Buying a particular property can be challenging for most, especially with their intricate and unique design styles. If you’re still undecided on which is better for you and your family, take note of these disadvantages and advantages before you call the moving service to pack up your things.
Buying a Condominium
Advantages
Plenty of people have been choosing condos over houses in the last few years because of how accommodating it is. Luxurious amenities like pools and gyms are already in the building, therefore making it cost-prohibitive. Not only that, condos are usually found in the heart of cities—urban areas. It makes shops, malls, and restaurants easily accessible. Add a quick exercise to your legs with a trip around the block, and you’re already there. The convenience and low-maintenance lifestyle that condos require are a massive attraction to most people.
1. Amenities
More prominent condominium communities often have a plethora of shared facilities. Jogging trails, pet parks, park spaces, golf courses, gymnasiums, tennis courts, and swimming pools are all examples of recreational facilities that you’ll find in condos. For the most part, persons who reside in private homes must travel to public facilities to use these services. Without ever leaving the condo, the prospective tenant can visit them anytime.
2. No Exterior Maintenance and Repairs
As a result, living in a condominium has several advantages. The homeowner’s association (HOA) owns and maintains the exterior of a condominium. Only the interior is the owner’s responsibility. However, they have no interest in what’s happening beyond the front door. Thus, you can free up time (and money) for other hobbies.
3. Location
Condominiums are generally placed near amenities because they are smaller and have a denser population. There is plenty of entertainment, cultural activities, retail, and employment options in downtown regions. Most condo owners also commute less than homeowners who live in far-flung exurban and suburban areas.
Disadvantages
One significant setback of condos is the list of fees you need to pay for every month. These fees that usually go to the building’s maintenance and amenities can be unreasonably expensive. Another is how some homeowners disagree with the rules and regulations of a particular condo, therefore giving them a difficult time to adjust.
Buying a House
Advantages
The open space of the outdoors and the freedom to remodel or make changes around the house without anyone else’s consent is a significant advantage of having a house instead of a condo. Houses are much more spacious, adding up more storage spaces like attics, basements, and garages. The added-up area of the exterior also makes it more accommodating to pets, parties, kids, and even gardening. Not only that, but privacy is also a feature since you don’t live near the neighbors, unlike in condos units.
1. There’s Room for Improvement
There’s a strong connection between this and the land factor. As a family develops, so can your home. The possibilities are endless. You can demolish walls and create an additional room for your home or build decks in the backyard. Moreover, you can even have a guest house installed on your land if you live in a less residential area. That’s impossible with a condo and even more so with an apartment.
2. Increasing Self-expression and Self-determination
Condos have several drawbacks, one of which being uniformity. You can’t do anything with the exterior because you don’t own it. A house, on the other hand, is a very different matter. You can build a tree house in the backyard for the children or plant lilac bushes across the property. Unlike a condominium, you can customize a house however you want.
3. Owning Land
Owning real estate indeed requires a piece of land. Condos, by definition, don’t have it. Detached houses are the most common type. Ownership has many benefits, and this is one of them. Although you have to maintain the property properly, you still have the freedom to have backyard parties, build a pool behind the house, start a garden, or even play soccer or football if you have enough space. In addition, a private, closed backyard where your children may play safely is a huge plus.
Disadvantages
All the responsibilities, such as interior and exterior maintenance, including plant care, are all in the homeowner’s hands. Spending on additional tools and services will also be needed if you are to have a leaking sink or a broken window. Also, the location might be of an issue to some. That favorite milk tea you’re craving might take you 20 minutes of travel time, unlike in urban located condos where most shops are just around the corner.
The mentioned advantages and disadvantages help you weigh out which is the better option for you. Whether it be a house or a condo is your decision. Remember, make sure to choose the one that accommodates your dwelling needs the most, making you feel at home.
