With condominiums becoming increasingly popular among today's homebuyers, it is a good time to clarify the terms of ownership that seem to confuse many people. Condo-type residences most commonly fall into two categories - condominiums and townhouses.

A condominium is usually a multi-story structure. Each owner-resident has a deed of ownership for his own unit and owns the space within the unit, but not the land under the structure. Therefore, condo units can be stacked vertically. Condo owners share title to the common areas of the development, including land, exterior of buildings, hallways, roofs and swimming pools -- all areas used by all occupants. Each owner pays property taxes on their unit. Also, a monthly fee is paid to the homeowners' association that is used for managing and maintaining all common areas.

A townhouse, or town home community is usually a series of single- or two-story housing units, each linked to each other horizontally by common walls. Each owner hold title to their unit and the land beneath it, thus these units cannot be stacked vertically. Typically, a townhouse unit will be a two-story residence, with the living area downstairs and bedrooms upstairs. Common areas belonging to the townhouse development are owned jointly. Each townhouse owner pays property taxes and association fees.

	See All Tips In The "Titles" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Joyce Barnwell
Intracoastal Realty
1206 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Tel: 910-617-7654
Fax: 910-458-7759
Email: joycebarnwell@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Residing in the peaceful coastal community of Carolina Beach, I’m a licensed North Carolina Realtor with over 30 years real estate experience and 20 years owning my own real estate company, faithfully serving the unique real estate needs of buyers, sellers and investors. I specialize in the listing and selling of residential pre-existing homes, newly constructed homes, waterfront property, golf course property, investment property, condos and duplexes as well as lots for sale in and around North Carolina’s New Hanover County coastal communities of Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight. Thanks again for visiting my site and don’t hesitate to call me direct at 877-617-7654.