Condo or Townhouse: What Is the Difference?

Philadelphia is one of those unique cities where you can drive around for just 15 minutes and see a wide variety of different housing styles in that short span, from single family row homes in West Philly on to large sprawling houses on the mainline.

Philadelphia is one of those unique cities where you can drive around for just 15 minutes and see a wide variety of different housing styles in that short span, from single family row homes in West Philly on to large sprawling houses on the mainline. When home shopping in the City of Brotherly Love you might want to consider a condo or townhouse. While either is a perfect starter home for first-time homeowners, small families, and single people, and both usually require owners to pay association fees, they also have a number of distinctions that you should keep in mind as you’re doing your research.

Ownership
When you buy a condominium, you’re purchasing one living unit that is located on a common piece of property that is co-owned by a number of other condo owners. You purchase the individual living space as well as a portion of the land, property, and amenities. In other words, a condo owner shares ownership of just about everything located on the property with others, including the roof and staircases.

When you purchase a townhouse, you take sole ownership of the home, the roof, and the land that lies below it. Though the townhouse is usually a part of a community association, each person has his own separate living space.

Home Style
When deciding between a condo or townhouse, you’ll find that the general floor layout is the main point of difference. Many condos in Philadelphia resemble standard apartments in that the living space is commonly consolidated to one floor or a portion of a floor depending on the format of the building. The condo buildings in Rittenhouse Square and the museum area are an example of this. Some high-rise condominiums resemble skyscraper buildings.

On the other hand, townhomes usually have multiple floors—sometimes as many as three or four in one unit for one common family. Some townhomes are attached to twin units, but each owner still has exclusive access to all the floors in his own home.

Owners of townhomes may also have the benefit of more convenient amenities, such as a private garage or driveway and a personal lawn where they can grow a garden. Condo owners must share just about everything with the others who own the unit.

Rules
Condo associations have a reputation for being very strict when it comes to the rules of the property, particularly when it comes to items that are visible to the outside community. Since many households share a common condo property, they all play a role in keeping its market value strong. While townhouses also have homeowner associations, those associations tend to give residents more freedom in decorating their living spaces. Some people look at these associations as a bother, but many others prefer to the governance of a homeowner’s association to help keep the property clean, well-maintained, and valuable.

The overall difference between these two popular home styles is that with a condo you can expect to share a lot more with your neighbors. As you’re shopping around Philly for a condo or townhouse, keep this important difference in mind.

Need help finding your next condo or townhouse? Review our real estate tips and resources.

[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]

Subscribe to Blue Matter and get the latest updates

21 Comments

  1. Condo or Townhouse: What Is the Difference? | Susan Lerner's Real Estate Blog
    June 14, 2013

    […] On the other hand, townhomes usually have multiple floors—sometimes as many as three or four in one …read more […]

    Reply
  2. Condo or Townhouse: What Is the Difference? | Elouise Margita's Blog
    June 14, 2013

    […] The overall difference between these two popular home styles is that with a condo you can expect to share a lot more with your neighbors. As you’re shopping around Philly for a …read more […]

    Reply
  3. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Janet Glowacki's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  4. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Heena's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  5. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Joseph-Roland Joubert's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  6. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Pam Smith's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  7. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Dusty's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  8. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Lerner Realty Solutions
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  9. Billhowardproperties.com - Bill Howard, Kimberly Jordan, Billhowardproperties, Sugarland Properties, West university properties,Houston Properties, Coldwell Banker Bill Howard
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  10. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Rigo's blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  11. Condo or Townhouse: Top 4 Reasons to Buy | Emily Bradley's Blog
    April 21, 2015

    […] a condo or townhouse is the way to go. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Check out this article to learn what sets these two home styles […]

    Reply
  12. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Janet Glowacki's Blog
    May 18, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  13. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Emily Bradley's Blog
    May 18, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  14. Billhowardproperties.com - Bill Howard, Kimberly Jordan, Billhowardproperties, Sugarland Properties, West university properties,Houston Properties, Coldwell Banker Bill Howard
    May 19, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  15. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Pam Smith's Blog
    May 19, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  16. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Dusty's Blog
    May 19, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  17. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Rigo's blog
    May 19, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  18. Condo or Townhouse: What’s the Difference? | Heena's Blog
    May 19, 2015

    […] between a condo or townhouse in NYC, it’s not the same as comparing the two property types in other cities. Generally speaking, the Manhattan resident in the market for a condo or co-op in an apartment […]

    Reply
  19. Michelle
    September 16, 2017

    Just wanted to thank you for your ad on youtube about the difference between condo and townhouse ownership. Thanks Coldwell and Jessica in the video!

    Reply
  20. nancy
    October 5, 2017

    Your differentiation between owning a townhouse over a condo is so bias stating that townhouse is a much ideal choice. But in all fairness, a condo serves well with its purpose. The idea of a condo is for millennials living in the City wherein house location is at its highest. Also, when the time comes, a condo unit could be up for rent meaning it is actually a good investment in the future.

    Reply
  21. Hannah Schroeder
    November 10, 2017

    I like that everyone who shares the condominium is responsible for maintaining its value. My husband and I want to get a getaway house somewhere warm, but we wouldn’t be able to maintain it for half of the year. Maybe we should look at condominiums so we can share the maintenance with another couple.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Share on Facebook Share on Twiiter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram Share on Email