Condo vs House

Living in a condo Vs Living in a house

Melissa Diane Vasagam

George Brown College

Young adults striking out on their own are faced with a difficult decision regarding housing. Many just assume the difference between a condo and a house is that one has a yard and one typically does not. There is much more to it than just that, and it is important to know all of the factors. One must take cost, available space, and included amenities into account when determining which method of housing is better. One factor that illustrates how living in a house is the better housing choice for a young adult is cost.

Condominiums are more expensive than living in houses taxed at a comparable rate despite the misleading sticker price. For instance, condominium corporations charge high maintenance fees monthly, regardless of whether or not there are any repairs to be made or whether or not these repairs are required for the unit. Owners are even charged these fees regardless of the age of the building. Even new buildings require owners to pay these exorbitant fees. On the other hand, houses offer more freedom in this regard. The homeowner may do any repairs they require by themselves, or may choose a contractor to their liking. Furthermore, they do not have to pay for lighting or heating in common areas that the owner may not make much use of. When all of the expenses are totalled, the cost of living in a house is considerably less expensive to live in than a condominium of comparable value. In addition to cost, another factor why living in a house is the better choice of living arrangements is space.

Houses are better than condominiums because they offer considerably more living space for their owners than condominiums. Condominium units often have very little storage space such as amounting to a locker inconveniently located in a common area. They also have no backyard or garden to accommodate for children, pets or entertaining guests, family and...