Condos vs. Homes: Which Is Right for You?

Are you thinking of making a move to Sarasota? Our fabulous city has plenty of properties to choose from…but with so many options, it might seem hard to make a decision. If you’re trying to choose between buying a home or a condo, here a few factors you should consider!

How much space do you need?

Woman weighing pros and cons of a home or a condo

It’s no secret that most condos aren’t as spacious as single-family homes—but this might not be a bad thing. If you’re thinking about downsizing or retiring to Sarasota, investing in a smaller condo could be better for you in the long run.

However, some newer condos offer just as much (if not more) space than an average home. Be sure to talk with your agent and figure out how much space you really need before you buy. You might miss that extra square footage if you’re used to living in a bigger place!

Are you looking for amenities?

House with a pool

Many buyers are flocking to Sarasota’s condo communities for the stellar amenities…and we can’t say that we blame them! Most condos come with access to private pools, fitness centers, club houses, and so much more. However, these amenities aren’t free—the cost is usually factored into your HOA payments.

Some single-family home subdivisions come with their own set of conveniences, too. You’ll probably have fewer amenities than most condo complexes, but you also won’t have to pay as much to use them!

Do you want a low-maintenance property?

Mowing the lawn at a home or a condo

Are you sick of mowing your lawn? Would you rather have someone else handle all of the pesky maintenance tasks that come with owning a home? If so, you may want to consider condo living. All of your exterior maintenance is covered by your HOA dues, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

However, living in a conventional home does still have some advantages. If you enjoy having full control over your property’s exterior, a house might be the best option. Some condos have tight restrictions on what you can and can’t do to your unit—and in a single-family home, you can usually make any changes that you want!

Do you need a lot of privacy?

Person relaxing on a hammock

One of the biggest drawbacks to condo living is the lack of of privacy. Because you share walls with your neighbors, you might not always have the same peace and quiet that you’ll get in a house. However, if you’re looking for a sense of community, you might enjoy having your neighbors close by.

When you have a home of your own, you won’t have to worry about noisy neighbors or being too loud. You also don’t have to share walls, parking spaces, or your yard with people around you. If you’d rather have plenty of room to spread out, condo living might not be for you!

Looking for a Home or a Condo?

If you’re trying to decide between a home or a condo, we’d love to help you weigh your options. You can always trust the Kotaska Team to lead you in the right direction, and we have the experience you need to find your perfect place. Ready to get started? Just drop us a line or check out our buyer resources!

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