A side by side photo of a housing addition and condo building portraying the differences between them

If you’re thinking about buying your first place in Indiana (or anywhere in the Midwest), one big question pops up pretty quickly: condo or house?

On the surface, they both get you four walls, a roof, and a set of keys. But the experience of owning each one -and the responsibilities that come with them- are very different. Let’s break it down so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

Ownership & Responsibility

  • House: When you buy a single-family house, you’re responsible for everything -the roof, the yard, the siding, the driveway, the plumbing, you name it. Full independence comes with full responsibility.
  • Condo: With a condo, you own the inside of your unit, but the exterior and common spaces (hallways, lawns, parking lots, sometimes even the roof) are managed by the condo association. That means fewer maintenance headaches, but also less control.

Key Difference: Houses give you autonomy, condos give you convenience.

Maintenance & Upkeep

  • House: Expect to mow the lawn, shovel snow (hello, Indiana Winter!), and fix the leaky gutters yourself -or pay someone to do it.
  • Condo: A monthly HOA (Homeowners Association) fee covers these services. You’ll still have small repairs inside your unit, but you won’t be worrying about roof replacements or landscaping.

Key Difference: Houses spread costs out unpredictably, condos centralize them into monthly fees.

Costs & Fees

  • House: The price tag may be higher up front, but you don’t have recurring HOA dues. However, when something breaks, that bill is yours alone.
  • Condo: Condos often cost less to buy, but HOA fees add up. You need to factor them into your budget alongside the mortgage and taxes.

Key Difference: Houses can mean fewer fixed monthly costs but surprise big bills. Condos can mean predictable monthly fees but less flexibility.

Lifestyle & Community

  • House: Privacy is the big win. You have your own yard, your own space, and no shared walls. Perfect if you want space for pets, gardening, or hosting backyard cookouts.
  • Condo: Condos are built for low-maintenance living and often come with perks—like fitness centers, pools, or shared community spaces. You’re closer to neighbors, which can feel social or cramped, depending on your personality.

Key Difference: Houses offer independence; condos offer convenience and built-in community.

Resale & Long-Term Value

  • House: Historically, houses appreciate faster in the Midwest, especially in family-friendly areas with good schools. Buyers want yards and privacy, which drives demand.
  • Condo: Condos can appreciate too, but resale depends heavily on the health of the HOA and the appeal of the amenities. If the fees are too high or the association poorly managed, value can stagnate.

Key Difference: Houses tend to be safer long-term investments; condos can be hit or miss depending on management and demand.

So… Which Should You Choose?

If you’re craving independence, privacy, and long-term equity, a house is probably the right fit. If you want convenience, lower maintenance, and don’t mind sharing walls, a condo could be your best bet.

The real question is less about “house vs. condo” and more about your lifestyle and financial priorities. Are you willing to trade a little independence for convenience—or would you rather put in more work for long-term control?

Either way, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Working with a local realtor (like me at 1% Indiana) means you’ll get honest insight into which option will fit your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.