It seems that one of the great debates for home buyers lately is whether to buy a house or a condo. Lifestyles for many are far too busy to maintain a property, yet not everyone likes the idea of condo living. Here are some pros and cons for both options to help you decide which is better for you.
Condos
The modern condos for sale Ottawa has to offer are well designed to help you live a comfortable lifestyle in a well-planned space. You will find well-appointed design details with high end finishes. You will also discover a well maintained building and surrounding property. Here are some of the pros for buying the condos for sale Ottawa has available:
- Low maintenance living: The property management is responsible for all those nasty little chores such as shoveling snow and mowing lawns.
- Utilities Included: In many cases utilities are included in your monthly maintenance fees such as water and heat. This means less bills to manage.
- Your Own Decor: You can decorate your home however you wish.
- Amenities: Many condos have amenities be it a pool, rooftop patio or even a gym.
- Insurance: Any damage to the exterior of the building is covered by the property management’s insurance.
- Views: Depending on where you buy your condo you can often find stunning views to add to the appeal of your home.
- Repairs: Depending on what your maintenance fees cover you might have free repairs for things such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
Here are some of the cons for condo living:
- Maintenance Fees: Although the maintenance fees cover utilities they also mean paying out additional costs every month.
- Renovations: Although you can decorate your personal space however you wish, you do need permission from the condo board to make major changes or improvements.
- Outdoor Space: You might have a balcony or a common area such as a rooftop patio, but you won’t have your own backyard.
- Insurance: You will still need to pay for your own personal insurance to cover your belongings.
Houses
When you buy a house you not only have a home, but a lovely private property you can enjoy. Here are some of the pros to owning a house:
- Outdoor Space: Many people enjoy having a private yard and garden to enjoy as additional living space.
- Renovate and Decorate: You can do whatever you want to improve your property both inside and out whenever you see fit.
- No Fees: You won’t have to fork out additional money for condo fees.
- No Boards: You will have control over your own property without having to deal with a condo board.
- Investment: Buying a house is a better investment than buying a condo as homes in urban areas tend to appreciate in value.
Here are some of the cons to owing a house:
- Maintenance: You are responsible both physically and financially for all maintenance of your property both inside and out. That means shoveling, mowing and all repairs from roof to basement, electrical to plumbing.
- Insurance: Your insurance must cover all damages both exterior and interior.
- No Amenities: Other than a backyard and perhaps a pool, for the most part houses do not have additional amenities such as a gym.
- Bills: You will be responsible for all bills including hydro, water, heating, etc.
Whether you’re shopping for houses or condos, it all boils down to which one will make a better fit for your lifestyle and budget.
