When buying a home in Ottawa, it’s easy to get confused by the terms used to describe different property types. Two of the most common, townhouses and condominiums, are often used interchangeably; however, they do refer to very different things. To complicate matters further, there are also condo townhouses, which combine features of both.
If you’re considering a purchase, understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed decision.
What Is a Townhouse?
A townhouse (or townhome) is a style of housing. These homes are typically attached in a row, sharing one or two walls with neighbouring units while still offering multiple levels of living space. Many townhouses include private entrances, backyards or patios and sometimes garages.
In Ottawa, townhouses can be freehold or part of a condominium corporation:
- Freehold Townhouse: You own the house and the land it sits on. There are no monthly condo fees and you’re responsible for all maintenance inside and out, including roof, siding, driveway and the yard. This offers independence but comes with higher ongoing upkeep costs.
- Condo Townhouse: While the home looks like a townhouse, it is legally part of a condominium. You own the interior of your unit but share ownership of common elements such as the roof, siding or landscaping. A monthly condo fee covers these shared expenses.
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What Is a Condominium?
A condominium (or condo) is not a style of home but a form of ownership. When you buy a condo, you own your individual unit (whether that’s an apartment, loft or townhouse) plus a percentage of the shared common elements including things such as hallways, elevators, parking garages, landscaping and any recreational amenities.
Condos are most often thought of as apartment-style buildings, common across Ottawa. However, because condo ownership refers to the legal structure, you can have condo townhouses, stacked condos or even detached condos.
The defining feature of a condo is the monthly condo or maintenance fee. This fee covers maintenance, insurance on common areas and often amenities like gyms or pools. The condo corporation manages the property and ensures upkeep of all shared spaces. Some condo fees even cover utilities such as heat, hydro and water.
Key Differences Between Townhouses and Condos
Here’s a breakdown of how they differ:
1. Ownership
- Townhouse (Freehold): You own both the house and the land beneath it.
- Condo: You own the interior of your unit and share ownership of the land and common areas.
2. Maintenance
- Townhouse (Freehold): All maintenance is your responsibility.
- Condo: Shared maintenance is covered through condo fees though you’ll still handle the inside of your unit.
3. Monthly Fees
- Townhouse (Freehold): Typically, no monthly fees.
- Condo: Condo fees are mandatory and vary depending on amenities and property size. They are set by the condo corporation.
4. Rules & Restrictions
- Townhouse (Freehold): You make the rules (within municipal bylaws).
- Condo: You must follow the condo corporation’s rules, which may include pet policies, rental restrictions or renovation guidelines.
The Hybrid: Condo Townhouses
This is where things get tricky. Many buyers in Ottawa are surprised to learn that their “townhouse” is technically a condo townhouse. From the outside, it looks like any other row home but legally, it’s part of a condo corporation. That means you’ll pay monthly fees and share ownership of common elements.
The advantage? Lower maintenance. The condo corporation often handles things like snow removal, roof replacement and exterior repairs. This makes condo townhouses popular among busy professionals and downsizers who like the townhouse layout but prefer less responsibility for upkeep.
The trade-off is less control. Since the property is part of a condo, you’ll need to abide by the rules and regulations set by the board.
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Which Is Right for You?
When deciding between a townhouse and a condo in Ottawa, ask yourself the following:
- Do I want full control and independence, even if it means handling all the maintenance? If yes, then a freehold townhouse might be best.
- Do I prefer shared upkeep and access to amenities even with monthly fees and some restrictions? If yes, then a condo may be the right fit.
- Do I like the look and feel of a townhouse but also want reduced responsibility for exterior maintenance? If yes, then a condo townhouse could be your ideal middle ground.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s housing market offers a wide range of options from sleek downtown condos to family-friendly townhouses in the suburbs. Understanding the differences between a townhouse and a condo (and how a condo townhouse blends both) is crucial when evaluating your options.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor or downsizing, working with an experienced Realtor ensures you choose the property type that matches your lifestyle, budget and long-term goals.
Ready to buy? Get in touch with us today, we’d love to help you find your place in the capital! Call 613.909.8100 or reach us by email at info@PilonGroup.com.
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