Header Image

Townhouse vs. Condominium: Key Differences and Which is Right for You?

If you’re thinking about buying your perfect home but you’re stuck choosing between a townhouse and a condominium? Don’t worry, this blog will help you choose the right one for you! Let’s break it down in a super simple way so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

What is a Townhouse?

A townhouse is kind of like a mix between a house and an apartment. It’s a tall, narrow home that shares at least one wall with another house, but you get your own front door and sometimes even a little backyard if you are lucky.

Why People Like Townhouses:

  • You get more space than an apartment or condo.

  • You actually own the land your townhouse is on.

  • HOA fees (if any) are usually lower than in condos.

  • More privacy because you don’t have neighbors above or below you.

  • Chance to get your own small yard.

But there are things you should consider. You are responsible for things like roof repairs, lawn care, and fixing anything that breaks on the outside of the house.

What is a Condominium (Condo)?

A condo is like an apartment that you own. You own the inside of your unit, but everything else; the hallways, the roof, and the parking lot is shared with your neighbors.

Why People Like Condos:

  • No need to worry about mowing the lawn or fixing the roof because the HOA takes care of it.

  • Many condos come with amenities like a pool, gym, or even a security guard.

  • Usually costs less than a townhouse.

  • Ideal if you don’t want to deal with home maintenance.

But, yet again there’s a downside as well. HOA fees can be high because they pay for things such as maintenance and amenities. And, you might have rules about what you can and can’t do like no pets or no loud music after 10 PM.

Townhouse vs. Condo: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Townhouse

Condo

Ownership

Owns the house & land

Owns only the inside of the unit

HOA Fees

Usually lower

Usually higher

Maintenance

Owner takes care of exterior & yard

HOA takes care of most things

Amenities

Sometimes, but not always

Often has pools, gyms, etc.

Privacy

More privacy, fewer shared walls

Less privacy, more shared spaces

Cost

Usually more expensive

Usually more affordable

So, Which One is Right for You?

Choose a Townhouse if:

  • You want more space and privacy.

  • You like the idea of having a small yard or garage.

  • You don’t mind handling home repairs and maintenance.

  • You prefer fewer HOA rules and fees.

Choose a Condo if:

  • You want a low-maintenance home where someone else handles repairs.

  • You like having shared amenities like a pool and gym.

  • You’re okay with HOA rules and monthly fees.

  • You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

Both townhouses and condos have their pros and cons. It really depends on what works best for YOUR lifestyle and budget. If you love privacy and don’t mind maintenance, a townhouse could be perfect. But if you want something affordable and easy to take care of, a condo might be the way to go. So, either way, happy house hunting!


 

GET IN TOUCH

Local Expert Updates

Sarah Galles

Cell: 712.501.9128

Jeff Carlson

Cell: 712.635.1763

Haley Zahren

Cell: 515.360.5968

Community Updates

The City of Le Mars

The City of Le Mars in LeMars

Come visit downtown Le Mars, which most of us know it as, The Ice Cream Capitol Of The World! When you come down our Central Avenue you will find yourself greeted by our welcome sign hanging over Central! On this historic Avenue, you will find such a variety of shops, boutiques, jewelry store, candy shops, nail salon, office supply store, a yoga studio, 3 restaurants and our famous Ice Cream Parlor! South of the Central strip, you will our Art Center that has a beautiful display of old and new art and they also have a handful of classes to sign up for as well! As our city is growing we have so many great things to do and see here in Le Mars as we have walking/biking trails that travel behind our beautiful 18 hole Willow Creek Golf Course, Municipal Park and Shelter house equipped with plenty of parking your camper at for a few days or weeks, having fun on the tennis court, or playing some pickle ball on the court!! The job employment opportunities are phenomenal here from factory careers such as Blue Bunny, Kemps, Bo Deans Baking Co., Nor-Am Cold Storage to retail shops/stores/boutiques (too many to mention), to numerous fantastic schools (elementary to High School) and not to forget our ever expanding Floyd Valley Healthcare Hospital and clinics! We are home of the Plymouth County Fair, Ice Cream Days and the Fourth of July fireworks are also spectacular event to watch every year! Le Mars is expanding in housing as well and if you spend a day or two here, you will see why we love to call this place home!

Blue Tequila

Blue Tequila in LeMars

Blue Tequila is located right off of Central Avenue at 15 1st St. NE in downtown Le Mars, IA! It is home of the tower margarita and some of the best authentic Mexican cuisine with a fun and inviting atmosphere! This restaurant is one you won't want to miss out on and a large variety to choose from!

The Warrior Hotel & Blue Bird Flats

The Warrior Hotel & Blue Bird Flats in Sioux City

The investment into downtown and entreprenuerial spirit in Sioux City has been on another level in recent years. In the January edition of Siouxland magazine, we highlighted the beautification through a pandemic in our inaugural installment of The Market Experience. Check out excerpts and insight into the art deco chique autograph collection property that is the Warrior Hotel and the beautiful resurgence of the Sioux City Motor Mart and Commerce Building now elegantly named Blue Bird Flats. Click link for the entire article! 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

The newsletter is sent periodically and will update you on the latest real estate news and offers.