Condominiums, or better known as condos, are an important piece of the housing puzzle. If you find yourself wanting a nice place to live but prefer to spend your time doing things other than landscaping, you might be interested in what living in a condo has to offer you. In this article, we’ll discuss what is a condo, some advantages and disadvantages of living in one, and a few styling tips for making a condo a home.

WHAT IS A CONDO?

By definition, a condo is collection of individual home units (typically an apartment-style house) and common areas in one real estate property in which each home unit is individually owned. Condo dwellers typically can access and use common facilities, such as hallways, heating systems, recreation rooms, and exterior grounds. The main difference between condos and apartments is the ownership.

CONDO BENEFITS!

Use of Condo Facilities.

All condo dwellers are allowed access to and use of shared facilities, such as hallways, pools, rec rooms, workout rooms, courtyards, etc. (depending on the specific amenities).

Grounds Maintained.

Living in a condo means you get to have a beautifully landscaped outdoor area that is typically maintained for you. Low maintenance for you means you get to spend your time elsewhere!

Convenient Location.

Condos are often built in prime (convenient) locations, often close to shopping, restaurants, and city centers (including major transportation routes), to name a few. This is beneficial not just for commuting to work, but also provides plenty of entertainment if an when you just need to get out of your smaller space.

Affordability.

Like any kind of housing, the price range of condos is broad; however, the lower price range of condos is often within a first-time homebuyer’s or single income family’s budget. Smaller square footage comes with (often) a higher level of contemporary style in a condo.

Maximized Space.

Because the units are typically compact, they are specifically designed to make the most of those square feet. This means a great interior layout for you.

CONDO DISADVANTAGES!

Proximity to Neighbors.

Just like in apartment buildings, condos often share walls with neighboring units. You’ll also be sharing common areas and amenities, which can limit your own privacy. (As a benefit, though, this proximity also brings about a sense of safety and security.)

Homeowners Association Constraints.

You will have limited leeway in styling parts of your condo just the way you like, such as exterior colors and fixtures, depending on the regulations of your homeowners association.

Fees.

These dues, which cover the cost of grounds maintenance, common area upkeep, and other things, are typically a monthly cost that never go away. So enjoy the view out your windows as often as you can!

Space.

Because you don’t own the land on which your condo exists (you own, instead, the unit itself), this limits your freedom to expand the size of or build onto your home. You’ll just need to get creative with the space you do have!

CONDO STYLING TIPS!

Clean Lines.

You’ll do a lot to brighten your condo space by incorporating clean-lined furniture and accessories. This simplicity in décor will go far in visually expanding your walls…and emphasizing whatever great view you’ve got as well.

Multipurpose Furniture.

Enhance the usability of your style by choosing furnishings that can be used in a variety of ways. A wide sofa can become a bed in a pinch, for example.

Reflective Surfaces.

Glass, acrylic, mirrors, even metals are great at being both visually lightweight while simultaneously bouncing light around the room and making a small condo space feel larger. This acrylic waterfall coffee table is a stylish example of this.