The Difference Between Buying a Condo and a Townhome in Walnut Creek
Which One Is Right for You in 2025?
Not All Attached Homes Are the Same
If you’re shopping for a home in Walnut Creek, chances are you’ve come across both condos and townhomes — and maybe wondered, What’s the real difference?
While they may look similar on the outside, the distinctions between condos and townhomes affect everything from your HOA dues to what you actually own to how much maintenance (and responsibility) falls on your shoulders.
Understanding these differences is essential before making an offer — especially in a competitive market like Walnut Creek.
What You Own: The Legal Difference
Condo Ownership: Interior Only
When you buy a condo, you own the space inside the walls of your unit.
Everything outside — the building exterior, roof, landscaping, parking areas, hallways — is owned collectively by the HOA.
This is why HOA dues for condos tend to be higher, since you're paying for:
Exterior maintenance
Landscaping
Community areas
Amenities
Building insurance
Townhome Ownership: Structure + Land
When you buy a townhome, you typically own:
The interior
The exterior walls
The roof
Sometimes the land underneath
Townhome ownership is closer to single-family ownership — with some shared components and a smaller HOA.
(Note: Ownership type varies by development. That’s why reviewing CC&Rs is critical.)
Learn how to read those documents in:
👉 How to Read HOA Documents Like a Pro
HOA Fees: Why They Differ
Condo HOAs
Condo HOAs in Walnut Creek often include:
Water and trash
Exterior insurance
Roof and siding maintenance
Amenities (pool, gym, clubhouse)
Security or gated entry
Dues tend to range from $450–$900+, depending on location and amenities.
Townhome HOAs
Townhome HOAs usually cover less:
Landscaping
Shared road maintenance
Sometimes exterior painting
Because you own more of the structure, maintenance costs fall on you — but monthly dues are typically lower.
This ties into:
👉 Low HOA Fee Condo Communities in Walnut Creek
Maintenance Responsibilities
Condo = Less Maintenance
The HOA takes care of almost everything outside your unit. For busy professionals, downsizers, or anyone who prefers a turn-key lifestyle, condos offer simplicity.
Townhome = More Responsibility
You may need to budget for exterior repairs such as:
Roofing
Painting
Pest control
Fencing
Siding
This gives you more control — but adds more responsibility.
Lifestyle Differences
Condos Fit Buyers Who Want:
Walkability
Amenities (pool, gym, clubhouse)
Low-maintenance living
Urban convenience
Proximity to BART and downtown
This makes downtown Walnut Creek condos especially attractive.
Townhomes Fit Buyers Who Want:
More privacy
More interior space
Direct access garages
Feel of single-family living
Quiet suburban neighborhoods
Areas like Northgate, Heather Farms, and Larkey Park offer excellent townhome options.
For neighborhood guidance, explore:
👉 Finding the Right Spot for Your Walnut Creek Condo
Financing Differences
Because condos require additional HOA review, financing can vary significantly. Lenders look at:
Owner-occupancy ratios
HOA reserves
Building insurance
Pending litigation
Townhomes, on the other hand, often finance more like single-family homes.
This can make them easier to qualify for — depending on the HOA’s financial health.
More on that here:
👉 Financing a Walnut Creek Condo: What You Need to Know
Which One Has Better Resale Value?
Both condos and townhomes hold value well in Walnut Creek, but for different reasons:
Condos
High demand for walkability
Strong appeal for downsizers and first-time buyers
Lower entry price = bigger buyer pool
Townhomes
Limited supply
Feel like single-family homes
Appeal to families, commuters, and remote workers
Townhomes typically appreciate slightly faster due to scarcity — but condos close to BART or Broadway Plaza often sell faster.
The Bottom Line
If you’re deciding between a condo and a townhome in Walnut Creek, the right choice depends on your:
Lifestyle
Budget
Desire for maintenance-free living
Location preferences
Long-term plans
Both options offer fantastic ways to own in one of the East Bay’s most desirable cities — but understanding the differences helps you make the smartest move possible.
Ready to compare condos and townhomes in real life?
👉 Search Walnut Creek Properties on RealScout