As “Your Villa Experts”, we are often asked what the difference is between a condo and a villa. While it is true a villa or a condominium can be attached or free-standing and both include a homeowners association, the terms are not interchangeable. When shopping, it is important to know the difference.
Condo or condominium owners typically own only the interior of their unit. The condo association owns everything outside including the exterior of the condo, as well as the ground underneath. Since everything outside is owned, insured, and maintained by the association, condo fees tend to be much higher and more susceptible to increase over time than villa fees. Insurance costs and any required special assessments for maintenance are passed along to condo owners who may have little or no control over these expenses.
Bridgewater villa owners own their home and their homesite in its entirety. They enjoy basic exterior maintenance provided by their homeowners
association. Bridgewater villa maintenance is typically more limited and includes lawn cutting and care, irrigation, landscaping upkeep, and snow removal. However, covered maintenance items may vary by community. Since villa maintenance is much more focused, fees tend to be lower, more stable, and less likely to incur special surprise assessments in the future. Because villa owners own their own home, they are in control of expenses regarding insurance and major maintenance.
If you would like to learn more about villas and the villa lifestyle, stop by any of our communities. Our community Villa Experts are always happy to answer questions.
