There’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying a property in Tampa. Not only do you want to nail down the perfect location, but you also want to consider the type of property that will best suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a dream home, a vacation home, or an investment property, you need to choose between a house or a condo. To help you determine which may be best for you, here are some of the pros and cons of condo vs. house.
Condo vs. House: 10 Things to Think About
Size
While condos come in a variety of sizes, most tend to be smaller than single-family dwellings. Consider how much space you need before touring available properties. If you do want a spacious condo, be clear with your Realtor. This will limit the number of listings that meet your criteria, but it is always important to understand what you or your family needs in order to live happily.
Amenities
Tampa weather is great for swimming, playing tennis, kayaking, fishing, and more. If your primary concern for your new property is being able to enjoy a variety of amenities that fit in with your lifestyle, you are in luck. It is possible to find both condos and homes that feature a variety of perks, like a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball courts, or a dock. While most condos offer some amenities, not all communities do. However, there are certain housing communities that have made it a point to offer resident-only amenities to enhance their attractiveness. For example, if golfing is your passion, we can find you a great home just off the green so you are never far from your favorite hole.
Location
If you are considering a specific location, you may be limited to either condos or single-family homes just because of availability. For example, near the city center, it may be easier to find a convenient condo than a house.
Similarly, some communities have zoning restrictions that limit condos and favor single-family homes. If location is your primary concern, then let me know and I can help you get a better understanding of the types of properties available in your preferred area.
Maintenance
Hate mowing? Don’t want to worry about roof maintenance or power washing your siding? One of the benefits of living in a condo is that all exterior maintenance is handled for you. You can swim carefree in the pool without scheduling a cleaning. Your condo fees will cover things like landscaping, cleaning of hallways, parking lot maintenance, building security, and pool cleaning.
Condo owners are, however, responsible for everything inside their doors. Homeowners, of course, are responsible for everything on their properties. This can include sidewalk maintenance, depending on where you buy.
Rules & Regulations
Buying a condo means that you will likely need to answer to a condo association that regulates things like moving days and renovations.
Purchasing a home may or may not involve following the guidelines of an HOA. If you prefer to be in control of things like the color of your home, yard decorations, or other landscaping concerns, you may want to consider a property that is not subject to an HOA.
Fees
In order to enjoy the mostly maintenance-free living of a condo, you will need to pay monthly or yearly fees to a condo board or association. Depending on the condo, these fees can significantly increase your monthly housing payments.
If you opt for a community, you may need to pay fees for a housing association. While this may cover maintenance costs for common areas, you will likely still be responsible for maintaining your own property and ensuring it meets community standards.
Privacy
If you like having your own space—like a huge backyard with a pool for your family to enjoy—then a house will likely be the way to go. When you live in a condo, you will invariably be closer to your neighbors. You can certainly enjoy the different amenities your condo has to offer, but none of them are private. You may be sharing the pool with the family that lives upstairs or the widow from down the hall.
Resale Potential
Conventional wisdom is that homes are easier to sell than condos. If you are looking for a starter home and know that you will want to upgrade your home in a couple of years, you may want to look for a smaller single-family home so you can easily resell your home or even turn it into a rental when it is time to upgrade.
Ultimately though, when you work with the right Realtor, she will be able to list and sell your home or condo when the time comes.
Price
Condos may have a lower sale price than single-family homes—especially luxury ones. However, don’t forget to take into account any condo fees you will need to pay monthly when considering what your true monthly cost will be.
Ownership
When you buy a condo, you own the interior space of your condo. Everything outside of your door is communal space that is maintained by your condo association. You own no land.
When you purchase a home, on the other hand, you own the land on which it stands. Because land is finite, the hope is that over time, your home and property will increase in value.
House vs. Condo: You Don’t Have to Choose Alone
Whether you opt for a condo or a house, either can be an investment in your happiness and property portfolio. As you cover the pros and cons of condo vs. house for yourself personally, be sure to keep your needs and life goals in mind. This will help you better decide which may be the best choice for you.
Want to discuss the choice between condo vs. house in more detail? Need help deciding? No problem! I would love to help you nail down your next property. Contact me and let’s work together to find your dream home, vacation home, or investment property.