What to buy? Large or Small Condominium?

About a month ago, there was a very interesting article in the Boston Globe by Kris Frieswick, regarding the struggles of living in a small condominium. The article, called "Home Sweet Hell", chronicled the neighborly battles of a few small condominium homeowners, which were anything but neighborly. So, what's better? Living in a small condominium or large condominium? This is a difficult question to answer, and the answer will vary from person to person. Here are a few important considerations when choosing between a small and large condominium:

Small Condominium (2-10 units)
- Typically self-managed
- Involved in all aspects of decision making; budget
- Less privacy; very familiar with neighbors
- Less amenities
- Lower association fees


Large Condominium (10+ units)
- Typically have property manager
- Decisions usually left to manager and handful of trustees
- More privacy; owners can blend in
- Typically more amenities: concierge, indoor parking, etc.
- Higher association fees


In either case, it's very important to read the condominium documents when purchasing a condominium unit. It's also important to have any attorney represent your interests when purchasing. A good attorney will thoroughly review the documents on your behalf. Lastly: REMEMBER TO ASK QUESTIONS! You're making a large investment, know what you're getting yourself into!