Buyer's Guide

Home Buyer's Guide,
It's Your Choice.

In choosing a first home, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you intend to purchase a Condominium or House. Each type of unit has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of each property type to familiarize yourself with the distinction.

Townhome + Semi + Single Condominium Register Now

Guide

Freehold Townhome / Semi / Single

  • Freehold Ownership- A single owner (or a couple in the case of spousal joint-ownership) own the interior and exterior of the property outright.
  • Owners solely control all decisions pertaining to the grounds, interior and building exterior (in cooperation with city bylaws).
  • No common shared areas with neighbours.
  • Security is managed by the owner of the property.
  • Generally no monthly condo fees.
  • Owners pay out-of-pocket for repairs and maintenance that are not covered under a home warranty.

Condominium

  • Condominium Ownership- Owners own their unit in the building outright but share ownership rights of common areas.
  • Owners make decisions about common spaces through an Owners’ Association.
  • Access to common areas is shared with neighbours.
  • Condominiums tend to have facilities such as swimming pools, health/fitness clubs, boardrooms and party rooms that houses typically do not have.
  • Security is managed by the building. Generally, a security team and concierge control who has access to the building.
  • Monthly Condo Fees associated with management and maintenance of common areas. Owners pay for most repairs/maintenance through these fees.