Difference Between a Condo and a Townhome?
What exactly is the difference between a condo and a townhome? If you’re thinking of buying or renting a condo or a townhouse, you must have a lot of questions. This post explains the important differences between a condo and a townhome.
Definitions
First, you need to know the real definition between a condo and a townhome, that is a good start. A condo (condominium) is a building or group of buildings in which units are owned by individuals, rather than landlords. A townhome refers to conjoined units that are owned by individual tenants and are architecturally structured to resemble row houses.
Ownership
Condo owners only own the interior of their unit, and all other areas, including the lawn and exterior, are owned by Homeowners Association. In comparison, townhome owners own both the unit’s exterior and interior, including lawn, roof, and driveway, except the communal areas.
Architecture
Condos are built in a variety of styles-large-from high rise buildings, a cul-de-sac of cottages or a combination of both. Townhomes are designed in rows such that tenants share at least one wall, and have one or two stories.
Community
In a condo community, there are a lot of recreation facilities such as a clubhouse, golf course, pool etc. Some townhome communities have similar amenities but others are more private.
Fees
Condo owners pay higher monthly fees to the Homeowners Association because of upkeep costs such as maintenance of lawn, pest control, and trash removal. Townhouse owners pay lower monthly Homeowners Association fees because they cater for much of their own upkeep.
Home insurance rates
The home insurance rates for condos are usually lower because owners have to insure only the interior of their house unit. Townhouses owners incur higher home insurance costs because they have to pay insurance for both the interior and the exterior of their homes.
Size
Condos are generally smaller than townhomes whereas townhomes are quite large and are designed with multiple stories.
Privacy
Condos are built in a variety of styles but they can be private, individual homes or apartment-style units. Although townhouses share one or two walls with neighboring units, they don’t have units above or below them.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
