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A condo is a privately owned unit in a community of other units, often with shared areas or amenities. If you’re considering whether to buy or rent a condo, you’ll want to think about the costs, benefits, and responsibilities of each option.

Of course, those who are deciding whether or not to rent have much less riding on their choice, but it’s still worth delving into the pros and cons of this kind of property and if it suits your needs.

Here, you’ll learn about the characteristics that define condos, the pros and cons of these units, and what it’s like to rent or buy a condo.

What Is a Condo?

As noted above, a condo is a privately owned unit that is part of a community of other units, whether that means there are a couple of other residences or dozens. Typically, a condo owner only possesses their unit, unlike the situation with a single-family homeowner, who owns the home and the land under it.

You may be familiar with condos that are rented out for income. If you’ve ever rented an apartment in, say, a complex by the beach, with a shared pool and patio, there’s a chance you’ve been in a condo. Real estate investors often buy condos and rent them out in this way.

💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. Look for a mortgage lender who’s dedicated to closing your loan on time.

Characteristics of a Condo

Individual condo units are owned by private owners, while common areas are owned and maintained by an association or organization. This might be called a condo association (CA) or a homeowners association (HOA). These groups are not identical, but they do manage a multi-unit residential community.

Your ownership rights may be limited to the space within your condominium, as is the case with most condo high-rises, or you may own an entire standalone structure within a larger community. In a condo situation, the CA or HOA owns the land. In a planned unit development, the homeowners own their lot and share the common area.

Maintenance and Finances of Condos

Condos are popular starter homes, thanks to their low maintenance, relatively cheap purchase price, and general convenience. They may also appeal to investors and people who are downsizing.

With detached single-family homes, you’re on the hook for the bill if any repair issues arise, whether it’s a broken water heater, leaky roof, or malfunctioning air conditioner. This generally isn’t the case with condos, as the property management company employed by the CA or HOA maintains common areas and shared amenities.

Convenience comes with a price, though. Condo owners share maintenance costs, and the expense of a master insurance policy, by paying dues monthly or quarterly. It’s important to budget for these costs. HOA fees,for example, have recently been rising 10% per year. Atop those fees, special assessments can be levied if the HOA needs to pay for a major project.

Condos tend to appreciate at a slower rate than traditional single-family homes, but they cost less. So buyers may want to take both realities into consideration when deciding on house vs. condo.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyers Guide

Types of Condos

Condos vary widely in structure and appearance, ranging from high-rise buildings to communal developments. Take a closer look:

Condo Developments

These are communities of standalone homes where maintenance of both the interior and exterior are carried by the condo owner, but services like the maintenance of common areas and snow removal are typically handled by a property management company.

All properties within a condo development are bound by the rules of the CA or HOA, so it’s similar to a traditional neighborhood with fixed rules and less upkeep.

Condo Buildings

These are high-rise apartments consisting of individual condo units. The maintenance of the structure, shared utilities, and common areas are the responsibility of the property management company.

If you’re looking at buying or renting an apartment in a large metropolitan area, make sure you understand what it means to choose between a condo and a co-op.

High-rise condo buildings are more common in urban areas and may have higher fees in order to cover the greater costs of maintaining an apartment building and often the salaries of full-time maintenance staff members and doormen.

Pros and Cons of Condos

Next, take a look at the pros and cons of a condo.

Pros of Condos

Here are the upsides of condo life:

•   Less maintenance since the CA or HOA is responsible for many aspects of upkeep.

•   Affordability. Since you don’t own the land, the price can be lower.

•   Possible investment opportunity; can use a condo for rental income.

•   Security. Some people appreciate having a condo staff and neighbors nearby.

•   Social life. You’re part of a community and will likely know and connect with your neighbors to some extent.

•   Amenities. There are often such features as gyms, pools, dog run, coworking space, party rooms, and other perks to enjoy.

Cons of Condos

Next, consider the potential downsides of a condo:

•   Association rules. You have to adhere to the guidelines of the community, which may or may not suit you. This can include everything from the appearance of your home’s exterior to when and for how long you may rent your place out.

•   Higher interest rates. If you are shopping for a condo to purchase, you may find that the mortgage rates are somewhat higher than what you’d be quoted if you were buying a single-family home.

•   Investment risk factor. If you are buying a condo, its value could depend to some extent on other residents and how well they maintain their property.

•   Lack of privacy and land. You will have neighbors…so the experience is different from being in your own single-family home on your own land. And you likely won’t have acres of property to plant and use as you wish.

•   Rising costs. Your association payments can rise considerably, and assessments are possible as well. That can throw a wrench in your budget.

Recommended: Most Affordable Places to Live in the US

Buying or Renting a Condo: Which Is Better?

Whether you’re better off buying or renting a condo — or any of the other types of houses, from modular home to manufactured home, tiny house to townhouse — depends as much as your own circumstances as it does the cost of buying vs. renting in an area.

•   Buying: Assuming you’ve decided to settle down in an area for the next three to five years, you might be better off buying a condo if you have a stable income stream and can cover the down payment and closing costs without emptying your emergency fund.

Given how real estate values have risen in the past few years, buying a condo may be a good choice if you’re looking for long-term investment and a chance to build home equity over time.

•   Renting: You may be better off renting if there’s a chance you’ll need to relocate within the next few years, or if any upcoming life events might require you to upsize your residence, like having children.

Here’s a closer look at these scenarios.

Pros of Renting a Condo

Renting a condo gives you all of the benefits of living in a private condo unit without the long-term commitment and upfront costs.

•   Few maintenance responsibilities: If you’re renting a condo unit in an apartment building, the association is responsible for maintenance, or in the case of an individually owned HVAC system, the owner is.

•   More leeway for negotiation: Reliable renters are hard to come by; some condo owners may be more willing to negotiate your monthly rent than professional property managers are.

•   Flexibility to end or extend your lease: As a renter, you can often decide whether to end or continue your lease. This makes it easy to cut ties if needed.

Pros of Buying a Condo

Taking out a mortgage to buy a condo more or less freezes your living costs into the future. This will help you avoid rising rents, though association fees can certainly rise.

•   More affordable than single-family homes: The price of a condo is usually lower than a single-family home in a given area. This makes it attractive to homebuyers on a budget.

•   Freedom to make it your own: Owning a condo gives you more freedom over such features as the appliances and color palette than you’d likely have with a rental.

•   Rental potential: Depending on the rules of your association, you may have the right to rent out your condo to generate income.

Finding a Condo

If you’re ready to go out and shop for a condo, you’ll want to assemble a list of must-haves to narrow your search. This applies whether you’re looking to rent or buy.

Are you looking for a more affordable apartment condo or something with more space like a community development? Browse local listings for condo units that match your requirements.

For those seeking to buy a condo, it’s a good idea to find a real estate agent who’s well versed in condo sales. They know the area and can obtain vital info regarding association rules and financials. It’s important to review the rules and fees, and check for any special assessments and their frequency over the years.

Condo Tips

A few more suggestions as you start your hunt:

•   If you are planning to buy, it’s also a good idea to thoroughly understand mortgage basics and have financing lined up with a mortgage company so you’re ready to make a bid on a property.

•   Know your budget. A mortgage calculator is an excellent tool for helping you figure out your costs.

•   Consider checking this HUD site for FHA-approved condos as your primary residence if you are seeking financing with an FHA loan.

💡 Quick Tip: Keep in mind that FHA home loans are available for your primary residence only. Investment properties and vacation homes are not eligible.1

The Takeaway

What is a condo? A condo is a privately owned unit within a community that can be a good starter home or a place to downsize. Or it might be a wise investment property that can bring in rental income. If you’re able to rent a condo, it’s much like renting an apartment, except your landlord may be the owner.

If you’re interested in buying a condo, realize that condo buyers are able to access the same kinds of loans available to buyers of single-family homes, though rates may be slightly higher.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

What’s the difference between an apartment and a condo?

A condo can be a kind of apartment, which is a residential unit that’s part of a larger building. An apartment can be owned or rented, as can a condo. However, a condo is a specific kind of unit ownership in which there are communal facilities and shared maintenance charges.

What is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?

With a condo, you own your unit but not the land under and around it. You pay for your unit (rent or mortgage). Association charges cover maintenance and repairs, and property taxes apply to owners. With a townhouse, the property includes the residence and the land it sits on and that surrounds it. You will pay your rent or mortgage and real estate taxes, but may not be part of an association or obligated to pay those fees.

Is a condo the same as a flat?

Many people use the terms condo, apartment, and flat interchangeably. While an apartment and a flat are the same thing, a condo refers to a style of ownership of a dwelling unit that’s part of a community. It may be an apartment, but the way it’s bought or rented can differ.

Photo Credit: iStock/Edwin Tan

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

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Many first-time house hunters lie awake at night worrying, Will I qualify for a mortgage? With the wide variety of loan programs, down payment requirements, and credit thresholds out there, qualifying for a mortgage can feel like a bad choose-your-own-adventure story: “Didn’t prequalify? Return to page 1.”

Let’s take some of the mystery out of how to qualify for a mortgage.

9 Mortgage Qualification Factors

What goes into qualifying for a home loan can be especially confusing. Here are some things that may come into play when qualifying for a home loan.

1. Down Payment

Down payment requirements vary based on the type of home mortgage loan you’re applying for.

Conventional Loan Down Payment

You may have heard that 20% down is the ideal. But in 2024, the median down payment across all homebuyers is 18%, and for first-time homebuyers, it’s 9%, according to research by the National Association of Realtors®. And some conventional loans require just 3% down for first-time homebuyers.

The 20% figure is cited as a goal because putting down 20% helps buyers avoid the added cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is required if your down payment is less than 20%. But you can also avoid PMI by seeking a “piggyback” mortgage or lender-paid mortgage insurance.

If you’re getting help from loved ones for your down payment, you’ll need to document that with a gift letter.

FHA Loan Down Payments

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans are popular with first-time homebuyers. Over 80% of FHA mortgages are issued to first-time buyers each year.

If your credit score is at least 580, you may qualify for a down payment of 3.5% on an FHA loan. (FHA 203(k) loans for fixer-uppers also ask for 3.5% down.) With a score between 500 and 579, you’ll need at least 10% down.

Upfront and annual mortgage insurance is required for FHA loans, usually for the entire term.

USDA Loan Down Payment

A loan insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is aimed at moderate-income households that purchase or build in eligible rural areas. Incredibly, no down payment is required. The USDA also directly issues loans to low- and very-low-income buyers in eligible rural areas and provides payment assistance.

USDA loans require an upfront guarantee fee and an annual premium for the life of the loan, but it’s lower than FHA loan mortgage insurance rates.

VA Loan Down Payment

The great perk of VA loans is that no down payment is usually required, but a sizable one-time funding fee is. (You may be exempt from the funding fee if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation for a service-connected disability or meet other conditions.)

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

2. Credit Score

Credit scores attempt to distill an individual’s financial history down to a single number that indicates their worthiness to lenders.

The FICO® Score range of 300 to 850 is categorized like this:

•   Exceptional: 800 to 850

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Poor: 300 to 579

Borrowers seeking a conventional loan will likely need a credit score of at least 620. For an FHA loan, applicants with a score as low as 500 may be considered. But 580 is the minimum credit score to qualify for the 3.5% down payment advantage.

A USDA loan usually requires a score of 640; a VA loan, a minimum of 580 to 620. In some cases, you don’t have to have a FICO Score to qualify for a home loan. Fannie Mae’s nontraditional credit program and government loan programs allow for a credit profile to be built based on things like rent payments and utility bills.

3. Income

Technically, there’s no minimum income required to apply for a mortgage. But your income can limit the amount you’ll qualify for. Lenders also like to see evidence that your income is stable, and will look at an applicant’s last two years of employment. That means you’ll need to provide pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, and tax returns.

Many types of income count toward a mortgage application: overtime, commissions, bonuses, dividends, Social Security, alimony, and child support. Lenders may ask for documentation (such as a letter from your employer) that such income is expected to continue for the next several years.

Self-employed homebuyers should keep in mind that lenders look at your income after deductions. Taking too many deductions, however deserved, can lower the size of the loan you’ll qualify for.

For some types of loans, there can be upper income limits. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans have no upper limits. But with USDA loans, your income must not exceed 115% of the median income in your area. You can evaluate your eligibility for a USDA loan on the agency’s website.

4. Debt-to-Income Ratio

Typically, your income doesn’t matter as much as your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt, including your proposed house payment, by your gross monthly income, and is expressed as a percentage.

For example, say you pay $1,500 a month for a mortgage, $100 a month for a car loan, and $400 a month on a student loan. Your total monthly debt comes to $2,000. If you make $6,000 a month before taxes and deductions, your debt-to-income ratio is 33% ($2000 divided by $6000, multiplied by 100).

“If you have multiple debts, you want to make your minimum payments so you don’t hurt your credit score,” Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi said. “If you have cash left over after that, you should develop a strategy for which debts to pay off first,” she suggested.

Depending on your credit score, down payment, and cash reserves, your DTI ratio may weigh heavier or lighter in the qualification process.

•   Conventional Loan DTI: The maximum DTI for a conventional loan is 45%, but exceptions can be made for strong compensating factors.

•   FHA DTI: FHA guidelines allow for a DTI of 43%, but higher ratios are allowed with compensating factors.

•   USDA Loan DTI: The USDA usually allows a maximum DTI of 41% but may make exceptions for those with higher credit scores and stable employment.

•   VA Loan DTI: VA guidelines call for a maximum DTI of 41%, but lenders set their own limits based on an applicant’s financial health.

Recommended: How Do I Afford a Down Payment on My First Home?

5. Assets

Lenders will want to know about any valuable assets you hold. The idea is that these assets can be converted to cash in the event you face financial hardship down the road. Assets can include cash accounts, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, cars, boats, RVs, jewelry, artwork, and collectibles. You’ll be asked to provide proof of ownership and value, such as appraisal letters.

6. Documentation

Not having the proper documentation in the mortgage loan process can hold things up. As noted above, lenders usually ask for:

•   Tax returns from the past two years.

•   Two years’ worth of W-2s or year-end pay stubs. If you are self-employed, other evidence of income.

•   Child support or divorce documents.

•   Bank statements.

•   Statements from additional assets.

•   Gift letters.

•   Photo ID.

•   Rental history and contact information.

7. Property Type and Purpose

Up to now, we’ve discussed mortgage qualification factors that are based on the buyer’s financial history. But lenders also consider the purpose of the property you want to buy. A “primary residence,” meaning a home that a buyer purchases with the intention of living in it, will usually qualify for a lower interest rate and better terms than a vacation home or investment property.

The type of home you purchase also makes a difference. Single-family houses secure the best rates. Other types of housing that may incur special fees include condos, co-ops, manufactured houses, log homes, mixed-use developments, and nontraditional architecture. Homes shaped like dinosaurs or flying saucers just make lenders a little nervous.

8. Mortgage Type

The type of mortgage you may want to seek will depend on your credit scores, income, the lender’s loan menu, and more. Government-backed mortgages (FHA, VA, and USDA loans) are acquired through approved lenders, and conventional home loans are issued by a bank, credit union, or other private lender.

•   FHA loan: Mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration have lower credit requirements than conventional loans. For borrowers with good credit and a medium down payment, a conventional loan may actually be less costly.

•   VA loan: Loans insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs are for active-duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. The VA also has a Native American Direct Loan program, which allows Native Americans to buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land.

•   USDA loan: Loans backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are for moderate-income buyers who choose a home in a designated rural area. The USDA also offers direct loans for low-income households.

Most mortgages come with a fixed interest rate, but a variable rate can be an option for some conventional loans, as can a variety of mortgage terms or lengths. The fixed-rate 30-year mortgage dominates the U.S. landscape.

One last wrinkle: There are conforming loans and nonconforming loans. By meeting loan limits, a conventional conforming loan is eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If it isn’t eligible, it’s a nonconforming mortgage — like the government loans or a jumbo loan.

9. Other Mortgage Qualification Considerations

When browsing for a home, you might consider loan prequalification or preapproval.

Prequalification is a simpler process. You’ll provide basic information, which can be by phone or online, and a lender will estimate what size loan you might be approved for. No information is verified at this point.

For preapproval, you’re required to give a lender access to your financial history. After reviewing your credit, income, and assets, the lender will offer a loan up to a specific amount. It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved when you formally apply, though.

Prequalification and preapproval can be great ways to dip your toe into the home-buying waters. Then you may apply with more than one lender. Comparing loan estimates can help you determine which option is best for you financially.

Do I Qualify For a Mortgage?

To help you determine how big a home loan you might qualify for, there are a variety of online mortgage calculators to help get you started:

•   Mortgage Calculator

•   Home Affordability Calculator

Dream Home Quiz

The Takeaway

Many factors that can help or hurt your chances of getting approved for a mortgage loan. Your down payment, credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, assets, documentation, property type and purpose, mortgage type, and prequalification or preapproval status all play a role. Some of these factors can compensate for weaknesses in other areas. For instance, a lower income is less of a problem if you have plenty of valuable assets to draw on. And a high down payment can counter a middling credit score.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

What are the four things you need to qualify for a mortgage loan?

To qualify for a mortgage loan, you’ll need a stable income, strong credit score, modest debt-to-income ratio, and documentation of your employment and assets. Believe it or not, some loan programs do not require a down payment!

What is the lowest income needed to qualify for a mortgage?

There is no minimum income required to apply for a mortgage. However, your income will determine how large a loan you’ll qualify for. Sometimes, your assets can compensate for a lower income. And there are government-backed programs, especially for low-income borrowers.

At what age do you not qualify for a mortgage?

There is no maximum age limit to qualify for a mortgage loan. In fact, lenders legally cannot deny someone a loan term based on their age. For instance, a 70-year-old can still qualify for a 30-year mortgage term.

What do banks check before giving a mortgage?

Just about everything. Banks check your credit history and score, proof of employment and income (W-2s, 1099s, tax returns), your assets (bank statements), your debts (credit card bills), and anything else that will give them a picture of your overall financial health and future prospects.

Do mortgage lenders look at your spending?

Yes, mortgage lenders may look at your bank and credit card statements for the last two years to see whether your spending habits are consistent and where your money goes.

Is everyone eligible for a mortgage?

Pretty much anyone who can afford to carry a mortgage can qualify for one. However, it’s possible that someone who earns money under the table or holds their assets in offshore accounts wouldn’t be able to document their financial qualifications to satisfy a lender.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

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