What is a condominium, and how does its maintenance differ from that of a house?

In Calgary, as in many large cities in North America, home buyers are faced with the choice between purchasing a detached house or a condominium. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, but it is the differences in ownership, distribution of maintenance responsibilities, and service costs that determine the ultimate comfort and financial burden of residents. In this detailed article, we will take a closer look at what a condominium is, how its management system works, and how it differs from maintaining a traditional house in Calgary.

The concept of a condominium and form of ownership

A condominium is a legal structure in which a person owns not an entire building, but a separate apartment or unit within a multi-unit complex, as well as a share of common areas: corridors, elevators, lobbies, underground parking lots, landscaped courtyards, and building maintenance services. In Calgary, this type of housing is common in densely populated urban areas, near the city center, and along the CTrain lines.

The owner of a condominium receives:

  • a certificate of ownership of the unit
  • a copy of the bylaws and rules and regulations approved by the owners' association (Condo Corporation), which determine the use of common areas, rules of conduct, and maintenance fees

Unlike the owner of a detached house, the owner of a condominium is not individually responsible for the roof, exterior walls, electrical, water, or heating systems outside their apartment. These functions are transferred to the association, which provides centralized maintenance and repairs.

Management and maintenance

All condominium owners are members of the Condo Corporation, a non-profit organization registered under provincial law. They pay monthly fees (condo fees), which consist of two main components:

Operating expenses Payment for the property manager, security or concierge service, cleaning of common areas, lighting of corridors, elevator maintenance, garbage disposal, building insurance, and utilities.

Reserve fund A reserve fund for major repairs and replacements: facade renovation, roof repair, pipe replacement, parking lot reconstruction, or landscaping of the surrounding area. Provincial regulations require the Condo Corporation to conduct an annual audit of the reserve fund and update its financial plans for the next 20–30 years.

Each owner receives an annual association budget detailing expenses and a report on the work performed during the year. If an unforeseen situation arises — for example, a heating pipe bursts in the common hallway — the owners' council may call a meeting and approve a one-time additional contribution.

Cost comparison: condominium vs. house

Monthly expenses

Homeowners pay only for their individual utilities: electricity, water, gas, sewer, and garbage collection. In some areas of Calgary, the municipality charges homeowners a separate fee for garbage collection. In a condominium, however, the cost of cleaning the surrounding area and maintaining the roof and facade is covered by the Condo Corporation, which finances this from a common pool.

Major repairs and maintenance

The homeowner is responsible for all exterior and interior work: roof repairs, air conditioner replacement, facade painting, landscaping. These costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars, but the owner chooses the timing and contractor. In the case of a condominium, these costs are divided proportionally among all owners, which distributes the individual financial burden but removes control over the work schedule and contractor.

Insurance

Condo Corporation takes out a policy for the building and common areas, while the owner of an individual apartment pays for “walls-in insurance” — insurance for the interior and personal belongings. The owner of the house takes out comprehensive insurance covering both the building itself and the property inside, but the premium may be higher due to the larger square footage and private yard.

Property taxes

Regardless of the form of ownership, property tax is paid by the owner. However, sometimes the Condo Corporation takes on certain municipal fees for the maintenance of the surrounding area, which may slightly reduce the individual tax burden on residents.

Advantages and disadvantages of both forms of ownership

Condominium

Advantages:

  • Minimal maintenance concerns — grounds, facade, elevators, hallways

  • Stable monthly expenses thanks to fixed condo fees

  • Access to amenities (fitness club, sauna, recreation room, guest rooms) without additional investment

  • High security — security guards or concierge, gated entrances, and video surveillance

Disadvantages:

  • Lack of autonomy regarding the timing and scope of renovation work
  • Risk of unexpected increases in contributions in the event of a shortfall in the reserve fund
  • Less privacy and restrictions on the use of common areas (e.g., restrictions on pets, noise, etc.)

Detached house

Advantages:

  • Full control over repairs, landscaping, garden planning, or pool installation
  • Ability to invest in the house gradually, focusing on the most urgent tasks
  • Complete privacy, no external regulators of behavior

Disadvantages:

  • Large and irregular financial responsibility for maintaining all elements of the building and land
  • Need to find and supervise contractors yourself
  • Higher insurance costs due to larger area and lack of collective insurance pool

Choosing based on lifestyle

For young professionals and couples without children who value convenience, security, and infrastructure within the complex, a condominium may be the ideal option. Access to gyms, common areas for socializing, and proximity to public transportation simplify the urban lifestyle.

Families with children, gardening enthusiasts, or those who want space for pets, on the other hand, are more likely to choose a detached house with its own yard. Although this imposes additional maintenance responsibilities, it provides more freedom in the use of space and a long-term investment in private property with high potential for land value appreciation.

Conclusion

Condominiums and detached houses in Calgary differ not only in the type of property, but also in the model of maintenance responsibility, level of control, regularity of expenses, and legal aspects of ownership. The choice between them is determined by lifestyle, financial priorities, and personal preferences regarding privacy and participation in collective decisions. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option, you can find the type of housing that best suits your needs and will provide comfort and peace of mind for years to come.