Condos: small complex vs. large

[Greg Powers]

Laying aside the wisdom of buying a condo as an income property, are there any details to consider when looking at a small condo complex versus a larger one? "Complex" may be too fancy a name in this case. Here in Manchester, New Hampshire, I've seen a number of duplexes, three-family buildings and slightly larger building split up into condos. One I'm looking at is a six-unit Victorian building.

When there are so few units, how do special assessments and condo fees get formulated or assigned? The condo "association" must consist of every unit owner. What if there is a dispute among the owners about which roofer to go with, or the cost to repave a driveway? How do such disputes get settled, and what recourse do two owners have if the third refuses to cooperate?

Any other thoughts or advice?