Condos vs Townhomes in Montgomery County PA: What’s Better in 2026?
If you’re buying in Montgomery County PA and deciding between a condo and a townhome, you’re not alone. Both options are popular for:
First‑time buyers
Downsizers
Busy professionals
Buyers wanting lower maintenance than a single‑family home
But they are not the same. Understanding the differences in ownership, cost, maintenance, financing, and resale will help you avoid buying the wrong property type for your lifestyle and long‑term goals.
What Is a Condo?
A condominium typically means:
You own the interior of your unit (walls‑in ownership).
The HOA or condo association owns and maintains the building exterior and common areas.
You share walls, hallways, and common spaces.
You pay monthly association (HOA/condo) fees.
In many Montgomery County condo communities, the association may cover:
Roof and exterior siding
Common‑area and sometimes limited‑element maintenance
Lawn care and landscaping
Snow removal
Trash service
Sometimes water and/or sewer
Because more is included, condo fees often run higher than townhome fees, but they also shift many maintenance responsibilities off your plate. In competitive towns like King of Prussia, Conshohocken, or Lansdale, condos often offer the lowest entry price point—making them attractive for buyers who want location and amenities with lower upfront cost.
What Is a Townhome?
A townhome (or townhouse) usually means:
You own the interior and exterior structure.
You often own the small yard or patio area.
You may still have an HOA or community association.
You typically have more privacy and separation than in a condo building.
Townhome HOA fees often cover:
Lawn maintenance and common‑area landscaping
Snow removal on shared roads and sidewalks
Community amenities like playgrounds, pools, or clubhouses
However, structural responsibility often remains with you—including roof, siding, deck, and sometimes driveway—depending on the community’s documents. Townhomes typically provide more square footage, storage, and “house‑like” living than condos, and in higher‑cost regions like the Northeast, they often show stronger appreciation over time.
Price Differences in Montgomery County (2026)
In 2026, broadly speaking in Montgomery County:
Condos generally offer lower purchase prices than townhomes in the same area.
Townhomes usually cost more upfront but offer greater interior space, more bedrooms, and sometimes garages or basements.
HOA/condo fees can vary widely for both and must be included in your monthly budget.
Examples of how this can play out:
A condo in Lansdale or King of Prussia may cost less upfront than a nearby townhome—but carry higher monthly HOA/condo fees that cover more services.
A townhome in Collegeville or Royersford may have a higher purchase price but comparatively lower HOA dues because you handle more of the maintenance yourself.
This is why we compare total monthly cost—principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and association fees—not just the sale price.
Maintenance Responsibilities
Maintenance is one of the biggest deciding factors between condos and townhomes.
With a condo, typically:
Exterior repairs and common‑area maintenance are covered by the association.
Roof replacement and major building projects are normally handled through the HOA’s reserves and special assessments.
You have fewer hands‑on maintenance tasks, but you are tied to the HOA’s decisions and timelines.
With a townhome, typically:
You are responsible for the roof, siding, decks, and other structural elements (unless it’s a very “condo‑like” townhome community).
You may have some yard or landscaping responsibilities, depending on the HOA.
You have more autonomy over repairs, upgrades, and timing.
If you want minimal maintenance, condos can be appealing. If you want more control and flexibility over your home, townhomes may be a better fit.
Resale and Appreciation Considerations
On average, in higher‑cost regions like the Northeast, townhomes have appreciated faster than condos over the past decade, largely because they include land/structure ownership and feel closer to single‑family homes. General patterns:
Townhomes often:
Appreciate more consistently than condos in many Northeast markets.
Appeal to a broader buyer pool (families, move‑up buyers, remote workers).
Offer stronger long‑term resale potential, especially in good school districts or walkable towns.
Condos:
Can be excellent entry points into competitive locations.
May appreciate more slowly and can be more sensitive to factors like HOA health, building age, and fee levels.
Can face financing limitations or stricter underwriting requirements if the association’s financials or owner‑occupancy ratios are weak.
Before purchasing either, we always review:
HOA/condo reserves and budgets
Financial statements and delinquency rates
Rental and investor‑ownership restrictions
Any pending or recent special assessments
This helps protect your investment and future resale.
Financing Differences: Condos vs Townhomes
From a financing perspective:
Condos must meet specific project‑level guidelines for many loan programs (Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, etc.). These include requirements for owner‑occupancy percentages, reserve levels, insurance, litigation, and more.
If a condo project does not meet these guidelines, buyers may face higher interest rates, larger down payment requirements, or fewer loan options.
By contrast:
Townhomes are usually treated more like single‑family homes by lenders because you own the land and structure, so there’s no separate condo‑project approval step.
This often means more straightforward underwriting and easier access to standard loan programs and rates.
This is one reason some buyers lean toward townhomes when they want maximum financing flexibility.
Lifestyle Considerations
Choose a condo if:
You want minimal day‑to‑day maintenance and don’t mind paying a bit more in monthly fees for convenience.
You’re comfortable with shared walls, common spaces, and elevators or hallways.
You value building amenities (gyms, pools, lounges) where available.
You want the lowest entry price possible in a specific town or near a train station.
Choose a townhome if:
You want more space, storage, and often a more “house‑like” feel.
You prefer more control over your exterior, yard, or upgrades.
You value stronger long‑term resale flexibility and a broader buyer pool.
You plan to stay longer term and want a property that can grow with your needs.
The right choice depends on how you live day to day—and how you expect to live 5–10 years from now.
Want Help Comparing Specific Communities?
Instead of guessing from listing photos, we can compare real‑world condo and townhome options side by side, including:
Total monthly payment (mortgage + taxes + HOA/condo dues).
HOA structure, reserves, and rules.
Resale history and appreciation trends in each community.
Long‑term maintenance expectations and upcoming projects.
👉 Schedule Your Buyer Strategy Consultation Here
We will review your goals and narrow the right property type and communities for you.
Already Own a Condo or Townhome?
If you’re considering selling to upgrade into a different property type, your current equity matters.
👉 Get Your Instant Home Value Here
Your equity could open new options, including stepping up from a condo to a townhome or from a townhome to a single‑family home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are condo HOA fees higher than townhome fees?
Often yes. Condos usually have higher monthly dues because they cover building structure, roofs, elevators, and larger shared systems, while many townhome HOAs focus primarily on grounds and amenities.
Do condos appreciate less than townhomes?
In many higher‑cost Northeast markets, townhomes have outpaced condos in appreciation, though specific communities and locations can buck the trend.
Are there financing differences for condos?
Yes. Condos must meet project‑level guidelines for many loan programs, and projects with weak reserves, high investor concentration, or legal issues can limit financing or raise costs.
Which is better for resale?
Townhomes typically offer broader resale appeal and more consistent appreciation, especially in strong school districts and walkable towns, while well‑run condos in prime locations can still perform very well.
Ready to Choose the Right Property Type?
Your decision impacts your:
Monthly budget
Maintenance responsibilities
Financing options
Long‑term investment and resale
Daily lifestyle comfort
If you want to be sure you’re choosing between condos and townhomes with eyes wide open:
👉 Book Your Buyer Strategy Call Today
We’ll compare your options clearly before you start touring so you can buy with confidence.
