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

$368,900

6419 Wakehurst Unit #6419, Charlotte

Beautiful townhome with private, enclosed courtyard & wooded back yard area. Tile floors throughout main level. Gourmet kitchen w/SS appliances, granite counters, sunny b...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2098373

• Courtesy of Keller Williams South Park
• Status Active

$219,900

1133 Metropolitan Unit #302, Charlotte

Beutiful loft style unit with Brazilian Cherry HW floors. GE profile SS appliances. Grey Italian cabinets with granite countertops. Seller offering OWNER OCCUPANT BUYERS~...

• Beds 1
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2159694

• Courtesy of Prudential Carolinas Realty
• Status Active

$1,185,000

701 Royal Unit #1105, Charlotte

Prepare to be impressed. Penthouse condo w/amazing skyline views from custom designed open living spaces. Unique yet warm, gracious & contemporary - this unit has it all...

• Beds 3
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2158707

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$419,900

701 Royal Unit #808, Charlotte

Sparkling 8th floor end unit condo w/ magnificent skyline views of Charlotte. Floor to ceiling windows in great room w/ beautiful views from all main rooms. Kitchen w/g...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2156957

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$700,000

6525 Wakehurst Unit #1003, Charlotte

Location! One of the Largest Townhomes in this Gated, No-Maintenance Community. Great Flexible Living Space. More than Enough Room for Multi-Generational Living, Wired fo...

• Beds 6
• Baths 5.0
• MLS 2154622

• Courtesy of SE Premier Properties LLC
• Status Active

$575,000

1100 Metropolitan Unit #201, Charlotte

One of a kind upscale condo~Completed in 2012-Owner purchased as empty/"shell" ~truly transformed Metropolitan-style to include media room, floating cabinets in foyer, me...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2152665

• Courtesy of Castle Carolina Realty LLC
• Status Active

$429,900 ▼

6136 Fletcher, Charlotte

Fannie Mae HomePath property with stunning finishings & new int. paint/carpeting. Custom kitchen with stainless appls, granite counters & beautiful cabinetry. Master suit...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2141215

• Courtesy of RE/MAX Executive Realty
• Status Active

$699,000

1100 Metropolitan Unit #407, Charlotte

None

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2152194

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$299,900

703 N Poplar Unit #703, Charlotte

complex courtyard was on the 4th ward secret garden tour spring 2013. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths. 3rd bedrooom on lower level currently being used as a den with closet con...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2150424

• Courtesy of Home-Land Realty, Inc.
• Status Active

$519,000 ▼

1100 Metropolitan Unit #202, Charlotte

Sleek. urban living at its finest. Dramatic corner unit features open floorplan, Viking appliances , custom Italian cabinetry, granite countertops & many other high-end ...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2147588

• Courtesy of HM Properties
• Status Active

$325,000

1133 Metropolitan Unit #610, Charlotte

BEAUTIFUL contemporary condo. Walk out patio with a stunning view, hardwoods throughout, bamboo & granite in Kitchen and both baths. The kitchen also includes Italian Ca...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2146940

• Courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Experts
• Status Active

$339,900

1133 Metropolitan Unit #616, Charlotte

Major Price Reduction! Seller's loss is YOUR gain! The most vibrant condo community in the city! Amazing skyline and greenway views from this stunning penthouse in Metlo...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2106746

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$2,100,000

2343 Roswell Unit ##4D, Charlotte

Elegant penthouse in heart of Myers Park. Stunning limestone mid-rise. Well appointed w/11' ceilings, handsome millwork, heavy moldings, chestnut flooring & custom Italia...

• Beds 3
• Baths 4.0
• MLS 2141178

• Courtesy of CottinghamChalkHayes, Realtors
• Status Active

$519,000

6222 Fletcher Unit #34E, Charlotte

Final phase of the best value in town! This gated development is in a class of its own. Top of the line std finishes characterize the brick & stone townhomes. Features...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2127850

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates
• Status Active

$499,000

6230 Fletcher Unit #36C, Charlotte

Final phase of the best value in town! This gated development is in a class of its own. Top of the line std finishes characterize the brick & stone townhomes. Features...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2127049

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates
• Status Active

$499,000

6218 Fletcher Unit #33C, Charlotte

Final phase of the best value in town! This gated development is in a class of its own. Top of the line std finishes characterize the brick & stone townhomes. Features...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2127046

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates
• Status Active

$219,000 ▼

1133 Metropolitan Unit #207, Charlotte

Second Floor studio suite in exciting Metropolitan. Amenities include playground, pool, walking trails, easy access to greenway. Retail below, including Trader Joe's food...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 2125068

• Courtesy of Keller Williams BallantyneArea
• Status Active

$525,000 ▼

6638 Wakehurst Unit #-, Charlotte

Burning Tree's 'Grand' plan in S. Park area. Exclusive, gated comm. w/gas lanterns, parks, pool. Stroll to restaurants & shops. Bright, pristine end unit w/new paint, car...

• Beds 4
• Baths 4.0
• MLS 2096267

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$375,000

6227 Fletcher Unit #A, Charlotte

Beautiful like-new townhome in gated community. Close to Rea Road shopping, restaurants in Piper Glen area, Stonecroft and Southpark. Top of the line finishes - 10' ceili...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 2069105

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active