The Differences Between Condominium and Townhome

If you are looking to purchase a home in Tucson yet want minimal upkeep, a condominium or townhouse might be perfect for you. Yet few people truly know the difference. It is important to know the differences as each has their own benefits, features, and legal responsibilities.

The word "condominium" is Latin, meaning "common ownership" or "common control."

A buyer of a condominium owns his or her individual unit, plus a percentage of the surrounding property, including land and any amenities on the property.

A buyer of a townhome purchases his or her individual unit, as well as the ground underneath that unit. Each townhome has its own roof, in contrast to condominiums.

The terms of condominium ownership sometimes are cloudier, simply because owners share more common areas (for example, stairs and hallways) than do townhome owners.

Basically, condo unit owners own the inside of their units. Townhouse owners own the complete unit, including exterior surfaces and the land on which the unit is built. Every condo or townhouse development also has "common areas" of the property (recreation areas, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.). Condo owners share ownership of the common areas with other owners, while common areas in townhouse developments are usually owned by the homeowners' association for the benefit and use of unit owners.

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Click the box labeled "Condo" and/or "Townhouse" in the property types box below to view only those specific properties.
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