https://www.reddit.com/r/canadahousing/comments/nj7c0k/condos_vs_detached_homes_is_a_false_choice/ My parents have lived in a townhouse for 20 years, and each year their maintenance fee goes up. Currently it’s $480/month (lowest out of the 6 townhouse complexes in the area) and only covers snow removal, grass cutting, water and a roof replacement every 10-15 years. I have no issues with one day buying a townhouse, I just don’t want to pay a ridiculous maintenance fee for very little service. A new roof would cost 5k and I can cut my own grass. Why don’t property taxes (which are $3800/year) cover snow removal? At least in a condo, maintenance fee covers garbage cute, underground car garage, amenities (pool, gym, party room, etc). condos are a great starter or long term option. …you do realize that detached homes have maintenance costs as well, no? You could easily end up in the hole for tens of thousands. You should be saving at least 2% of your house value (not land plus house just house) a year in a reserve fund for maintanace on your hous. Condos also have bilaws, break-ins and theft because of constant traffic, lack parking for guests, trouble tenants/neighbors. The condo fees increase with time. I’m sorry but have you seen some of these condo fees?? I just can’t get past the idea of paying $800/month in condo fees ON TOP OF the mortgage for a $500,000 1 bedroom condo.