What Is a Detached Condo? Detached Condos vs. Single-Family Home

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck. But if it looks like a house, feels like a house, and acts like a house, it might actually be a detached condo. What gives?

If your idea of a condo is a unit in a high-rise condo building, a detached condo might strike you as unusual at first glance. When you’re scrolling through the listings, it appears to be a single-family home but at a more affordable price than similar homes. It's detached, so you don't share walls with anyone else, yet there are often shared amenities and security perks. How does this concept stack up against the classic single-family home?

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Key Insights of Detached Condos

• A detached condo is a single-family home that is part of a condo association.
• Unlike traditional single-family homes, a detached condo owner does not own the land the structure sits on.
• Unlike traditional multi-family condos, detached condos do not share walls with other units, ensuring higher privacy.
• Detached condo owners are responsible for interior maintenance but might not be responsible for exterior maintenance.
• Detached condos often come with shared amenities such as pools and gyms.
• Detached condos are often more affordable than single-family homes, making them a desirable option for many buyers.

What Is a Detached Condo?

If you’re struggling to choose between a condo and a house, detached condos can offer the best of both worlds, providing the independence—and privacy—of a single-family home while still being part of a condominium community. As a standalone housing unit within a condominium project, detached condos don't share walls with other units, leading to a higher level of privacy compared to typical apartment-style condos.

These housing units come in diverse sizes, ranging from small two-bedroom units to spacious homes over 2,400 square feet, accommodating various housing needs and preferences.

Detached condos tend to be more affordable than single-family homes in terms of pricing since they don’t include land ownership. They can also offer perks like enhanced security measures, prestigious amenities, and proximity to city attractions and services.

As part of a condominium community, residents have a chance to enjoy the convenience and social benefits of shared common areas without sacrificing their personal space.

Detached Condo vs. Single-Family Home

Detached condos and single-family homes may look the same on the outside, but you’ll find significant differences in ownership, maintenance, and lifestyle possibilities.

While resembling single-family homes, detached condos typically involve shared ownership of the land. This shared ownership comes with benefits—such as shared maintenance responsibilities, like the association fixing your roof, mowing your front yard, and shovelling snow—and drawbacks, like potentially stricter condominium corporation rules and limited control over property modifications. For example, because you don’t own the land, you probably won’t be able to build an ADU, an extra room, or a deck, and might not be able to landscape your own garden.

While single-family homes offer full ownership of the land and complete control over property modifications, they require more maintenance effort from the homeowner and may not have the same accessibility to shared amenities that detached condos often provide.

The resale value of detached condos can also be a concern, since it may appreciate slower, take longer to sell, and sell for less compared to traditional single-family homes. Lenders are more cautious when financing a condo; they’ll want to be sure that the condo association is in good financial standing and has responsible money management.

With detached condos, you should weigh the costs and benefits of shared services and potential limitations on your property against the extra responsibilities and full control that single-family homes offer. These distinctions are crucial for choosing the right option for your lifestyle.

Conventional Condos vs. Bareland Condos

Want even more control over your condo? Consider the bareland condo—an arrangement in which condo owners own both the structure and the lot. Bareland condos can be detached condos or attached townhomes.

What makes a bareland condo separate from detached houses or traditional townhomes is that the condo owner still shares some costs with the community. For example, bareland condo fees may cover snow removal, street maintenance, or a community playground.

On the other hand, because you own the exterior and land, a bareland condo owner has much more maintenance responsibility than in a conventional condo complex. There may also be fewer common amenities, but this is balanced by the condo fees being much lower.

Conventional condos are typically part of a larger building or complex where you'll share walls (and possibly ceilings/floors) with your neighbours. In this setup, you own the specific unit you live in and also share ownership of the common areas, such as lobbies, hallways, and amenities. This style of condo living offers the advantage of shared maintenance responsibilities and often includes access to communal facilities like fitness centers and pools.

With a bareland condo, you can have more autonomy over your property, which appeals to those who want more control over their outdoor space. For example, you may be able to design your own exterior features, such as gardens or patios, and even have a bit more privacy. At the same time, you’ll remain part of a community and have access to some shared facilities and services.

Bareland condos are primarily found in rural and semi-rural areas, particularly in Alberta, often as a way to create more housing within certain zoning rules.

Other Types of Condos

As you continue your housing search, you’re likely to encounter various other types of condos—but what makes them special?

High-Rise Condo

High-rise condos can deliver luxurious living experiences within the bustling heart of cities, combining modern amenities with breathtaking panoramic views. They're tall residential buildings—often ranging from 20 to 100 floors—and offer residents a unique urban lifestyle.

Residents of high-rise condos can enjoy a plethora of amenities designed to enhance everyday life. State-of-the-art fitness centers and rooftop pools provide unparalleled opportunities for relaxation and physical well-being. Additionally, high-rise condos often feature rooftop lounges with unobstructed views of the city, perfect for hosting social gatherings.

Security is typically a high priority in high-rise condos, with many buildings offering advanced security systems and 24-hour concierge services. Proximity to public transportation, shopping centers, and cultural attractions is common, making these condos highly desirable.

Moreover, high-rise condos cater to various budgets, from luxury penthouses to more affordable units, ensuring that residents can find a place that suits their needs. Depending on your preferences, high-rise condos can provide everything you need to thrive in an urban setting.

Low-Rise Condo

Low-rise condos can provide an interesting alternative to high-rise condos, often trading city views for a smaller community feel with fewer floors to navigate and more open spaces.

These buildings, typically standing at four stories or less, offer a blend of community living and privacy that resonates with many homebuyers. They often feature spacious units, modern amenities, and easy access to green spaces, making them attractive to a wide range of residents. Additionally, low-rise condos are often more affordable than their high-rise counterparts, providing an accessible entry point into the real estate market without compromising on quality or lifestyle.

Vacant Land Condo

When “condo” usually means the land is commonly owned, “vacant land condo” may seem counterintuitive. In this arrangement, buyers can purchase a vacant lot to build on that comes with a shared interest in common elements and amenities, such as roads and recreation facilities.

Freehold Condo

A freehold condo is similar to a bareland condo, though the terminology is more common in Ontario. The condo owner owns the structure and the land, has a shared interest in common elements, and is subject to the rules of the condo association. This may also be called a “common elements condominium development.”

Leasehold Condo

A leasehold condo is built on land leased from a landowner, typically for a term between 40 and 99 years. Owners purchase a shared interest in the structures and common areas but do not own the land. Condo fees usually include a portion of rent due to the landowner. If the lease expires without being renewed, the condo owner’s right to occupy the property is terminated. Leasehold condos are typically less expensive than freehold condos, but the dwindling time on the lease will affect the resale value.

Freestanding Condo/Standalone Condo

These mean the same thing as a detached condo—the structure does not share walls with any other dwellings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Most Condos Attached or Detached?

Attached condos are more common. They may take the form of a unit within a condo building, a townhouse, or a duplex.

What Is the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Detached Condo?

When considering a townhouse vs. a detached condo, you'll find that a townhouse typically shares walls with neighbours and includes private entrances, while a detached condo offers the privacy and independence of a standalone structure. It’s also possible for a townhouse to not be part of an HOA, while a condo is always part of a COA. A detached condo might not include land ownership, while a townhouse traditionally does.

What Is a Detached Home?

A detached house is known as such because it stands alone without shared walls with other units. It may be a detached condo within a condo association or a single-family home in a subdivision.

What Is the Difference Between a Detached and Semi-Detached Building?

Detached homes are free-standing, while semi-detached homes share a wall with another unit. Semi-detached homes include duplexes and end units in townhouse developments.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Experience the Comfort and Convenience of a Detached Condo

If you’re considering buying a detached condo, remember the finer points: no shared walls, varied sizes, and affordability. You can think of a detached condo as your own standalone home with the perks of community living and added amenities, striking a perfect balance between independence and convenience.

Calgary Condo Resources

• Are Condos a Good Investment? 8 Reasons to Invest in a Condo
• What Do You Actually Own When You Buy a Condo?
• Small Condo Design Ideas: Making Your Condo Feel Bigger
• Townhouse vs. Condo: What's the Difference?
• Condo vs. House: Should You Buy a Condo or a House?
• What's the Difference Between a Condo and an Apartment?
• What Is a Detached Condo? Detached Condos vs. Houses
• Search Calgary Condos For Sale