Realities of Condo Living, Is It For You?

Condos are the top first home option as they offer benefits that are aligned to the needs of singles, retirees, young couples and small families. Condos are more affordable compared to house and lot packages, centrally located and require less maintenance work. However, condos are not for everyone. Is condo living for you? Here are some condo living realities and challenges you need to know before buying a condo.

1. You might need more room. If you are used to living in sprawling homes with backyards and extra bedrooms, think twice before moving into a condo. You might not have the luxury of having a breakfast nook on top of your formal dining room. It will be more like having the nook double as your formal dining room. Unless you are willing to convert the spare bedroom into a media room, the living room will have to double for it too. But, most condo buildings have media rooms, so you’re actually saving a lot on setting up your own.
2. You might need to minimise shopping. There will only be two bedrooms max three to furnish and one kitchen to equip. You will likely not be able to accommodate a grand piano in your living. You cannot have an extensive collection of linens and sheets, there’s simply no room for those. The goes the same with glassware, dinnerware, curtains and shoes! You will have to think twice and think about your closet space, before buying another jacket or a dress you don’t really need.
3. You might have to let go of your car. Condo units usually come with one parking space or none if considering the downtown core. But, because of its prime location where everything you need is just a few steps away, you really don’t need a car. And walking or biking to your workplace, to the restaurant, supermarket or to school could help you keep fit!
4. You will pay a maintenance fee. All condominium buildings are managed by property management which is in discussion with homeowners. The residents will pay monthly maintenance fees for all the maintenance work and condo management tasks. So, you don’t have to worry about leaking roofs, repainting outdoor walls, fixing fences, finding a plumber or washing windows.
5. You might need to tone down partying. With your limited space, you can only invite few people over for dinner, less for sleepovers. And your neighbours will not appreciate the thumping and loud party noise coming from your unit. But, if you really want to party, there is always the party or community room that you can use. Most condominiums have an outfitted party venue designed to give its residents a party place to enjoy.
6. You will have to conquer your fear of heights. Condo living is not for people who have acrophobia, or the fear of heights. Condominium buildings often feature floor to ceiling glass windows, with bedrooms or living rooms located against the outer walls of the building. You may however, be confronted with great city views, panoramic sights and unhindered visions of your surroundings.  Plus low level floor options may be calling your name.