Townhome or Condo, Which is Better?

If you’re searching for townhomes for sale in Utah, you may be surprised at all the options on the market. During your search, you may come across listings described as “townhomes” and others as “condos.” But what’s the difference? And which is better? Are townhomes a good investment?

Both Utah townhomes and condos offer more affordable, easy-to-manage living situations while allowing you to own your property. Below, let’s discuss the differences between the two, how they can benefit you, and where you can find townhomes for sale in Utah.

What is a condo?

Condominiums, also called condos for short, are privately-owned individual units within a community of other units. Condo owners share common areas, such as garages, pools, gyms, and more. Many condos are found in high-rise buildings, but you can find detached condos in some markets. A condo owner usually owns the condo’s interior and other structural components of the interior walls.

Is a townhome different than a condo?

Townhomes are multi-floor homes that share one or two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances. They’re usually two or three stories tall but have no units above or below them. Townhomes are often uniform homes built in a community with its own homeowners’ association. They’re a popular choice for young families and first-time homebuyers.

What are the pros and cons of owning a condo?

Pros

• Amenities – Depending on the condo association, you could have access to amenities such as a pool, parking garage, or even a dog park. These amenities are maintained by the HOA (homeowners association), so there is no upkeep on your part.
• Affordable – Condos are often cheaper than single-family homes and are an excellent option for first-time homeowners.
• Less maintenance – Condos are a great option for those who want to own a residence but don’t want the routine maintenance of a stand-alone home.

Cons

• Less square footage – Condos are often designed with space-saving measures and are not ideal for larger families. There is also no private outdoor space.
• Noise pollution and reduced privacy – Because condo owners share common walls and areas, there is a lack of privacy. You can expect noise problems, and your HOA could even restrict how long guests can stay.
• HOA restrictions and fees – Purchasing a home in an HOA community means that you agree to abide by the rules set by the HOA. Sometimes, these rules can mean rental limitations or pet restrictions. In addition, you can expect to pay a monthly HOA fee for the upkeep of common areas, which can vary depending on location.

What are the pros and cons of owning a townhome?

Pros

• Maintenance – Townhomes are great options for those looking to own their property with less maintenance. Because the HOA community takes care of exterior maintenance, there is less for a homeowner to tackle.
• Cost – Townhomes are often more affordable than detached single-family homes, even with similar square footage.
• Amenities – Townhomes that are part of larger developments can have extra amenities such as clubhouses, pools, and outdoor areas.
• Outdoor space – Unlike condos, townhomes often have a small amount of private outdoor space like a patio or private garage.

Cons

• HOA restrictions and fees – Purchasing a home in a townhome community means you will be subject to HOA rules and restrictions. In addition, you’ll have to pay an additional monthly fee to the HOA.
• Noise pollution – Unlike a condo, you won’t have anyone living above or below you in a townhome. However, you will have shared walls and live in close proximity to other people, which can mean less privacy and more noise.

Which is a better option for me in Utah’s housing market?

When deciding between buying a Utah townhome or condo in the housing market, there are a few reasons why purchasing a townhome is a better choice for many people. One of the main reasons is that there are many more townhome communities than condo communities. Condos are usually found in larger cities such as Salt Lake, while townhomes can be found in larger and smaller towns.

Townhomes are also a great option for young couples, small families, and seniors looking to downsize. Because there are no upstairs or downstairs neighbors, townhomes offer the benefits of condo living while giving you more space than in a condominium.

In addition, a townhome may hold its resell value better than a condo because townhomes offer more privacy, ownership value, and space than condos.

Where can I find Utah townhomes for sale?

If you’re searching for townhomes for sale, consider Arive Homes, a Utah County home builder. We offer townhome floor plans that are expertly designed and spacious. We offer upgrades such as a mudroom entry area and a massive master suite with large walk-in closets. Arive Homes offers exceptional service and unmatched quality. Browse our current townhome floor plans and communities available in Utah today.