are condos necessary better than SFH for landlords?

Question

Hi, I was wondering if the condos are easier to maintain for the landlord.

Condos are always lower priced, but the HOA is almost like $380-$450 around me.

Let's say I am to shop with 20% downpayment which is pretty much requirement for a investment property mortgages, but no more than that.   So condos really caught my attention.   Landscaping is usually included or not applicable which had been a problem for my tenant relationship in the past.

Allen Clark · Answer

Personal preference as others have said. My criteria in Seattle is the following:

- < 20 min walk to downtown- no HOA at all- I would live in it myself

This lets me charge a premium in rent. Plus I really do not like HOA.

Susan M. · Answer

We have invested pretty much solely in condos (all same complex) for many reasons.  Whether or not it's a good investment depends on a lot of factors.  We are buying low, renting high, have low condo fees and sit on the board so it's a good investment for us.

Thomas S. · Answer

Condo fees rise, they make special assessments, often in the thousands, and the HOA is essentially your landlord. They cash flow the same or worse that SFHs. Neither produce mush cash flow.

Ryan Craig · Answer

@Jeremy H. That is usually a personal preference thing. My suggestion is to make sure you thoroughly go over the Condo Association rules and regulations to make sure they allow rentals and how many. Some Condo Associations only allow a certain percentage. If the deal makes sense with the Condo fees and all other monthly costs then go for it.