Are you still undecided about investing in a condominium versus a house for your young family? There are three factors that you should consider to make a good decision: your family lifestyle, budget, and the home maintenance fees you are willing to pay. Keep reading to learn more about these factors and the pros and cons they entail.
Home Ownership and Maintenance
One key difference between investing in a condominium versus a house is the type of property ownership each offers.
Condominium owners can claim rights to the home but not of the land and common areas. In simpler terms, it is described as “hands-off ownership” that is almost similar to rental apartments. Unit exteriors are considered shared property and all residents are not allowed to modify them. Exterior maintenance is also part of the homeowners association fees that condominium owners must pay monthly.
Condominium-based homeowners association fees also include insurance of expensive communal items like roofs, elevators, and parking structures. They can also include home service trash collection. If you need more information, you can find out about the hidden costs of condo living here.
On the other hand, house owners are granted complete control and rights to the house and the land it stands on. Owners also decide on the changes they want to make. Consequently, they also shoulder renovation and house maintenance costs. Depending on the location, owning a house can be subject to homeowners association fees. The amount is usually minimal and it varies according to across subdivisions or villages.
For houses, homeowners association fees may include trash collection and removal, subdivision or village road maintenance, and fitness or leisure parks maintenance.
Lifestyle Compatibility
Condominiums are best for those who prioritize proximity to the workplace without having to rent or immediately invest in expensive property. Condominiums are strategically located at city centers or business districts for that purpose. This property is also best for busy adults who do not have enough time for home maintenance.
There are many amenities that condo owners can enjoy. There are shared amenities like fitness facilities, parks, study areas, and technological infrastructure (CCTVs, elevators, etc.).
Meanwhile, houses are best for those who prioritize owning larger and private spaces like gardens, garages, or workshops. They are also the first choice for growing families who want larger spaces for their children. The lifestyle for house owners typically varies according to location i.e. urban, suburban, or rural.
Subdivision or community village houses brag about their amenities like clubhouses, mini chapels, spacious playgrounds, and parks. Added amenities can also vary according to the personal preferences of the owners.
Budget
If you have a young family who wants to settle in for a reasonable price, then you can consider investing in condominiums. But you have to ensure that you have the financial capability to support your family’s condo life steadily.
Calculate the costs of condo renting or buying and compare which is more affordable to you. Factor in all costs like purchase cost, down payments, deposits, interests, realty taxes, and even reservation costs. You can also reach out to credible property agents or realtors that can guide you through the entire purchase to unit turnover process.
Condominium developers in the Philippines now have flexible payment terms. Many online platforms also conveniently catalog all condominium listings in different locations. Feel free to check our website and look for condominiums that best fit your family and budget.
Whether you have a young family or a growing family, you can consider investing in a house if you already have decent savings and a steady income. Study the location, the community, and the amenities you want. It is important that you can afford these things even on a long-term basis, even as your family grows. There are also extra costs that you should be aware of aside from the purchase price and mortgage fees.
Banks and institutions also offer attractive housing loans that have good payment terms. If you want to check out house listings that can satisfy your preferences and budget, check out our website!
Bonus: Which is better for your child?
After tackling the three important factors to consider when choosing between a condominium or a house, you and your partner should not forget about what is best for your child.
If you and your partner are busy adults with full-time work, who will look after your child? Will your child feel safe and happy in the kind of home you want to invest in? Owning a condominium or a house is a long-term investment that can outlive the current work-from-home setup of the pandemic. If you choose to own either a condominium or a house, you have two additional things to consider in terms of child care.
First, you can continue working from home and learn how to childproof your place. This means that you make the house friendly and safe for young children to move around even if you are not paying full attention to them. For a crash course on childproofing, check out our guide on how to childproof your future home!
Second, you can anticipate an eventual return to onsite work and hire a trustworthy caregiver for your child. You may have to provide the caregiver with lodging if he or she works full-time. Of course, childproofing is still essential even with a “nanny” at home.
What is important to you?
Condominiums and houses both have striking and distinct features that make them good investments for your family. You can exhaust all the pros and cons of both properties but everything boils down to what is important to you. This kind of decision will affect how you and your family will live. Take your time to understand what you are investing in.
Which property serves your needs best? Which property do you think would make you and your family excited to come home to, without needing to break the bank? What is important to you?