Condo vs Townhome in the Philadelphia Suburbs (2026)
By Saiid Zamani · Realtor®, Keller Williams Realty Devon-Wayne
Philadelphia suburbs market expert · AI educator · 1,000+ agents trained
Condos and townhomes look alike from the curb but operate as fundamentally different ownership structures, with real implications for financing, HOA fees, and resale.
Ownership
In a condo, you own the interior of your unit ('air rights') plus a share of common elements. In a townhome (fee-simple townhome), you own the structure and the land beneath it.
HOA fees
Condo HOA fees in the Philadelphia suburbs typically range $300–$700/month and cover building exterior, roof, common areas, master insurance, and amenities. Townhome HOA fees are typically $150–$400/month and cover common landscaping, snow removal, and limited exterior maintenance.
Financing
Condo financing is more complex. Lenders require condo project approval (FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac depending on the loan). Issues with owner-occupancy ratio, HOA reserves, or pending litigation can disqualify a project. Townhome financing follows standard single-family rules.
Where each concentrates locally
Condos: Conshohocken (One Conshohocken), Plymouth Meeting (The Riverwalk), KOP (Town Center). Townhomes: KOP, Wayne, Malvern, Phoenixville, Collegeville new construction.
Resale
Townhomes generally hold value better than condos in the same submarket because of land ownership and broader buyer pool (including FHA/VA without project approval friction).
Frequently Asked Questions
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