Single-family residences, condos, and townhomes are all great home options, but they’re unique in their own ways. When considering which home is the right fit for you, it’s important to be aware of how these homes differ, including within their homeowner associations, or HOAs.
“The only difference is what has to be maintained by the homeowner and the HOA,” says Jeff Benach, co-principal at Lexington Homes in Chicago, Illinois. “For a condo, for example, everything is covered — the HOA handles the insurance and generally the building maintenance.”
Alyssa H. Solarsh, Esq., and Melissa B. Schlactus, Esq.—both of Taylor, Eldridge, & Endres, P.C., in Smithtown, New York—say owners living in an attached home type typically have less maintenance responsibilities than those living in a single-family home community.
“For example, the board of a condominium or HOA will generally be responsible for roof and siding repairs to homes in attached-home communities,” Solarsh and Schlatus explain, “whereas an owner of a single-family may be responsible for repairs to his or her own roof and siding. As a result, monthly common charges or assessments are generally higher in attached-home communities.”
It’s important to note that the difference between a single-family residence HOA and a condo or townhome HOA has nothing to do with fees; rather, the fees will vary based on what each HOA covers and which amenities they offer. Because there’s less maintenance required, a condo or townhome may be more conducive to a leave-and-lock lifestyle for busy or traveling homeowners.
How are condo & townhome HOAs and single-family residence HOAs similar?
HOAs for all home types have the same goal: to safeguard homeowners’ assets. While HOAs often get a bad rap, they play a vital role in helping to keep neighborhoods and buildings maintained and protecting property values, says Natalia Paulino, a licensed real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty in Brooklyn, New York.
“The rules and guidelines maintaining your property are likely to increase the appreciation of your home’s value versus a neighborhood with no strict rules that allows homeowners to depreciate the value of home prices by not keeping up with even simple home maintenance,” she says.
Solarsh and Schlatus explain that an HOA board, regardless of whether homes are single-family or attached, will typically control the type of materials used (say, for a siding repair) and the color of materials used in a repair or when simply painting a home to allow for a uniform look within the community.
Paulino adds that there is no one-fee-fits-all model — with more amenities and services come higher HOA fees, so it’s important to understand what those fees do and do not cover before purchasing a home in a community or building that has an HOA. Amongst other important steps when moving into a new home, be sure to request a copy of all the HOA’s governing documents.
How are condo & townhome HOAs and single-family residence HOAs different?
Single-family residence HOAs generally cover common areas such as neighborhood parks, green spaces, sidewalks, and swimming pools. Homeowners are responsible for their own home and yard maintenance.
The difference between a single-family residence HOA and a condo or townhome HOA is that condo or townhome owners are responsible for their unit inside a building. Condo or townhome HOA fees typically cover insurance and the shell of the building, as well as common areas and landscaping maintenance.
“In condo associations, each homeowner owns their unit, taking a share of the building and the building’s common areas,” says Paulino, adding that townhomes typically split fees based on the proportion to their share on a lot.
Let’s say that, for example, a condo building needs a new roof. All the owners in the building are responsible for their share of the roof repair — in essence, the fees they pay into an HOA will cover their portion, rather than just one person being on the hook for the entire repair fee, as would happen with a single-family residence. So, when trying to decide which home type is right for you, consider how much of the maintenance you would like to manage financially.
In some single-family residence neighborhoods, HOAs don’t exist or don’t play a big role in homeowners’ daily lives. However, it’s hard to imagine a condo or townhome building without an HOA, says Benach. That’s because someone must be responsible for building maintenance.
“A condo or townhome building that doesn’t have an HOA is a disaster waiting to happen,” he says. “If there’s an issue that affects a neighbor, there would be nobody to make sure there’s even or equal ‘rights’ for every condo or townhome owner.”
The difference between a condo or townhome HOA and a single-family residence comes down to who is responsible for different types of maintenance. If you prefer a home that requires little maintenance on your part, a condo or townhome may be the right option for you. If you prefer to handle more of the maintenance on your home, a single-family residence may be a better option. Before making your new home purchase, compare the HOA covenants from all housing types so you’ll know what is expected of homeowners in each neighborhood.
Patricia L. Garcia is an award-winning freelance journalist who has written for NewHomeSource, the Associated Press, New Mexico magazine and the Texas Bar Journal. When not writing, she can be found in the garden, battling weeds and high-desert heat.
Angela Waterford
I’m glad to know that single-family homes have homeowners’ associations that aren’t that significant in my decisions regarding renovations. I think I’ll buy a coastal home for sale since I’ve always wanted to buy that type of home. It’s going to be fun living by the coast because of the weather, so I might get a home if they’re offered by a real estate company.
Stefan Bradley
I am thankful that you brought up the fact that you have the freedom to perform maintenance on your single-family home. Ever since we got married, my wife has always enjoyed home improvement projects, and she wants to find a home that we can renovate however we wish. A single-family home might provide us with the liberties that we are looking for.
Julie King
I’m looking at property designated as condo, however there are no HOA fees. It is connected to the properties on each side by the garages.
I’m looking at another property designated townhome, also with no HOA. This one connects on one side only the the neighboring property.
With no HOA fees, what makes either of them a condo or a townhome? Thanks.
Jamie Garcia
Hi Julie,
You can check out our article on the difference between a condo and townhome.
J. Donohue
Hi,I Have A Slab Leak in my Town Home and was told by my HOA reps that they do not cover the damage for the repairs.Is this Legal?
Jamie Garcia
Hi Jay,
You’ll need to talk with your attorney about this.
Karen
I am part of a 3-unit condo association. We are having a dispute over division of costs when it comes to the outer shell of the building. My unit is much smaller, a one-bed, one-bath just under 800 sq ft, while the other two units are twice the size. The assessed values obviously reflect this. The bylaws do not clearly define how the maintenance is split and I have been house-poor since purchasing due to the other owners wanting new 3 car garage, paving, etc. Although I am willing to keep the maintenance of the home up to par, since I am single income, I always feel it is 4 against 1 and I’m the association president!
Is there a legal way to divide these costs so it is more fair?
My next step is to contact a lawyer to read over the contract. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Jamie Garcia
Hi Karen,
You’ll need to talk with your HOA or an attorney to learn what your options are.