Choosing Between A House Vs Condo

On our quest to find the perfect home, debating whether to purchase a house or a condo sometimes factors into the debate. Sure, there are lots of factors that make this an easy decision for some—kids, location, money, space—but for others there isn’t a black or white answer.

That’s because each has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of those now.

Traditional House (Pros and Cons)

Houses are traditionally more appealing to the “do-it-yourself’ers” and those with children because they have the advantage of having total remodel power over every inch of the house, without having to worry about consent from others—homeowners association rules aside. This allows for more flexibility when it comes to children and pet accommodations, as well as more room both inside and out. This also means that your neighbors generally don’t live close enough to know what you’re having for breakfast just by peering in a window.

But there are also drawbacks to homeownership, mainly in the form of effort. When you own your own home, you’re required to perform (or pay for) maintenance on your yard and trees, which means you have to purchase equipment and tools to keep up with things. Then it not only becomes a financial investment, but a time investment as well. Utility bills can also be higher due to the size of a house.

Condominium (Pros and Cons)

There’s a growing sect of people that pushed for more urban living, giving rise to larger and larger cities. The appeal of living in these close quarter areas is the accessibility of stores, restaurants, sports facilities and other amenities. If you’re one of the many that struggle to find free time each day, condos can be an attractive choice for their convenience and low-maintenance living. And because you’re only responsible for the interior of the condo, association fees cover exterior concerns such as a structural damage and lawn care, leaving you more time to enjoy the area.