Are You More of a Condo Person or Detached Home Person?

A few decades ago, owning a single-family home with a big yard was the dream for many homebuyers. Today, we see an equal number of people interested in the condo market, and not only because it is more affordable, but because condo living aligns better with their needs and lifestyle. Moreover, many newer condos in Vaughan, Toronto and other GTA towns and cities were built to fit family needs, which launched condo family living as a growing trend. However, the Detached market is still as desirable, and if you are not sure which one is the better option for you, here are a few pointers that can help you figure out whether a condo or a house aligns better with your lifestyle, needs and personality.

Are you a minimalist or are you looking for more space?
A beautiful Detached or semi-detached comes with more space (usually with more bedrooms), while condos are quite limited in space, especially when it comes to storage (like a laundry room, an attic, etc.). If you are determined to have all the space available for your equipment, gear and clutter, perhaps, a single-family home is a better option for you, but if you are a minimalist who prefers a clutter-free lifestyle, you are probably better off with a condo where you will be “forced” to use each square foot wisely. (Click here to see new development condos in the area).

Do you prefer privacy or convenience?
Single-family homes offer more privacy than condos. Houses usually come with a backyard and driveway, which you do not have to share with anybody. You can also be as loud as you want to at any hour of the day or night without having the neighbours show up at your door. Living in a condo, however, requires you to obey certain condo rules which often include restrictions regarding noise, renovations, etc., and you will be sharing the elevator, the condo hallways and other common amenities with the other condo residents. On the other hand, condo living gives you easier access to amenities, as condo buildings usually come with a gym, a pool, sometimes a concierge, a sauna, a rooftop garden, etc.

If you are a homebuyer who enjoys an active lifestyle and don’t mind sharing certain areas with other people, then a condo might be a good fit for you. However, if you prefer the freedom and comfort that only a house can give, you are probably more of a Detached home type of person.

Do you like living in a quieter surrounding or a busy area?
Most of the time, condos are just steps away from all the great amenities, as they are mostly found in the most attractive locations. They are usually closer to transit lines, restaurants, cafes, etc. Even if they are not in a downtown area, most condo blocks nowadays come with their own set of amenities that enable them to function as self-sufficient micro-communities. While this works perfectly for some people, others enjoy a quieter surrounding and spending sunny afternoons or warm evenings in the privacy of their backyards rather than at a rooftop garden they have to share with others. 

Choosing between a condo and a house is not just a matter of price, but also a matter of the lifestyle you prefer. Your personality, your daily routine and your personal preferences should play a crucial role in making this decision, so make sure you are aware of all the responsibilities and rights that come with each of the two.  

If you would like to discuss your housing needs or find out more about available condos and houses in the GTA area, contact me here.