
Determining a condo is not easy, sometimes the owner doesn't even know!
Nicholas Springer
At its core, a condominium complex, or condo, is a property arrangement where a building or a group of buildings is divided into several individually owned units that share common areas, including the potential for future condominium development. Picture a large property complex where different individuals own each unit, but the hallways, recreational facilities, and other amenities are shared among all residents.
A key feature distinguishing condos from other housing types is the blend of individual and collective ownership. Each condo owner has exclusive rights to their own unit, much like owning a single-family home. However, they also share ownership and responsibility for the common areas and amenities with other condo owners.
Condos and apartments differ significantly. While both may look similar, condos are individually owned units, whereas a property management company typically rents apartments. This distinction affects maintenance responsibilities and the sense of community.
The term ‘condominium’ is common in the United States and Canada, but similar concepts exist globally under different names. Despite this, the concept is the same: a mix of private and shared ownership within a single property.