While some people prefer single family detached homes that are not condominiums, there are many advantages to owning a home within a condominium building. Some of the benefits or advantages follow:

• They are generally less expensive to buy which translates to lower mortgage payments.
• Condominiums make it more affordable to enjoy the use of a pool, spa, tennis courts, clubhouse, garden areas and other amenities because the cost is shared, and likewise, the cost of routine maintenance is shared.
• Major repairs and maintenance costs for such things as roof repairs/replacements, paving work, and exterior painting are also shared costs.
• Security is less of a concern because it is easier for homeowners to watch out for their neighbors when they are not home.

Townhouses, Townhomes, and Condominiums

A townhouse or town home is an architectural design, not a form of ownership. A townhouse can be a condominium or an apartment. Townhouses are built in rows. They are not stacked one upon another. Often, but not always, the first level includes a private garage and then one or two levels of living space are constructed above. Townhouses may also be built above a common parking garage, but again, the units are built in rows, and are not stacked one above the other. A condominium is a form of ownership and a type of common interest development. Condominiums can be stacked, townhouse style, or detached homes. Many- people prefer townhouses because they have no neighbors above or below, only side to side.