Difference Between Condos and Townhouses in Massachusetts
How Does a Townhouse Differ From a Condo?
Author Bill Gassett owns Maximum Real Estate Exposure.
Are you considering buying a condo or townhouse in Massachusetts? You are not alone if you thought a townhouse and a condo were identical. Many potential buyers think of these two housing choices as being the same. They are not.
Understanding the difference between a condo and a townhouse is essential. We will examine the differences so you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.
What is a Condo?
A condo is a type of real estate owned by an individual or a group of individuals (investors). They are typically part of a larger building or complex and are divided into individual units.
Condos are typically sold as units, and the buyer holds exclusive ownership of their unit. Common areas and amenities are shared among all the other owners in the building or complex.
Condos are regulated by a condominium association comprised of unit owners. The association is responsible for maintaining the common areas and enforcing rules throughout the community.
Condos may include amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
Condos are generally easier to maintain and more affordable than comparably sized homes. They may suit those without worrying about lawn maintenance, snow removal, and other home ownership responsibilities.
When you buy a condo, there are numerous questions that should be asked before committing.
What is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is a type of real estate usually part of a larger building or complex of similar properties. Townhouses are usually attached to one another with shared walls between each unit.
Townhouses are usually two or three stories, with the living space on the upper floors and a garage and/or entrance on the lower level. Sometimes the garages are attached similarly to single-family homes.
Townhouses usually have private outdoor spaces smaller than a typical single-family home.
A townhouse is usually sold individually, and the buyer holds exclusive ownership. While common areas and amenities may be shared among all the other owners in the building or complex.
Unlike condos, townhouses generally have fewer deed restrictions. The homeowners' association is not responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the unit holders' yard area and driveway.
Like condos, townhouses may also have additional amenities such as a pool, gym, or clubhouse.
Townhouses are usually more expensive than condos and may require more maintenance. They may be suitable for those who want to own a home but also share amenities with others within a neighborhood.
How Are Condos and Townhouses Different From One Another?
Townhouses and condos are two types of real estate that are often confused with one another. While both offer the convenience of urban living and share some similarities, there are a few key differences between the two.
The most obvious difference between townhouses and condos is the physical structure.
Townhouses generally have multiple stories, like a house attached to one another with shared walls between each unit and a private outdoor space.
Conversely, condos are usually part of a larger building or complex, with individual units typically on one floor. The common areas and amenities, like pools and fitness centers, are shared among all the owners in the building or complex.
Townhouses usually require more maintenance than condos, as the homeowner is responsible for their yard and driveway upkeep. Additionally, townhouses usually come with fewer deed restrictions than condos, as the homeowners’ association is not responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these exterior items.
Townhouses are often located in suburban areas with more land, while more condos are seen in urban areas.
In general, condos are a great option for those who want to own a home but don’t want to worry about yard maintenance, snow removal, and other home ownership responsibilities.
Townhouses may be more suitable for those who want to own a home, share amenities with others in a neighborhood, and don’t mind taking on more maintenance responsibilities.
Both Condos and Townhouses Have an HOA and Associated Fees
Both condos and townhouses have Homeowners Associations (HOAs) responsible for regulating and enforcing the community's rules. These rules may include restrictions on noise levels, parking regulations, and types of businesses that may operate in the community.
The HOA is also responsible for maintaining common areas, such as the swimming pool and clubhouse, and enforcing the community's rules. They also collect a monthly fee from the homeowners used to cover these services costs.
In addition to the HOA fees, condo and townhouse owners must also pay other fees, such as property taxes and insurance.
Condos and townhouse owners must pay fees associated with the HOA and other services. These fees help to keep the community running smoothly and provide necessary services and amenities for the homeowners.
Final Thoughts on Condos vs. Townhouses in Massachusetts
Both condos and townhouses are excellent housing choices for those buyers who desire less maintenance and would like to be in a community of other like-minded individuals.
They also make an excellent housing choice for those who want to downsize and possibly buy a second home in another location. Selling a condo in areas populated by second homeowners is usually easy, as there is often a high demand.
Did you enjoy this advice on the differences between a condo and a townhouse in Massachusetts? See other real estate articles on NewsBreak for more timely tips and advice. Bill often writes about general real estate, mortgages, finance, moving, and home improvement.
Comments / 5
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
The Current GA
Trump efficiency group to close 5 state Social Security offices, including Brunswick, Vidalia
Regional offices assisting U.S. citizens with Social Security benefits are being closed by the Trump administration. The Department of Government Efficiency has terminated leases for five of Georgia’s 34 Social Security offices.
The Vivid Faces of the Vanished
He Moved On, So She Killed His New Girlfriend, and Cops Find Half a Million Dollars in His House
Julii Johnson was a hardworking single mother, loved by many, with a beautiful spirit that radiated around her. In January 2017, the 34-year-old mother from Oak Park, Michigan, was dating 44-year-old Jim Terrell Latner. Jim’s ex-girlfriend, Marcie Griffin, is also the mother of two of his children.
The HD Post
Reward for up to $20,000 for information about decapitated sea lion at Doran Beach
CALIFORNIA – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on March 11 it is offering a $20,000 reward for tips leading to a penalty or conviction in the case of a decapitated California sea lion.
David Heitz
Homeless crisis deepens: 600 families struggling on Denver's streets
Denver advocate for the homeless Amy Beck told the City Council Monday that 600 families are living on the city’s streets. It’s a striking increase from just 18 unsheltered families listed in Denver County on the 2024 Point in Time count dashboard.
Northern Kentucky Tribune
David Heitz
Opinion: Permanent supportive housing for homeless: The new mental institutions?
The author used artificial intelligence in the crafting of this article. People who reside at or are familiar with the goings on at permanent supportive housing buildings for the unhoused often liken them to mental institutions.
the OBserver
Why can't we house homeless people in abandon places?
Why aren’t we housing the homeless in abandoned motels? It’s not rocket science—seal off broken windows, install security cameras, and rent them at 50/ month. But here’s the catch: The system profits from keeping people destitute. Politicians don’t want you to know that Housing First programs do work—they cut emergency room visits by 6010k/year for mental health meds.
The Vivid Faces of the Vanished
Three Generations Silenced in a Single Morning: The Altidor Family Massacre
Miramar, Florida – A crime that shattered a family and stunned a community remains unsolved more than two decades later. It was a massacre so gruesome and personal that even seasoned detectives struggled to discuss it. On April 30, 1997, four members of the Altidor family—spanning three generations—were brutally murdered inside their quiet suburban home on South Crescent Drive. The killer was never caught.
David Heitz
'Grotesque' homeless hotel, snarled traffic on Pena discussed during Denver council public comment
Denver’s homeless hotels and clogged traffic on Pena Boulevard dominated the public comment period Monday during the City Council meeting. Homeless advocate Ana Miller told the council the conditions at the former Best Western homeless hotel on Quebec, one of many such hotels owned by the city, are “Absolutely grotesque … worse than most poorly run prisons ....(I’m) tired of hearing things are fixed. When you’re done using (a hotel) it will need to be completely gutted for habitation again. I want the council to look into these conditions and do something about it. Push for better oversight of how they’re running their shelters.”
David Heitz
David Heitz
Homeless migrants ask Denver City Council for help
Several migrants from Venezuela virtually attended the Denver City Council meeting on Monday and spoke during public comment period about living on the streets. They said they are living out of their cars or even sleeping on the pavement because no shelter space is available in Denver. Speaking through an interpreter, Henry Alvarez said in Spanish that he arrived in Denver Jan. 4 with his wife of 22 years and three children. He said they had been staying in a cold weather hotel shelter, but that has ended now that temperatures have risen.
TRENDING SEARCH
- Top 5 Controversial Marvel Villains
- Mom Defends Son After Arrest
- Trump-Clemency Recipient Arrested Again
- Woman Arrested After Toddler's Death
- Steve Kornacki Leaves MSNBC
- Eagles' 2025 Mock Draft Predictions
- Kavanaugh vs. 5th Circuit: Election Rule Clash
- Ex-Girlfriend Shot After Chili's Meet
- Fired Workers Told to Contact Dead
- King Charles' Orders & Camilla's Plans
Comments /