Distinguishing Lofts, Condos and Town Homes

Lofts. Condos. Town homes. When it comes down to it, they’re all essentially the same, right? Most people would think so. However, there’s a reason for the differing terminology, and one can actually differ significantly in certain ways from the other. Underneath the standard criteria when buying a house in Philadelphia,  (location, rental fee, number of units), the three have their own distinct differences. Knowing what these are will help you choose the proper type of living space.

Condominiums

Your individual lifestyle will figure very much when looking for the right place to live. This is often the first thing you think about when looking through a potential home. For instance, business executives or other busy people might want their homes to be a go-to place from their hustle-and-bustle lives, which is why many of them may prefer relatively luxurious condos, smack in the center of a sprawling metropolis—a sanctuary in the middle of their career-driven, natural environment. 

A downtown condominium is often the choice for many individuals, as they are strategically located to important places—the grocery store, the bakery, a coffee shop, the book store. It’s often easy to find your home necessities downtown, where everything is built so closely together. 

In addition, condos usually come with building amenities that are equally shared by occupants, such as swimming pools, exercise facilities, racquet clubs and other similar lifestyle facilities. These facilities are usually maintained by a homeowners’ association, which one automatically becomes part of once he moves into his condo.

Lofts

Lofts are generally the more common choice of living; they are typically individual living spaces carved into a single building whose primary purpose was not to serve as a living space. Lofts are often of secondary intent, meaning they were previously warehouses, abandoned factory buildings or similar commercial-oriented structures that were ultimately converted into a living space. This is actually better than it sounds, as many commercial buildings are built within access to the necessary facilities in a city.

Transport is also less of a problem with lofts. In fact, if you view different Philadelphia lofts for sale, you will find that a good majority of them are close to major trucking routes north and east od center city. They are characterized by more open spaces and higher ceilings, and minimal amount of property maintenance makes it ideal for individuals who like to keep it simple. 

Lofts are often quite blank at the onset, offering a blank canvass for individuals who prefer to do their own interior designing.

Townhouses

Townhome ownership is different from loft or condo occupation because, first and foremost, it is exclusive. Townhouses are also usually quite luxurious, even more so than high-rise condos. Also, they are more likely found in the suburbs than in the sprawling city. Town homes in Philadelphia are usually built near cultural hubs and activity centers, feeding your hunger for upper class culture.

In the suburbs mixed in with luxury homes on the Main Line, townhome communities are commonly seen alongside single family homes. There are even instances wherein homeowners associations are eventually established care for the grounds and community amenities.

Townhouses often require meticulous maintenance, and the upkeep requires a lot of effort. This is mostly because many townhouses also include an extensive exterior landscape that offers its occupants creative license to decorate at will. 

Keep in mind that buying a house in Philadelphia is a job that often requires the assistance of a buyers agent in Philadelphia, who understands the different neighborhoods within the city limits. A competent representative can also point out potential Philadelphia lofts for sale or townhomes in the Philadelphia museum district for the cultural enthusiasts.

 

2:15 AM Share: