Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the Difference?

If you don't know the difference between a townhouse and a condo, you aren't alone. Despite appearing to be very similar at first glance, a townhouse and a condo are, in fact, very different.

It's important for potential renters to be aware of these contrasting features when hunting for a new rental home.

It all comes down to what you own

Living in a townhome or condo is essentially a lifestyle decision. By definition, condos are individually-owned units within a larger community. The units are typically smaller with the feel of an apartment complex.

On the other hand, townhouses provide more space. Again, these are individually-owned units, but usually in a much smaller community. They also only share one or two walls with an adjacent unit, giving a sense of more independence.

If it's broken, who will fix it?

In either a condo or a townhome, general maintenance, such as landscaping and exterior upkeep, is provided through homeowner association fees. However, all interior maintenance issues are solely the responsibility of the owner of the unit.

If you're renting either type of unit from the owner, you'll have to agree ahead of time – usually spelled out in your lease – on who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. But if you're the proud owner of either a condo or a townhome, you'll have to channel your inner Chip and Joanna Gaines and do a lot of the maintenance yourself.

Your amenities will differ

Accessibility to a pool, gym and movie room are often high on the list of demands for renters. However, due to the private nature of townhouse communities, amenities are a rare feature – but not completely out of the question.

On the other hand, condominiums embrace a community focus with an array of amenities such as a pool, clubhouse or gym, similar to what you might find in an apartment complex.

Related: Apartment vs Condo Explained

Consider the lifestyle you want when choosing between a townhome or condo

In terms of physical attributes, condos and townhouses aren't much different from one another. But your lifestyle could be significantly different when you consider things like maintenance, ownership and community amenities.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to a decision that best fits your lifestyle and rental needs. Think about the level of responsibility you want for maintaining your home, and whether you'll want community spaces to socialize in with your neighbors.

Photo by Gabriel Santiago on Unsplash

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