Charlotte Condos, Patio Homes, & Townhouses

With today's fast-paced lifestyles and the lack of time for yard upkeep and maintenance, lots of folks are considering condos or townhouses - also called patio homes, garden homes, or simply, townhomes. Most people think they are all the same thing, but there is a big difference between a townhouse and a condo. There are also subtle differences between the other terms, usually related to the style.  What are the differences? We'll be glad to explain.

Charlotte Condos for Sale

The average condominium complex consists of two types - one being a tall high-rise building with many "apartment units" included in it. These are your typical downtown type...or perhaps along the oceanfront at the beach. They usually have a private balcony, or even a screened porch. But what a buyer actually owns is the INTERIOR of the unit. A Homeowner's Association (or HOA) is formed and dues are paid to maintain the exterior of the building, any amenities such as pools or clubhouses, and the common areas such as hallway entrances or courtyards. Strict rules are usually enforced to keep unit exteriors uniform and decoration-free.

Another type of condo can be in a more sprawled-out "village" setting, with groups of low-rise buildings, perhaps only 2-3 floors, with six or eight units in each building. You usually find these in areas where land is not at such a premium. The owner has more of a feeling of home in these types of complexes, and there are often landscaped courtyards and walkways to enjoy. You might find nature trails, picnic areas, and even private ponds and lakes for the residents to use. This type of condominium might also be on a golf course and include a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and even golfing privileges with ownership.

The fact remains that your deed is for the interior of the unit only, and you do not own any part of the building structure or land outside of the apartment itself. Apart from your HOA dues, you don't pay to maintain the building either, although when big maintenance project arise, owners will usually be responsible to pay "assessments", sometimes large ones, to make up the difference in the HOA budget.  Your HOA fees most often include insurance on the buildings and grounds with a condo. It's alway advised to purchase inexpensive "HO6" policies to protect your personal possessions and interiors.

Patio Homes and Townhouses

Although there is usually still an Homeowner's Association involved to maintain the pool, clubhouse, or common areas, a townhome, patio home, or townhouse is a different type of residence. Your deed and ownership will usually include the land that the building sits on, and often a small enclosed yard or "patio" in the back. Each building belongs to the owner. There are no units above or below you. There may be several buildings attached to each other or with a small walkway between them. The owner will be responsible for the external upkeep of his building - roof, windows, paint or stucco if used, or other outside parts of the building.

The HOA will usually (but not always) still include upkeep on the yards, driveways, and all common areas and amenities. Insurance on common areas and amenities is usually carried by the Association.  Each owner is responsible for insuring his own building with a townhome.

And this brings us to a major difference in buying one or the other - FINANCING.  Most of the time, a townhome or townhouse is treated the same as a single family home when it comes to the mortgage and qualifying for purchase. You will own the land as well as the unit itself, and unless it is a vacation property, it will fall under the same guidelines as financing a home anywhere.  Condominiums are more difficult to find financing for now, and the banks pay particular attention to the percentage of "resident owners" versus "rental units"...often refusing to finance a complex with a higher percentage of the latter... or at least charging a higher interest rate plus PMI coverage on those that fall into the investment or vacation categories.

Still, a purchaser may be able to pay cash for the condo or have a relationship with a bank that will allow the purchase of such a property. There are plenty of Charlotte condos from luxury high-rise units to affordable apartment style and golf course condominium complexes.  Some of our recommended favorites include: The Metropolitan, St Serrant, and The Royal Court condos.
 
If you are interested in buying a townhouse in Charlotte, there are some wonderful communities available that are maintenance-free and include every amenity for the perfect family lifestyle.
Our favorites include: The Mayfair, Burning Tree, and Royal Crest.

We'll be happy to take you on a tour of the condominium or townhome communities in south Charlotte, NC. Browse some of the properties below or use our Charlotte MLS search to find some that grab your attention - and give us a call!

Charlotte Condos for Sale

$289,900

1100 Metropolitan Unit #305, Charlotte

Enjoy luxury lifestyle at the Metropolitan! This spacious 1br 1 bath has Viking appliances, granite countertops, imported hardwood floors, and heated bathroom floors. Can...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 2220629

• Courtesy of Golf Realty, Inc
• Status Active

$499,500

701 Royal Unit #406, Charlotte

Elegant, large two bedroom condo w Stadium and Center City skyline views, split bedroom plan, 2 parking spaces, community offers fitness and pool areas. Dowd YMCA is acro...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2214473

• Courtesy of Scot Williams Realty LLC
• Status Active

$395,000

701 Royal Unit #413, Charlotte

Beautiful condo with many upgrades including glass tile in kitchen, closet built ins, and stainless appliances. 9' by 24' porch with skyline views; plus all the elegance ...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2214487

• Courtesy of Scot Williams Realty LLC
• Status Active

$319,900

701 Royal Unit #512, Charlotte

Stunning Center City skyline views from this 5th floor condo. Walls of windows ,an over sized porch, granite, gas range/ oven, spacious closets w/ custom builtins. Amenit...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2213128

• Courtesy of Scot Williams Realty LLC
• Status Active

$415,000

4409 Mickleton Unit #., Charlotte

Wonderful townhome in Burning Tree. Great light, sunny spaces, plantation shutters throughout. Media room with surround sound, Enclosed patio with views of beautiful comm...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2211213

• Courtesy of Dickens Mitchener & Assoc. Inc
• Status Active

$387,000

701 Royal Unit #408, Charlotte

Beautiful 4th floor corner unit w/ skyline views of Charlotte. Enjoy historic Dilworth, walking to the Dowd YMCA & being just minutes from center city. Floor to ceiling w...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2209875

• Courtesy of Keller Williams South Park
• Status Active

$247,000 ▼

701 Royal Unit #303, Charlotte

Royal Court is located in Dilworth, close to uptown. The building offers features including a secured deck, a concierge service, an exercise room, a share community suit...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 2207989

• Courtesy of Greenway Realty Carolinas
• Status Active

$295,000 ▼

1133 Metropolitan Unit #612, Charlotte

Urban living at it's best; shops, restaurants, Trader Joe's etc. Happening place w/easy access to the Greenway/close to uptown, bike station, resident events. Sleek cabin...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2206011

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$239,000 ▼

701 Royal Unit #106, Charlotte

Main level loft unit with soaring ceilings, open spaces and wall of windows with electronic shade and door to terrace. Custom kitchen with all the amenities and large gra...

• Beds 1
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2204768

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$298,500 ▼

1100 Metropolitan Unit #405, Charlotte

Nestled between some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Charlotte, the Metropolitan is a sophisticated destination for living, shopping, dining & entertainment. Thi...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 2201694

• Courtesy of My Townhome
• Status Active

$519,900 ▲

1100 Metropolitan Unit #201, Charlotte

This is an amazing opportunity to own an incredible 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with top of the line finishes in one of Charlottes destination spots, the Metropolitan. S...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2201491

• Courtesy of Easy Street Realty
• Status Active

$419,000 ▼

6407 Aldworth Unit #-, Charlotte

Beautiful English Tudor light filled townhome close to SouthPark. Noteworthy features include10' ceilings on main, 9' ceilings up, site finished hardwood floors, heavy cr...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2199900

• Courtesy of Helen Adams Realty
• Status Active

$413,000 ▼

5217 Shepley Unit #-, Charlotte

Gorgeous like new home lived in PT by original owner. Gated community, 10' ceilings, 8' doors, arch molding, custom built ins in GR, custom plantation shutters, granite C...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2198591

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates ERA
• Status Active

$1,150,000

2343 Roswell Unit #2B, Charlotte

Absolutely stunning condo in the heart of Myers Park. No detail overlooked, wonderful heavy moldings, beautiful hardwoods and grand formals. Custom kitchen opens to eat...

• Beds 3
• Baths 4.0
• MLS 2175624

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates ERA
• Status Active