| Many people mistakenly believe that the only real | | | | for by your strata fees. There is also the benefit of |
| option when buying a new home is to buy a house; | | | | the added security of having your neighbors closer |
| however, a house is not an ideal option for many | | | | and if you live in an apartment-style condo there is |
| people. Owning a house and owning a condominium | | | | probably a security entrance or doorman. Many |
| both have their advantages and disadvantages which | | | | condos are located in a more urban location and can |
| need to be weighed before deciding which option will | | | | cut down on travel time for many people who work |
| work best for you. | | | | in that environment as a result. Due to the close |
| Houses usually seem like the best option for most | | | | proximity of neighbors and the shared nature of the |
| people and for some they really are. Individual houses | | | | condominium, they can also cost distinctly less than a |
| don't share walls with neighbors and have their own | | | | stand-alone house will, particularly when you factor in |
| yards that you can landscape any way you like. The | | | | location and perks like a pool or gym facility. |
| home owner decides how to decorate and maintain | | | | Buying into a condominium isn't always fun and games |
| the yard as well as the outside of the home and | | | | unfortunately; there are some aspects that you need |
| unless there is a neighbourhood rule about how things | | | | to take care to look at closely before you decide to |
| need to look, you can pretty much decorate as you | | | | buy into a complex. Take the time to look into the |
| please. When you own your own house there is | | | | use of strata fees and how much money the condo |
| naturally a buffer between you and your neighbors | | | | association has banked for in case of emergency |
| which can make it easier to live with them. All of | | | | repairs. Look at the previous council minutes to see if |
| your property and building maintenance is funded by | | | | there are any evident problems that you might not |
| you, so that you make all the financial decisions about | | | | want to jump into. Make sure that the council doesn't |
| how to go about fixing and replacing items as | | | | have any restrictions that you can't live with, like a |
| needed. | | | | no pet rule or no Christmas lights past January. |
| For some people, houses are more work than they | | | | As with any purchase, make sure that what you |
| have time for and a condominium is more in line with | | | | think you want to have is what will actually work |
| the amount of upkeep they can fit in their schedule. | | | | best for you. Take the time to look into what your |
| When you own a condominium you share the public | | | | needs are and what you have the time or money to |
| spaces like gardens, pools, tennis courts, and/or | | | | actually utilise or upkeep. Making a purchase that |
| gyms; upkeep of these communal places is done by | | | | accurately reflects your needs will keep you happier |
| a person who's hired to maintain them which is paid | | | | in the long run. |