A condo is a privately owned unit within a larger building/complex. Owners typically own the interior (walls-in) while the HOA maintains exteriors and shared areas (e.g., lobby, gym, pool) funded by monthly fees.

A townhouse is a multi-level home sharing 1–2 walls with neighbors. Owners usually own the structure and the land beneath it. Some townhouses are freehold (no HOA); others belong to an HOA with limited shared amenities and lower fees than many condos.

Which has higher HOA fees—condos or townhouses?

Condos typically have higher fees because they include more amenities and building-wide maintenance. Townhouse fees are often lower, and freehold townhouses may have no monthly HOA.

Which offers more privacy—condo or townhouse?

Townhouses usually offer more privacy, a private entrance, and sometimes a small yard/patio. Condos tend to have neighbors above and below and more shared spaces.

Which is better for long-term appreciation?

Market dependent, but townhouses have historically appreciated faster in many areas because they convey land/structure ownership and feel closer to single-family living.

Who should choose a condo vs a townhouse?

Choose a condo if you want amenities, urban convenience, security features, and minimal upkeep. Choose a townhouse if you want more living space, limited shared walls, outdoor space, and more control over improvements.

Townhouse vs Condo - Coastal Moving Services

Deciding between a townhouse vs condo is a common crossroads for homebuyers seeking a balance of affordability, amenities, and lifestyle preferences. Both property types appeal to people who want more convenience and less maintenance than a single-family house, but they differ significantly in terms of ownership, privacy, costs, space, and community living. This guide unpacks the key distinctions, pros, and cons to help you make the right move for your needs in 2025.

What Is a Condo?

A condominium, or condo, is a privately owned unit within a larger building or complex. Residents usually own the interior of their unit, while common spaces like lobbies, gyms, or pools are shared and maintained by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or Condo Owners Association (COA). HOA fees cover upkeep, insurance, and sometimes utilities, making condo living highly convenient for those who want to avoid direct responsibility for repairs and landscaping. Condos are often located in urban centers or desirable neighborhoods, offering proximity to transit, nightlife, and work hubs. However, this convenience sometimes comes with less privacy, stricter rules on renovations, and higher density living.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing amenities, a low-maintenance lifestyle, and locations close to city action.

What Is a Townhouse?

A townhouse (or townhome) is a multi-level property that shares one or two walls with neighboring units but usually includes ownership of the home’s exterior and the land beneath it. Townhomes can be part of an HOA or a freehold (no association) the latter means the owner is responsible for all repairs, exterior maintenance, and landscaping, while the former includes benefits like snow removal or lawn care, but often with lower monthly fees than condos.

Townhouses resemble single-family homes in their vertical, side-by-side design, and typically offer more space, privacy, and exterior customization than condos.

Best for: Buyers wanting more space, a small private yard, and the feel of traditional homeownership with less communal living than an apartment or condo.

Townhouse vs Condo – Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Condo	Townhouse
Ownership	Interior only (walls-in); HOA owns exterior and shared spaces	Owns unit and land (sometimes exterior); responsibility for outside/upkeep
HOA Fees	Usually higher; covers more amenities and maintenance	Usually lower, especially for freehold; covers fewer shared amenities
Maintenance	Minimal (HOA handles most tasks)	Varies: freehold means all maintenance, HOA covers some for managed townhomes
Amenities	Extensive (gyms, pools, lounges, etc.)	Limited (often green space, maybe a pool)
Space/Privacy	Less; neighbors above, below, and beside	More; only shares 1-2 walls, often a private entrance
Rules/Customization	Stricter, limited changes, bylaws for appearance	More choice, especially freehold; check HOA rules if applicable
Resale/Investment	Often slower appreciation, reliant on market & location	Historically better appreciation, higher value in strong markets

Pros and Cons of Townhouse vs Condo

Pros of Condos

Lower purchase price than townhouses or single-family homes
Extensive shared amenities (pool, fitness center, lounge)
Maintenance and repairs often handled by HOA
Security (doorman, cameras, restricted building access)
Ideal for those who travel frequently or want minimal upkeep

Cons of Condos

Less privacy and more noise from neighbors
Monthly HOA fees can be high, even if not using all amenities
Rules about renovations, decor, and even pets
Limited parking and storage
Slower property appreciation compared to townhouses or freehold homes

Pros of Townhouses

More space, multi-level living, often with a yard or patio
Greater privacy (fewer shared walls and a separate entrance)
Lower (or no) HOA fees, especially for freehold
Potential for quicker appreciation and higher resale value
More control over appearance and improvements

Cons of Townhouses

More maintenance responsibility: landscaping, exterior, roof, etc. if freehold
Fewer shared amenities compared to condos
May be located farther from city centers or transit
Higher upfront cost than most condos
If part of an HOA, still some rules and fees to follow

Which Is Right for You?

The decision between a townhouse and a condo should reflect your lifestyle, willingness to take on maintenance, desired amenities, location, and budget. If you value access to in-building gyms, want a turn-key, low-hassle home, and are less concerned about private outdoor space or customization, a condo is likely the better fit. It’s especially suited to singles, couples, and older buyers downsizing from a single-family house.

On the other hand, if you want more space, a yard, room to customize, and don’t mind extra responsibility for exterior care, a townhouse, especially a freehold unit, offers the perks of a house at a typically lower price point. Many young families and first-time buyers choose townhomes to enjoy more square footage while keeping a close-knit community feel, which can easily be found in places like especially if you moved from California to Texas and or decided living in South Carolina.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Both condos and townhouses bridge the gap between traditional apartments and single-family homes, but your priorities should guide the decision. Assess HOA fees, rules, included amenities, and resale trends in your area. Touring a few options with a real estate professional and reading HOA documents can help you make the smartest choice for your future.

Whether you opt for the ultimate convenience of condo living or the greater autonomy of a townhouse, you’ll be investing in a lifestyle that can evolve as your needs change.