Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a Newly Built Condo

6 Condo-Specific Questions to Ask Before Buying a Newly Built Home

Buying a newly built home that’s a good fit for you and your family is all about asking your builder the right questions. While some questions apply to any type of newly built home, others are specific to certain types of homes, like condominiums. Condos share similarities with detached houses but have important differences that should guide your conversation with a builder or developer. Below are six key questions to add to your condo-shopping checklist.

1. Is This Home a Condo or Townhome?

   Condos and townhomes share at least one wall with neighboring residences. Condos might also share floors or ceilings with other units, while townhomes (often called “row houses”) typically do not. Both are governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) that maintains common areas like pools, golf courses, and hiking trails. However, a critical difference is ownership: condo owners don’t individually own their building, while townhome owners do.

   Feature	Shared Walls	Shared Floors/Ceilings	HOA	Separately Owned Building
   Condo	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
   Townhome	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

2. How Many Condos Will Be Built? (And How Many Are Under Contract?)

   Unlike houses, all units in a condo building must be built simultaneously. Buyers may sign contracts early, but closings typically occur only after the building is near completion. If most units are under contract, closings may happen sooner. If few are sold, timelines may be uncertain. Flexibility in your move-in date can help manage this unpredictability.

3. When Will Construction Start and Be Completed?

   Condos in a building share the same construction timeline. If work has begun, completion dates may be set. If not, delays may occur until more units sell. Assess your flexibility with move-in dates to determine if this timeline suits your needs.

4. What Construction Methods and Materials Will Reduce Sound Between Units?

   Shared walls, floors, and ceilings mean noise can transfer between units. Ask builders about soundproofing measures like insulated walls or noise-dampening flooring. For townhomes, focus on walls; for condos, inquire about walls, floors, and ceilings.

5. What Construction Methods Enhance Fire Safety?

   Fire safety in attached homes requires more than smoke alarms. Ask about fire-retardant materials, compartmentalized designs, and adherence to local fire codes. Prevention is critical, as fires can spread rapidly between units.

6. How Much Will the Monthly HOA Dues Be?

   HOA dues vary widely and fund community maintenance and amenities. Request estimates and review the HOA’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) to understand rules and potential fines. Lower dues aren’t always better—underfunded HOAs may levy special assessments for repairs.

Asking these questions ensures you’re informed about your potential new home. With clear answers, you’ll be ready to make a confident decision and enjoy your condo or townhome for years to come.