominiums are buildings that have multiple units and multiple levels. So there are shared walls, ceilings and even floors. Condominiums may also come with unique amenities available in common areas. Also, many higher-end complexes are equipped with advanced security features like video surveillance and electronic door systems.

While you own the interior space, everything outside is owned communally by all residents of the complex. This means that all exterior spaces and common areas – such as halls, pools, exercise rooms, parking lots and garages and even the roof – are maintained and repaired using the money generated by Home Owner Association (HOA) fees. This eases a lot of people’s minds that they don’t have to deal with these things. They can just be at home and someone else will deal with the repairs.

Although there are many benefits to owning a condo, there can be some restrictions because of the HOA. However, you can rest easy knowing that everything outside your walls is being looked after on a consistent basis.

We Can Help

If you’re still not sure which option is most suitable for your lifestyle, your Realty Executives agent has the knowledge and experience to help you make the most informed decision. Contact us today.