Apartments – Richterm

Apartment Amenities Lists And Definitions

Amenities in life are always important. They are what makes us human, living our lives finding new ways to make our lives more convenient, comfortable, or enjoyable. They are the luxuries of life, so to speak.

But when it comes to amenities in apartments, most people don’t really know what classifies as an amenity and what doesn’t. That’s why we’ve outlined it all for you so you can best choose your next apartment.

Learning About Apartment Amenities

Learning about amenities is important if you plan on buying or renting an apartment in the future. They are even more important if you already have an apartment and want to know if your apartment is worth it.

When shopping for apartments finding the right amenities for you can make a huge difference. Finding as many amenities as you can isn’t ideal because you might overpay for one that you won’t even use.

What Are Amenities?

To find out what amenities are in homes and apartments, it’s best to start with the amenities definition. According to Merriam-Webster, an amenity is, “something that helps to provide comfort, convenience, or enjoyment hotels with modern amenities providing residents with the basic amenities.”

Although amenities can be found anywhere in life, the word is most commonly used to describe amenities in apartments or hotels. The two vary slightly but generally have the same goal: to make life better for those staying at the establishment.

Apartment Complexes Amenities

Apartment complex amenities are amenities that are put in place by landlords or apartment owners to make the life of those in the apartment easier. Almost all apartment complexes have some sort of amenity, most likely more.

It is easy to get amenities and features confused as well. This is a tactic purposely used by owners to try to get you to pay more for what they have to offer even if that “amenity” should be a basic right.

Amenities Examples And Their Benefits

There are many different types of amenities and each of them has its own benefits. The thing about amenities though is that there are pros and cons for both the investor and the resident. Sometimes they coincide, and sometimes they do not.

Pool

A pool is a fairly self-explanatory amenity and the most searched apartment amenity as well. Most apartment pools are inground. Some are outdoor and some are indoor. The nicer the pool is, the nicer the apartment usually is.

Investor – pools for the investor can be really great. They have relatively low yearly costs to keep up with but a large upfront cost that will most definitely be in the $10,000s. However, they can be a great investment because they can draw people in, especially in warm climates.
Resident – pools are a great amenity if you plan on using them. They offer a great escape in the summer and on hot days. However, if you have a problem with public pools, an apartment pool won’t be much cleaner.

Child Care

Child care usually involves an in-house child sitter or nanny that is offered for free or a small fee along with your rent. You will either pay the nanny directly or pay the landlord extra when you pay rent.

Investor – child care is a very small investment for investors so you don’t have to worry about losing money. However, it will bring in more families with small children, so if that’s a problem, don’t offer it.
Resident – if you have a family with children then getting an apartment with child care is ideal. They will watch your children in your very own apartment! But if you don’t have kids, beware that there will be kids as your neighbors.

Laundry Room

A laundry room is an amenity that usually involves two or more washers and dryers where residents can wash their laundry. It works a lot like a laundry mat but is more private and usually only available to those renting an apartment.

Investor – a laundry room is a good investment. You won’t lose much money if you don’t charge the renters but it can be a good profit if you charge them small amounts. Just know that it could turn renters away if you make them pay when they’ve already paid rent.
Resident – having a laundry room in your apartment complex can be quite useful. However, it can also be a way for investors to save money by making you think you don’t deserve one in your own apartment.

Parking

This can be a parking garage, a parking lot, or something similar. The parking is reserved for those who are renting or living in the apartment alone and not available to the public. This can be prevented by a booth or a fine.

Investor – offering parking that is for renters and buyers only is ideal. There aren’t any cons to this aside from the money you put into it. A good way to make up for it is to offer choice parking spots for an extra fee.
Resident – having parking in your apartment that is for you and your neighbors alone is wonderful. The only catch is that more often than not, the best spots will be paid for by the higher-class residents.

Garden

Gardens can be found on rooftops or in the yard of the apartment complex. They usually don’t grow veggies or fruit but do offer a fresh place for residents to go and enjoy nature even if they live in the city.

Investor – having a garden is something that a lot of owners and landlords like to have just for their own pleasure. You will have to hire a gardener or have the residents look after the garden themselves.
Resident – a garden is a wonderful amenity that brings life to an apartment complex. But if you are allergic to bees or certain plants, then you may not want to have one in the apartment you will live in.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is another amenity where people are hired by the apartment owners to clean the houses of those who sign up for the housekeeping package. The fee is usually added to the rent.

Investor – this is a tough one. Housekeeping is a big expense, so adding it for free isn’t an easy choice. Small charges for housekeeping give residents a choice on whether or not they want the amenity added.
Resident – can anyone say no to housekeeping? Probably not! That’s why sometimes having it as an option instead of as a given amenity is a bad thing. Because you will probably pay that extra monthly payment for it.

Barbeque Pit

There is rarely a fee for using that barbeque pit if you live in the apartment. The outdoor cookout area can include a grill, a fire pit, and more. It is usually for use of those in the apartment only and often only under supervision.

Investor – a barbeque pit or outdoor area is a wonderful place for people to gather around without intruders or strangers. Hosting weekly or monthly cookouts is a great way to bring families together and attract more renters.
Resident – it can be fun to get together with other residents and even invite your family over. But if you don’t like large crowds and prefer not to associate with neighbors then you probably don’t want an outdoor cooking area.

Gym

A gym is an indoor room with workout equipment that is free to use for those who live in the apartment complex. Sometimes, outsiders can pay to use the gym but this is rare and only for an extra income.

Investor – a gym is a huge draw for some people. In fact, it is one of the only amenities that will make some people choose one apartment over another. It is that big of a deal to those who will use it daily.
Resident – having a gym in your complex that you won’t use isn’t a bad thing. But if you have to pay extra for it and not use it, then you might as well choose somewhere else quieter that is cheaper.

Playground

Playgrounds can be small or large, depending on the budget and size of the area available to use for the playground. It is usually a gated area that is completely cut off from the outside.

Investor – a playground is a small one-time investment with the only long-term costs being repairs. Encourage kids and families to treat the playground with respect, putting playground rules up with or without fines to the parents.
Resident – similar to child care, if you have kids, this is wonderful. If you don’t this can be a nuisance. But if you want kids around and love that atmosphere, then you can still choose an apartment with a playground.

Online Access

Finding easier and more modern ways to do things really helps draw in the younger crowd. More often than not, online access to payments is a choice and not a necessity though occasionally it is the only option.

Investor – not wi-fi, we will talk about that later. What this refers to is online access to payments and such. This makes it way easier on you because everything will be automatic and you will get notifications when people are late.
Resident – being able to pay your bills and see updates online will make things easier for you if you have a busy lifestyle. It will also help you avoid in-person contact or mailing in your payments.

Internet

Internet access comes in many forms. There can be wi-fi available for free to those living in the apartment and there can be private connections that you can install on your own if it isn’t against the rules.

Investor – offering high-speed internet is nearly a necessity. But you do need to charge extra for it as to have enough for everyone, it will be quite pricey. You can offer different packages for different deals.
Resident – is there anything bad about having internet? Nope! As long as you don’t have to pay too much extra, it is a good thing. Try finding apartments that allow you to have your own private internet installed.

Things That Are Not Amenities

Things that are not amenities are kind of like basic rights. These things include a working bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink. In the kitchen, they include a stove, fridge, and sink as well. These are the basics.

These things are considered features and are not amenities because most people consider them necessary to live a normal life. Then there are things that are on the fence like HVAC, dishwashers, and balconies.

Attic-Apartment-Vinohrady-by-caraa.cz-interior-view.jpg

Prague Attic Apartment is a Contemporary Addition to an Art Nouveau Building

A spacious loft-style apartment in Prague sits perched atop an Art Nouveau building that has been rescued from neglect and artfully restored into a comfortable, stylish residential building.

Purchased by an investor, the aim was to retain authenticity while transforming the building into an apartment house with the historical features intact. While interference with the overall look was minimal, the Caraz Architects did make two major changes to the building: Extending the elevator, which is a steel tower with a glass facade, and constructing the attic apartment.

The generously sized attic apartment encompasses about 200 square meters and features a terrace. The client-driven design process evolved over time and the result is a space that is contemporary, airy, and bright.

Period Details Intact

The overall building retains its Art Nouveau character, including elements like the original railings and etched glass. While the design of the interior is not a replica, the architects based it on the specific morphology of the original period house. The elegant curving lines of the railing and the gentle sweep of the door frame are perfect accompaniments to the design in the glass.

Authentic Materials

Throughout the apartment, the material used are authentic: In addition to the original brick, there is solid oak and walnut wood, as well as glass, raw steel elements, unglazed hand-made historical tiles, and a variety of textiles. Raw wood trusses and supports add a rustic vibe and another wooden element that helps make the space feel warm and homey.

The kitchen has a minimalist design that is devoid of hardware, which contributes to the open, uncluttered appearance of the apartment.

Made-to-Measure Furniture

Nearly all of the furniture is solid wood and the pieces were made to measure. This was part of the focus on details and quality materials that the owner desired. The bedroom is a great example of this because rather than take up wall space with a wardrobe or add a wall to divide this space, the custom cabinet serves as a focal point that also anchors the bed in the middle of the room. Airy cotton sheers that are drawn around the bed add privacy.

Highly Functional Facilities

On the technological side, the heating and air conditioning systems are up to the current standards. The bathroom is highly functional with a well-thought-out and spare design that keeps the feeling light.

Gorgeous Outdoor Terrace

Perhaps the most appealing feature is the outdoor terrace that has a view across the city’s rooftops. It is an ideal spot for relaxing alone or with hanging out with friends in warmer weather.

Apartment-02-by-Hugo-Oliveira-Arquitetura-living-room.jpg

A Beautiful Open-Space Apartment In A Brutalist Building

Situated in a rather unique building dating back to 1968, this apartment from Brazil recently went through a complete renovation courtesy of studio Hugo Oliveira Arquitetura. One of the goals throughout this project was to get the apartment to reflect the building’s brutalist architecture. In order to do that, the team stripped down the walls and exposed the beautiful concrete underneath.

The living room uses one of the exposed concrete walls as a backdrop for its comfortable sitting area

A row of vertical windows exposes the main floor plan to the beautiful views of the surrounding area

The bedroom has a similar style, featuring an exposed concrete wall and the same chevron floor pattern

The exposed concrete on the walls gives the apartment this gorgeous rugged appearance which goes perfectly with the overall style of the building. Of course, raw concrete is not the most welcoming of materials so to balance it out the team also introduced this beautiful wooden floor. The floor features a chevron pattern which adds a classical and timeless feel to the space.

The wooden floor unifies the entire floor plan and offers a sense of continuity and comfort

The small office area was opened up and integrated into the rest of the open floor plan

The fact that the apartment had very few support beams and columns that could get in the way of creating an open floor plan was perfect for the plan that the designers had in mind. They connected the living room, kitchen, dining area, home office and laundry room in a single large space. This helps the apartment to look very airy and spacious and it also creates a perfect setup for entertaining guests.

Even the bathroom has its own concrete wall which is beautifully highlighted by the window

A big focus throughout the design process was on functionality, hence the simplicity of the decor

By opening up the floor plan spaces like the kitchen get to enjoy plenty of natural sunlight

Photographs: Haruo Mikami

A Minimalistic Apartment In Bologna With A Pure And Stylish Design

Situated in a new and eco-friendly part of Bologna, in Italy, this apartment is a stylish representation of what’s possible to create using a very simple palette of colors, finishes and materials. It was designed by the interior design studio of Francesco Meneghello and it features many inspiring little details throughout its interior. Starting with the living area, one can easily realize this is meant a tranquil and serene space that detaches itself from all the noise and stress which defines every big city.

The living room is fairly wide and airy and has a big casual sofa in the middle

One of the living room is occupied by a round table and a few armchairs

The living room opens onto a spacious terrace with a corner sectional sofa and a dining area

The pure white walls and ceiling and the light wooden floor create a relaxing and very airy type of atmosphere. Furthermore, a set of sliding glass doors reveal a connection between the living room and a spacious terrace with a really nice view of the city. A big sofa is placed in the center of the living area, framed by a patterned area rug with black and white stripes. There’s also a stylish cocktail table in one of the corners and a few other furniture pieces and decorations scattered throughout the space.

The living room also opens onto the kitchen, these areas being divided by a sliding panel

The kitchen has cabinets and countertops on three sides forming a U shape

One of the corners serves as a small wine tasting area

Transitioning into the private areas, the color palette remains simple and minimalistic

The bedroom is very simple but also welcoming thanks to its warmer and softer color palette

In comparison with the social areas which include the living room and the kitchen, the private areas of the apartment, namely the bedroom and the hallway leading to it, have a more intimate and delicate look and feel. They’re decorated and furnished with natural materials and soft color tones as well as mild contrasts, not as harsh as the black and white duo featured in the living room for example.

The bathroom is equally simple and elegant, featuring a chic wall mirror and a wooden vanity

Mirrors were strategically used to add depth and light to the hallway

A 1930s Industrial Space Transformed Into A Beautiful Family Home

There’s a lovely family house in Amsterdam with a pretty cool story and we’re about to have a closer look at it. The house enjoys a prime location at the center of the city and it didn’t actually always used to be a place to live in. It was originally built in the 1930s and it functioned as a hardware store and later as a garage. In 2020 architecture studio Barde+vanVoltt made the final change, converting into a beautiful home for a family of four.

The materials and finishes used in the interior design are naturally durable and have a genuine appearance

The wall texture adds warmth to the decor and coordinates nicely with the concrete floors

As you can imagine, transforming this structure into a suitable living space was a real challenge. The biggest issue was the fact that since the building was not meant to engage a lot with the exterior, it was very dark and gloomy on the inside. Bringing natural light into what would later become a cozy home became the main priority. In total, this place covers a 100 square meter area which made it possible for the architects to divide it into a series of common and private areas that feel quite open and airy.

The interior decor shows a preference for simple and authentic materials and finishes

The kitchen features wooden furniture and a beautiful quartzite counter with a matching sink

It was important for the new interior design to make this place feel inviting and comfortable but at the same time a decision was made to seek inspiration in the building’s industrial past. As a result, the array of materials used throughout the transformation were chosen for their durability and their ability to bridge the gap between the past and the present. The original concrete floors were preserved and incorporated into the new design along with natural clay walls, warm wooden accents and metal elements that introduce a retro-industrial flair into the new decor.

The bathroom features an industrial-looking metal tub and brushed copper fixtures

Glass interior walls and partitions ensure that all the rooms are filled with natural light

The new design was partially inspired by the building's industrial past — The new design was partially inspired by the building’s industrial past

NDT.304-Apartment-by-MZAM-living-room.jpg

An Old Apartment From 1936 Updated With A Modern Aesthetic

Just because a building is old doesn’t mean it’s necessarily outdated or obsolete. Old structures have a lot of character and a history behind them which can’t be replaced by anything else. We love the idea of taking an old house and updating it but with respect for its past rather than a desire to start from scratch.

The exposed brick section of this wall was turned into a decorative detail

This apartment from Barcelona, Spain is situated in a building that dates back to 1936 yet it looks quite modern. That’s because in 2021 studio MZAM worked on the renovation of this entire place.

A small bar attached to the wall acts as a divider between the kitchen and the living area

The new interior design shows a preference for simple and honest materials with warm textures

The strategy here was to keep all the architectural and design elements worth preserving and to integrate a bunch of the original elements into the new design. Features like the exposed brick walls or the ceiling are remnants of the past and they add a lot of charm to this place. To all of these pre-existing features the designers added a bunch of new features creating a mélange of styles.

Some of the interior walls have been removed during the renovation, opening up the social areas

They also reorganized the overall layout of the apartment, dividing into a day area and a night zone. At the same time, the division of these spaces was done through furniture and decorations rather than vertical dividers. The result is a more open and bright interior with a serene ambiance.

The new design shows respect for the apartment's original aesthetic but also has a chic and modern look — The new design shows respect for the apartment’s original aesthetic but also has a chic and modern look

The original ceiling has become one of the focal points for the entire apartment

The apartment has two bedrooms, each with its own balcony

Stylish Loft For Two With An Eclectic Design And Lots Of Fun Patterns

What you’re looking at right now is a beautiful apartment located in Kiev, Ukraine. The interior design is done by studio za-za and feels quite eclectic, with lots of different patterns, textures and materials mixed together. It’s not a big loft but it doesn’t feel small either thanks to the way the different areas are designed and oriented in relation to one another.

The rope chandelier in the living room does a great job at drawing the eye towards the ceiling

The main space is a lovely multifunctional area with this really cool chandelier centered above the sitting area. It has several hanging rope lights spread in all directions from the center point and it’s a nice way to add warmth and texture to the otherwise bare concrete ceiling.

The herringbone-patterned accent wall in the living room is also the main focal point of the kitchen

The kitchen cabinets coordinate with the dark blue curtains and go well with the floor and backsplash tiles

What’s also notable is the herringbone pattern on the living room accent wall. It helps to focus the attention towards the back of the room, beyond the sofa and it draws the attention away from the simplicity of the decor around it. The dark blue curtains add a nice contrast to the decor, framing the windows and blocking the sunlight for a better viewing experience when using this space as a home theater setting. We also love the hanging chair which sits between the living room and the open kitchen. It’s a cool way to visually separate these areas by actually introducing another piece of furniture into the mix.

The living room also has a small desk pushed against the wall on the right

The kitchen area is delineated by the tiled floor and the island can also be used as a bar

A large window wall opens up the entryway creating the impression of a big open space

The bedroom features a pallet bed with a metal pipe headboard frame

The kitchen has blue cabinets which help it stand out and an island which frames this whole area and acts as a space divider while also adding more storage space and a spacious countertop. The pattern once again plays an important role in the design and you can see how the floor in the kitchen is made of ceramic tiles with various different patterns and colors on them. There’s also matching tiles on the backsplash. And speaking of eye-catching patterns, the bedroom has matching accent walls and a cool-looking brick archway framing the bed and the bathroom features mosaic tiles that give it lots of character.

A corner walk-in shower framed in glass makes the most of this small bathroom space

The mosaic tile pattern creates an eye-catching backdrop without making the room look too busy

The red washbasin and circular mirror frame really help this bathroom pop in a chic way

A Charming Single-Room Apartment Inside An Old Factory Building

Compared to apartment buildings or traditional houses, the homes that are found inside structures such as former factories churches and so on tend to be a lot more unique and interesting. In some cases however you wouldn’t really know there’s anything unusual about the location just by looking at the interior design.

The exposed bricks add warmth, color and texture to this small apartment

A good example is this 39 square meter apartment from Norway. It’s found inside an old factory which had been repurposed in 2006 and it looks and feels very familiar, just like any regular apartment. It does of course have a few elements that stand out.

The small peninsula acts as a separator between the kitchen and the rest of the apartment

This is a rather small apartment so an open-plan layout was an obvious choice for it. It is however noticeable that a big emphasis was placed on making this space as efficient as possible, more so than in other cases. Although it’s small and it may not seem like there’s enough space for two bedrooms, this place actually has two nice sleeping areas. One of them is in fact the living room.

The living area is decorated with contrasting neutrals and has a modern-industrial vibe

A Murphy bed folds down on top of the sofa module, turning this area into a bedroom when needed

There’s a Murphy bed cleverly hidden here behind one of the wall units which can fold down over a section of the sofa, thus transforming this area into a bedroom whenever needed. There’s also another sleeping area and this one can be turned into a separate room by sliding the doors shut. It has a folding sofa which can be turned into a bed. The rest of the time this can be used as a sitting area, or perhaps as a small home office space.

The folding bed is hidden inside this wall module behind the living room sofa

The kitchen is all white and makes the front section of the apartment look very bright, airy and inviting

The kitchen is nice and open, being the first space one sees after passing the entryway. It has a small peninsula that adds more storage for kitchen equipment and can be used as a workspace as well as a bar when entertaining. The entire kitchen layout is white and minimalist, designed to be bright and airy but also practical and space-efficient. In the living room, the color palette transitions to warm neutral shades and dark gray tones and the window wall at the very end features exposed bricks which add an urban and very charming look to this entire apartment. Images and info from Finn.

There's also another small space with sliding doors that can turn it into a separate room — There’s also another small space with sliding doors that can turn it into a separate room

The small grey sofa can turn into a bed, transforming this into a cozy bedroom

A Gorgeous Macedonian Apartment With Rocky Accent Walls

This gorgeous apartment from Tetovo, in The Republic of Macedonia, has a very unique interior design that makes use of something we don’t often see indoors: rocky surfaces and textures. The apartment was designed in 2020 by LD Studio and it looks breathtaking.

The rocky accent wall in the living room creates a really cool backdrop for the entertainment center

It’s not very full of little details that stand out. Instead, it features a series of larger surfaces that create striking focal points, like the beautiful accent wall in the living room or the kitchen backsplash.

There's also a similar accent wall in the master bedroom, with subtle accent lighting coming from the top and bottom — There’s also a similar accent wall in the master bedroom, with subtle accent lighting coming from the top and bottom

Accent lighting also plays an important role throughout the apartment in general

In a way, this design brings the indoors inside but not in a typical way. It’s not full of greenery and it doesn’t focus much on the views but rather creates its own unique environment. It gives off a mountain-inspired vibe and has a certain cave-like feel as well but it’s not dark or gloomy. It’s bright and open and maintains many of the usual characteristics of a contemporary apartment. The living room, kitchen and dining area are combined into a single large space. Furthermore, you can also see an island with a table extension that seamlessly blends two spaces into one. The sectional sofa delineates a nice lounge area facing the TV wall.

In the child's room there's a little desk area in one of the corners and a lounge chair hanging from the ceiling — In the child’s room there’s a little desk area in one of the corners and a lounge chair hanging from the ceiling

The soft grey tones are quite prominent on the hallway that connects all the rooms

The kitchen island and the dining table have been combined into a large two-tier custom unit

Here you can clearly see the beautiful backsplash which matches the rocky accent walls

The rest of the rooms are just as spectacular in a similarly simple way. The master bedroom has its own rocky wall beautifully highlighted by subtle accent lighting. The texture and unique pattern stand out no matter what angle you view it from. The designers didn’t go overboard with the use of this rocky wall decor. They designed the rest of the apartment with a subdued and grey-based color scheme that suits the theme. That also works really well for the child’s room which is really cute and charming without being very colorful.

The leather sectional sofa helps to visually delineate the living room from the rest of the open space

Subdued accent lighting and soft grey tones give the master bathroom a very inviting and pleasant look

The walk-in closet matches the overall design of the bedroom and the apartment's color scheme — The walk-in closet matches the overall design of the bedroom and the apartment’s color scheme

The dark accent colors also add a masculine vibe to certain areas of the apartment

What IS the Difference Between A Condo And A Townhouse?

Whenever you’re in the market for a new home, seeing all of these different words can be confusing. Did you think a condo was just an apartment? Are you confused by duplexes and townhouses? Well, you’re not alone.

The names of different types of houses and housing units can be confusing. The easiest way to make things clear is to break down each one and compare the differences. This way, you always know what you’re getting.

What Is A Condo?

difference between condo and townhouse — Image from Standale Home Studio

A condo, or condominium, is a building that has many different living areas in it. Each area has its own entrance, even if to a hallway, and its own amenities, such as bathroom and kitchen. It is very similar to an apartment.

The difference is that in a condo, you own the area that you live in. While you can rent a condo, in most cases, you will buy it instead. When you do rent a condo, you’re renting the area that one person owns rather than renting from the building owner.

Condos aren’t owned by one person, they are owned by the community. They are owned by the tenants collectively. While one person may have purchased it to begin with, contracts ensure equal rights within the community.

What Is A Townhouse?

Image from Amanda Kirkpatrick Photography

A townhouse is simply a house that is sandwiched by two other houses. There may be a backyard, but there is no access to the exterior sides of the house. The house on Full House is a townhouse if that helps.

A townhouse can be rented or owned and can even be turned into a duplex. It is simply a style of house instead of a type of housing. However, townhouses and condos can look very similar upon first glancing at them.

But townhouses always have two walls covered by other buildings. Whereas condos aren’t about what they look like but rather how they are used. Condos are like apartments while townhouses aren’t associated with apartments.

What Is An Apartment?

An apartment is a lot like a condo. Each family has its own living space that isn’t accessible to anyone but them. However, the building is owned by a landlord to who you pay rent to. You can’t normally buy your own apartment.

In a condo, there are different rules as you do own the area you live in, just not the land. The rules are usually just city or district codes. In an apartment, you follow the rules that are set by the landowner.

You have very little say, but also very little responsibility with an apartment. You follow the rules, take care of your own unit, and do things very similar to the way they are done in dorms for college kids.

Major Differences Between A Condo And A Townhouse

Now that we’ve got the simple differences and definitions explained, let’s take a look at the more technical differences. Instead of looking at the pros and cons, let’s take a look at the facts so you can decide for yourself.

Keep in mind that what is right for you may not be right for someone else, and vice versa. Taking advice from friends is great but a condo may be perfect for them while a townhouse is more your style. Helping you find the answer is our purpose here.

Who Owns What?

When it comes to a condo, you have full ownership of the unit you live in yet share joint ownership of the building. The joint ownership is shared with the other tenants rather than a landlord. But the ownership doesn’t end with the building.

You also own part of the gym, pool, and any other amenities involved. You even own part of the hallway, yard, and airspace. This is your property, similar to the way that a married couple may share a property.

When it comes to townhouse ownership though, it is usually just one family involved. Whoever bought the townhouse owns it. The ownership works just like any other type of home, you even own the small piece of land it sits on.

When Is the HOA Involved?

HOA, the homeowners’ association, will become an everyday name if you live in a condo. Both of these options have an HOA. The rules of the condo and townhouse are often set by the HOA. But the terms are different.

In a condo, the people of the HOA own part of the building. They take care of the common areas and maintenance. They can collect fees among other things. In a way, the HOA is more strict in a condo.

In a townhouse, there is a line. You own the property. There may be an HOA that makes rules since the walls of your home are attached to other homes but they don’t have as much power. In any case, you can join the HOA.

How Much Does Each Cost?

Cost is always a factor, whether you’re building a house or buying. Both condos and townhouses are cheaper than houses set on land that is detached. But when it comes to a condo vs. a townhouse, there is a smaller difference.

A condo is usually a bit cheaper because you don’t have to buy any land. Property payments are shared with the other tenants and distributed by HOA. Townhouses on the other hand are handled by you, the homeowner.

Contact a realtor to find out the range of condos and townhouses in your area. They can give you an accurate range of what you are looking for to help you compare the two in your town.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

This is a big question that is asked often. Do you have more responsibilities with a condo or townhouse? The other end of this is that people believe that more responsibility also means more freedom.

When it comes to condos, you are responsible for paying your monthly house payment. HOA can help you through things step-by-step, which can help a lot. But with a townhouse, you’re responsible for everything.

Each way has its own pros and cons. After all, having someone else clean your pool and make sure payments are made is great. But on the other hand, that pool is shared with other people and you have more restrictions.

What About The Community?

Even with HOA involved, you’ll have more community living in a condo. On that same note, you’ll have more privacy in a townhouse. Each of these has a list of pros and cons and really depends on the family.

If you have children with who you want to interact with other children safely, a condo may be great because you can keep it local. However, forced interaction may happen with a condo which isn’t great if you value privacy above the community.

So this comes down to whether a good community that you can trust is more important or having your own privacy is more important. These are the two actors to consider when choosing between a townhouse and a condo.

Where Can I Have A Yard?

If having your own yard is important, then don’t even consider a condo. You can have a courtyard but it will be shared with other tenants. If you choose a condo, you won’t have any personal outdoor space.

When it comes to townhouses, you can have your own backyard and occasionally a small front yard. You may have to follow rules but they shouldn’t be too strict.

Which Is The Better Investment?

If you’re thinking about the long run, then you are thinking about which type of housing is the better investment. This really depends on the area you live in, how the economy in the area is going, and a million other things.

In general, you won’t lose money on a condo. However, it’s also not as big of an investment. A townhouse may be riskier but since you have more freedom, you’ll be able to affect the resale value personally.

This can be scary to those with no experience with houses, but it can be a dream for those who want to make it big. you can even flip a townhouse if the HOA allows it, which they usually do. This just isn’t possible with a condo.

But if you don’t have the money to lose, then a condo is a safer investment. Much like an apartment, you won’t be losing anything if you decide to move out. In fact, another tenant will probably have someone in mind to buy the unit right away.

So Which Is Right For You?

Image from Page Ayres Cowley Architects, LLC

If you still don’t know whether you should get a condo or a townhouse, don’t worry. This isn’t a decision that can be made overnight. It is important to weigh the pros and cons on a personal level to find what works for you.

It is also nearly necessary to talk to a realtor you can trust. Find out what the perks of each are in your particular area and if they are even both available. There are some areas without condos and some without townhouses.

If there is only one type available then your decision has already been made for you. Just don’t rule out other options, like apartments, or affordable detached houses. You’d be surprised what a good realtor can find for you.

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31