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

$482,900

5114 Englefield Unit #19B, Charlotte

Stunning full brick/stone Tudor style townhome in The Mayfair. Private, gated community close to all South Charlotte has to offer. Master suite w/spa-like bath, 5" site f...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3024812

• Courtesy of Keller Williams Ballantyne Area
• Status Active

$595,000

1100 Metropolitan Unit #308, Charlotte

Upscale CITY VIEW condo walking distance to restaurants, shopping & grocery store. This condo features an open floor plan with floor to ceiling windows amazing city views...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 3023689

• Courtesy of RE/MAX Exclusive
• Status Active

$385,000

6005 Regal Unit #5, Charlotte

Great location in Southpark area. Updated kitchen granite countertop. Viking kitchen hood. Gas Stove. Hardwood on 1st floor. Private patio. Great location. Short commute ...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3023574

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$320,000

306 W 10th Unit #-, Charlotte

306 W. 10th Street is a charming townhome in Uptown offering Center City convenience and all the comforts of home. Nestled among the trees, this unit has 3 bedrooms and ...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3020399

• Courtesy of Helen Adams Realty
• Status Active

$240,000

701 Royal Unit #303, Charlotte

Perfect oversized one bedroom on the pool terrace level with private walk-out access to pool and outdoor amenity area. Well-designed open floorplan with SS Viking kitchen...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 3019712

• Courtesy of The McDevitt Agency
• Status Active

$353,000 ▼

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 ...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 3018629

• Courtesy of Keller Williams South Park
• Status Active

$775,000

1100-E Metropolitan Unit #303, Charlotte

Stunning 4 bedroom home in the sky with views of Uptown. Belong to the exclusive residence at the Metropolitan and enjoy every amenity the complex has to offer. Viking ap...

• Beds 4
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3017805

• Courtesy of My Townhome
• Status Active

$500,000

1100 Metropolitan Unit #201, Charlotte

Completely customized modern 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom spacious condo. Features include quartz counter tops, sub-zero built in fridge, imported tile, remote control shades,...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3017111

• Courtesy of RE/MAX Exclusive
• Status Active

$330,000

1100 Metropolitan Unit #206, Charlotte

Live and play in the same location! This well appointed, end-unit condo is located at "The Met". Upscale restaurants, shopping, grocery, etc...all just minutes to Center...

• Beds 1
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 3015532

• Courtesy of Roost Real Estate
• Status Active

$407,000

5217 Shepley Unit #-, Charlotte

Gorgeous full brick and stone townhome in one of South Charlotte's premier European Architectural designed gated communities. 10' ceilings, 8' doors, heavy crown molding,...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3015450

• Courtesy of Wilkinson & Associates ERA
• Status Active

$285,000

1133 Metropolitan Unit #606, Charlotte

Everything at your finger-tips. Shopping, restaurants, Target and Trader Joes! Building is located on the Greenway and walking distance from Uptown. Pedini cabinets an...

• Beds 2
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3007855

• Courtesy of Allen Tate Company
• Status Active

$250,000

1133 Metropolitan Unit #217, Charlotte

Sophistication and luxury come to mind when you step into this gorgeous 2-bedroom condo in the heart of Midtown. Upgrades include glass Pedini Italian cabinets, granite c...

• Beds 2
• Baths 1.0
• MLS 3014128

• Courtesy of Savvy + Co Real Estate
• Status Under Contract-Show

$559,000 ▼

6226 Fletcher Unit #35, Charlotte

Gorgeous full brick/stone townhome in gated The Mayfair community. Master suite on 1st floor with luxury bath,beautiful hardwoods,gourmet kitchen (Subzero refrigerator,st...

• Beds 3
• Baths 3.0
• MLS 3013490

• Courtesy of RE/MAX Executive Realty
• Status Under Contract-Show

$259,900

701 Royal Unit #101, Charlotte

• NYC urban loft style condo. • Granite and Stainless Steel Appliances in kitchen. • Historic Dilworth neighborhood, Ideal mix of urban city and neighborhood feel. • ...

• Beds 1
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 3009493

• Courtesy of Real Estate Property Management & Sales LLC
• Status Active

$330,000 ▼

1100 Metropolitan Unit #312, Charlotte

The Metropolitan represents urban living at its' best! Enjoy panoramic views from your luxury condo! Spacious rooms with beautiful hardwood flooring & floor to ceiling wi...

• Beds 1
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 3004051

• Courtesy of CottinghamChalkHayes, Realtors
• Status Active

$274,900

701 Royal Unit #704, Charlotte

Great 2 Bedroom Condo in Royal Court overlooking pool and amenity area. Hardwood Floors throughout main level. Granite and Stainless Steel Appliances in kitchen. All c...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 3001028

• Courtesy of New Angle Realty
• Status Under Contract-Show

$399,900 ▲

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 amenities...

• Beds 2
• Baths 2.0
• MLS 2214487

• Courtesy of Scot Williams Realty LLC
• 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 Under Contract-Show