Townhouse vs Condo in Vancouver: What You Really Need to Know Before Buying

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Greater Vancouver, chances are you’ve considered whether a townhouse or a condo is the right fit. With prices continuing to rise and lifestyle preferences evolving, the choice between the two isn’t always obvious. At Vancouver Home Hub, we’re here to break down the real-life pros and cons of each, based on what locals are actually experiencing — not just what a sales brochure tells you.

What’s the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Condo?

Let’s start with the basics. In Vancouver:

• Condos are typically units in high-rise or mid-rise buildings. You own the unit, but share ownership of common areas like gyms, lobbies, and elevators.
• Townhouses are multi-floor homes that are attached to others in a row or complex. They often have direct access to the street or a private garage, and they feel more like single-family homes in terms of layout.

Both fall under strata property ownership, which means you’ll pay monthly strata fees for shared maintenance and management.

The BC Government’s guide on strata ownership is a great resource if you want to understand the legal and financial framework behind these property types.

Price Comparison: Townhouse vs Condo in Vancouver

Generally speaking, condos are more affordable than townhouses — but that gap is shrinking in some neighbourhoods. According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, as of 2025:

• The benchmark price for a condo in Metro Vancouver is around $775,000.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is closer to $1.05 million.

However, location matters. In neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant, East Vancouver, or Burnaby, newer townhouses can be just as competitive in price as high-end condos in downtown or Kitsilano.

Lifestyle Considerations

Here’s where the decision gets more personal.

Choose a condo if:

• You prioritize walkability and want to be close to restaurants, shops, and transit.
• You’re a first-time buyer looking for an entry point into the market.
• You prefer low-maintenance living and don’t need much space.
• You want access to building amenities like a gym or concierge.

Choose a townhouse if:

• You want more space, such as multiple bedrooms and a separate office.
• You’re planning to start a family, or already have kids.
• You prefer the feel of a house, but can’t stretch to a detached home.
• You want a small yard or patio, or garage parking.

From talking to many locals, we’ve found that downsizers moving from detached homes often prefer townhouses because they offer a similar living experience without the upkeep.

Strata Fees and Rules

Strata fees tend to be higher in condos, especially if the building has elevators, pools, or concierge services. Townhouses often have lower fees, but that’s not always a good thing — some developments underfund maintenance and repairs to keep monthly costs down, which can lead to surprise assessments later on.

Always review the strata documents carefully, and if you need guidance, CHMC’s condo buyer guide offers a solid checklist of what to look for.

Resale and Appreciation

Condos in prime locations — think downtown Vancouver, Olympic Village, or Brentwood — tend to have steady demand from young professionals and investors. But supply is also higher.

Townhouses, on the other hand, are in shorter supply across Greater Vancouver, especially in desirable school catchments or walkable neighbourhoods. This can make them more competitive and resilient in a downturn.

That said, market performance still comes down to location, condition, and layout — not just property type.

Future Outlook: What Should You Buy in 2025?

Looking ahead, townhouses are expected to gain popularity as families continue to be priced out of detached homes. Several new developments in Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam are prioritizing townhouse-style housing for this reason.

But with immigration fueling demand and low vacancy rates, well-located condos will continue to be attractive for both end-users and investors.

Final Thoughts from Vancouver Home Hub

If you’re still torn between buying a condo or a townhouse in Vancouver, start by mapping out how you actually live day to day. Think about:

• Commute time
• Storage needs
• Noise sensitivity
• Whether you host guests or work from home

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but there is a best fit for your lifestyle.

Want help choosing the right property type for your needs? Reach out or explore our neighbourhood guides for deeper insight.

Further Reading and Tools:

• Strata Housing Resources – BC Housing
• Real Estate Market Trends – REBGV
• Condo & Townhouse Listings – Realtor.ca

Stay tuned for more insights from the Vancouver Home Hub team — where local knowledge meets real-life advice.

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