Davidcopperfeel

if you're talking about the same location of course townhouse/single house-more value than apartments.-investment point of view
myself own 2 concrete apartments - easier to rent and less money.

Concrete doesn't mean it has to be close to traffics and if you're buying a condo.
I would highly prefer concrete over wood if they're around the same price/same location.

Arlui

I live in a townhome but it's because when i bought it it was cheap and i know in the next few years we want kids but might not want to move yet.
now some of my friends are buying condos but their thinking is they can only live there a few years (since it is a small space) and they most likely will need to move when they have kids...

but hey, if you don't have much money, then there really is no choice right?

吳孟達

For townhouses, there are still many types.

1) Large complex - 100+ townhouse estate
2) Small complex - <10 townhouses

I tried both and I love my small complex. More warm and friendly. I know every one of my neighbors.  Everyone one of us will open garage door and kids can run around and parents can chit chat in the summer time.

For large complex, many many problem ( you can see it from the minutes)

DragonFire

Larger complex = Larger bill when it comes on maintenance later on.

mibu

condo also you'll pay less for maintenance fee in general, because you have more people sharing the fees with and generally comes with more amenities than a townhome.

but then again, if you have a family/animal maybe a townhome is better since you'd have a little bit more space outside.

one thing that nobody has talked about is that with townhouses, there's more flexibility in the type of renovations you can do.  with condos, there isnt much you can do until you need to get approval from property management

FiChai

I think when people mention "condo" they usually mean "high-raised apartment". But actually both "apartment" and "townhouse" are "condo", for they're strata managed. "Single house" is not "condo" though.

If to say all factors are the same (which is not possible anyways....), then all you need to think about is the living style. Which living style you do prefer?

Different view:
- View from 15 or 20th floor VS close to ground level;

Different layout:
- No patio or backyard for high-raises but possibly balcony VS usually patio and/or backyard for townhouses;
- Usually one storey for high-raises (for example except penthouses) VS usually 2 to 3-1/2 or 4 storeys for townhouses;

Different convenience:
- There are elevators go right to your door for high-raises VS you need to walk up and down the stairs for townhouses;

Different situations in case of emergency:
- Whenever there is a fire alarm (can't be sure if that is a false alarm or not) or power outage, you might need to walk up and down the stairs for high-raises, VS you just need to walk in and out from your townhouse;

The above are just a few areas and examples to be considered when buying a "home". You should think thoroughly what your own preference is before making a wrong decision. And actually there are a lot more things you may need to concern and consider.

FiChai

one thing that nobody has talked about is that with townhouses, there's more flexibility in the type of renovations you can do.  with condos, there isnt much you can do until you need to get approval from property management
mibu 發表於 2010-8-18 18:31

Nope, both high-raises and townhouses are in the same situation (they're all "condo"). Unless it's a "single house" (single dwelling).

mibu

hm...townhomes at least you can do stuff to the interior like painting
in my high rise condo, i need notification and approval for even painting

and townhouse you can do your laundry in your own 'backyard', but not in condos

FiChai

hm...townhomes at least you can do stuff to the interior like painting
in my high rise condo, i need ...
mibu 發表於 2010-8-18 23:47

That actually depends on individual strata bylaws, not a fixed standard. For those complex which has both apartments and townhouses, the same bylaws apply to them all.

吳孟達

Hey, all of these are just money matter.
If you can afford a house, then buy a house.
If you can not afford $2000 to $3000 a month for mortgage, you don't have much choice.