The best thing about being a buyer is having a lot of options. But more options also mean more decision-making, especially when purchasing a home. Aside from location, price, and design, you also have to consider the housing type. Do you want a condo? Or do you prefer to live in a house with a spacious lawn?  

Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your budget and lifestyle. And while there’s no right or wrong choice between housing types, knowing what to expect from them will make your decision easier. To give you a better idea about condos and houses, take a look at some of their pros and cons in this article.

What is a Condo?

A condo (or condominium) is a building structure divided into several units, and each unit is owned separately. The land around the condo and other facilities outside the units are considered common areas and are collectively owned by all condo owners in the community. Owning a condo usually involves paying association fees for building maintenance and repairs.

What is a House?

A house is a single-unit residential building that varies in the complexity of materials used, size of land, and design. Houses usually come with a titled land, where they can be sold and owned as one. Some houses are designed based on your taste or preference, while others are built at the discretion of certain developers.

Pros of Buying a Condo

The primary advantage of condos is their location. Many people today prefer to live in an urbanized community, which is where most condos are located. Living within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and other places of interest is something that a condo can provide.

Another advantage is that you get to enjoy the resort-like amenities of condos, which are too expensive to include in a house. Some condos have pools, groceries, and gyms, all of which are suggestive of luxurious living that attracts most buyers.

Furthermore, all building maintenance and repairs are taken cared of by the condominium management — provided you are paying your association fees.

Read more: 6 Best Tips for Buying Your First Condo

Cons of Buying a Condo

Speaking of association fees, it’s one of the drawbacks of owning a condo. The fees are not only expensive, but you have to pay them outside of your monthly mortgage payments. Any additional costs can discourage most buyers.  

Another drawback, and perhaps the most crucial, is that buying a condo unit doesn’t include land. You’ll be paying for a property that may no longer be there after 50 or so years. Whatever happens to the building, whether it gets destroyed by an earthquake or burned to the ground, you won’t be getting your money back.

Pros of Buying a House

Buying a house has several advantages, and the most significant is its value for money. Houses tend to increase in value over time, making them valuable assets now and in the future. Another important advantage of buying a house is that it comes with a titled lot, which may be more valuable than the house itself.

Moreover, you have all the freedom to remodel and renovate your house whenever you want. There’s also the potential of expanding your property, especially if you have a spacious lot. This is perfect if you’re planning to have a big family or have pets.

Cons of Buying a House

One of the main cons of homeownership is that you have to do everything from maintenance to repairs to plumbing and gardening. You need to maintain everything inside and outside your house, which requires time and effort. You can always hire someone to do it for you, but it won’t be cheap.

Other cons are remote locations and less security. Not all houses have good locations. Some are far away from the city, which raises security concerns. While placing CCTV cameras will help, it’s not the same as having security personnel watch over your property.

Read more: 8 House Inspection Tips Before Buying

Conclusion

Choosing between a house and a condo is a big decision. Both have their respective advantages that would make for a good residency. If you have a big family and want a larger space, buy a house. If you’re single and you want to live near the city while enjoying resort-like amenities, buy a condo. Ultimately, buy a home that meets your budget and lifestyle.