Property types guide
Detached vs semi vs townhouse vs condo
Every Canadian property type explained and compared. Ownership structure, maintenance responsibility, costs, and the real trade-offs at each level.
Property type comparison table
Prices and fees are generalizations. Exact figures vary significantly by city, neighbourhood, and specific building or development. Use this table for category-level understanding, not purchase decisions.
| Factor | Detached | Semi-detached | Freehold townhouse | Condo apartment | Condo townhouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership structure | You own land and structure outright | You own land and structure; one shared wall with neighbour | You own land and structure freehold; no condo corp | You own your unit; common elements owned collectively | You own your unit; exterior and land managed by condo corp |
| Land ownership | Yes — full lot | Yes — partial lot | Yes — narrow lot or row lot | No | No (condo corp owns land) |
| Monthly condo fees | None | None | None (some freehold developments have small POTL fees) | $400–$1,200+/month depending on building and unit size | $300–$600/month, lower than high-rise condos |
| Maintenance responsibility | Everything — roof, foundation, exterior, systems | Everything; coordinate shared wall issues with neighbour | Full responsibility for your unit and lot | Interior unit only; corporation handles building | Interior unit; corporation handles exterior and common areas |
| Typical price premium in GTA (vs. condo baseline) | +70–120% | +40–70% | +20–45% | Baseline | +15–30% |
| Parking | Driveway or garage, typically included | Driveway or garage, typically included | Typically 1–2 spots included | Often purchased separately; may not be available or affordable | Typically 1–2 spots included or attached garage |
| Outdoor space | Full yard, front and back | Shared wall but full yard | Small private yard or patio | Balcony only, or none | Private patio or small yard |
| Privacy | Highest — no shared walls | Good — one shared wall, often insulated | Moderate — walls on 2 sides | Lowest — walls, floor, ceiling shared | Better than high-rise; typically 2 shared walls |
| Rental potential (multi-unit) | Best — can add basement apartment | Often allows basement apartment | Possible in some configurations | Single unit only; cannot subdivide | Single unit only |
| Status certificate required at purchase | No | No | No (unless POTL) | Yes — critical document; 10-day review window | Yes |
| Specialist resource | gohouses.ca | gohouses.ca | gohouses.ca | condosexpert.ca | condosexpert.ca |
What the comparison doesn't tell you
The table above handles structure. Buying decisions also involve neighbourhood, life stage, and what you're willing to manage. A few things worth knowing.
A category of their own
Lofts — converted industrial buildings or purpose-built loft-style condos — fit the condo ownership structure but have distinct physical characteristics: high ceilings, exposed concrete or brick, larger square footage per dollar, and sometimes commercial-zone legal designation that affects financing. LoftExperts.ca covers loft-specific due diligence in detail.
The townhouse question
Many buyers looking at townhouses don't realize there are two types with very different ownership structures. A freehold townhouse means you own the land — no condo corporation, no monthly fees, no status certificate review. A condo townhouse gives you a ground-level unit with a yard but you're governed by a condo corporation that manages the exterior and collects monthly fees. Always confirm which type you're looking at before making an offer.
Age affects everything
A 1960s detached house in Toronto's east end and a 2022 detached house in suburban Oakville have the same legal ownership structure but completely different risk profiles. The older house may have knob-and-wire electrical, cast-iron plumbing, a decommissioned oil tank, and a 40-year-old roof. Age is not a reason to avoid a property, but it changes what a home inspection needs to uncover and how you should budget for ongoing maintenance.