Buying a Luxury House Vs. Luxury Condo

Purchasing a luxury house or property is a big decision. Another decision that might be weighing heavily is the difference between a condo or a single-family home. If you're looking to downsize or just change your lifestyle, there's quite a bit of difference between a house and a condo purchase.

If you can't decide between the two, here are some of the biggest differences between a luxury house versus a luxury condo.

Pros and cons to purchasing a luxury house

Advantages of a house

Houses might be ideal for growing families, couples, or individuals that value privacy and space. However, there are higher maintenance costs and upkeep to a house versus a condo.

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Here are some of the advantages of owning a luxury house versus a condo.

  • You own the land.
  • Less obstructed views.
  • More privacy.
  • Quieter.
  • Potentially more character.
  • Possibly better resale value.

Diamond Head Kahala Home Interior

Disadvantages to a house

  • Additional landscape or yard maintenance
  • More home maintenance costs and upkeep
  • Potentially higher property taxes
  • Possibly homeowner association dues
  • Higher home insurance costs

While these are general guidelines, they may vary if the home is in a Homeowners Association. Homeowners assocations can pass restrictions on the property and land, up to and including rules on how the property is bought and sold. HOA rules can vary from extremely strict to existing purely on paper, so it's important to read the paperwork before buying.

Looking to buy a second home in Hawaii? Check out our services!

If you're looking at purchasing a luxury condo there are also pros and cons to this type of real estate as well.

Related: Should you buy a house before moving to Oahu?

Advantages of a condo

Condos, like homes, can come in a wide range of options. In general, purchasing a condo is the low maintenance, turnkey option. Condos In Hawaii are usually in high-rise buildings and range from ultra-luxury penthouses like those in Waiea to studio units in Ae'o, a high-rise tower with Whole Foods incorporated into the base.

  • Low maintenance
  • Turnkey solution
  • Potential amenities
  • More socialization opportunities
  • Potentially closer to the city
  • Higher security

Victoria Place Living Room

Disadvantages of a condo

  • Smaller spaces
  • Shared facilities
  • Less privacy
  • Monthly dues
  • Condo association restrictions and rules
  • Shared walls, floors, and/or ceilings

When you choose a condominium you will definitely have additional condo association fees. These fees cover items such as building maintenance, management, and any amenities. Instead of paying the money to do the maintenance yourself, you're making monthly payments for the Association to handle all of the maintenance. It's a great low-maintenance lifestyle but it's a trade-off with association dues.

Depending on what you choose, pricing can be all over the board. You can buy a beautiful penthouse condominium for the same price as a moderately priced single-family home depending on the location and amenities.

More: A Handy Guide to 2021 Cost of Living in Hawaii

Condominiums make a great purchase for those downsizing, retirees, those just getting into the real estate market and would like to build up some equity for a single-family home later on, and for those that simply want the low maintenance lifestyle. Amenities may include swimming pools, dog parks, tennis courts, fitness centers, and other resort-style perks.

Victoria Place Tower Mockup

However, the luxury house does give you the freedom to do just about whatever you want, if you're not in a HOA. In these cases, you do have to maintain the home your self, or find someone to manage the maintenance.

Related:  How to Buy a Condo in an Area When You Don't Live There

Regardless, there are beautiful luxury condos and homes throughout Oahu. If you'd like a list of both, contact me below. I can offer tips and suggestions on different condo buildings throughout Oahu as well as luxury neighborhoods and communities that might offer the ideal home for your needs and your budget.

Start browsing condos and houses below to get a sense of the type of properties available on Oahu or contact us at any time for a customize list of properties that fit your search criteria. 

Search the Newest Luxury Condos for Sale and Luxury Homes for Sale on Oahu

103 Properties
Page 1 of 9
$3,350,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,939
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
2
Days on Site
202307186
MLS
No description available...
$2,500,000
Condo: The Ritz-Carlton Residences - 383 Kalaimoku
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,206
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
8
Days on Site
202306518
MLS
The Ritz-Carlton Residences provides the ultimate in luxury living in Waikiki! Conveniently located with numerous luxury amenities to accommodate your upscale life style. Lanai offers varying views...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202220253
MLS
Lavish Kaka'ko living at it's finest. Be the first to experience Diamond Head and Kewalo Harbor views in Ward Village's brand new luxury high rise, Ko'ula. The largest floor plan in the building...
Active Under Contract
1118 Ala Moana Boulevard #2405 Honolulu,  HI 96814
$2,500,000
Condo: Waiea - 1118 Ala Moana
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,536
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202306824
MLS
Kakaako masterpiece luxury condo Waiea. 2 bed, 2 bat, 2 parking west facing corner unit with ocean, mountain and city vistas along with amazing shopping and entertainment right outside your door~!
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,800
Sq.Ft.
2014
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202306656
MLS
Luxury living perched above the iconic Ala Moana Shopping Center, this is One Ala Moana unit 900. The unit features 9 foot ceilings, three beds, three full baths, and 2 assigned/covered parking...
$5,550,000
Condo: Trump Tower Waikiki
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,050
Sq.Ft.
2009
Year Built
14
Days on Site
202306540
MLS
Stunning unobstructed views, it feels surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy beautiful sunset over the sea in the evening from the lanai and master bedroom in this preferred #10 high floor unit....
Active Under Contract
1288 Ala Moana Boulevard #27D Honolulu,  HI 96814
$4,350,000
Condo: Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,981
Sq.Ft.
2006
Year Built
16
Days on Site
202306382
MLS
Easy to show, accepting back up offers. Ocean views surround you in this spectacular corner unit at Hokua. Open the sliding door wide to enjoy the island breeze, ocean, Diamond Head, sunset,...
$5,500,000
Condo: Waiea - 1118 Ala Moana
4
Beds
5
Baths
3,476
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
18
Days on Site
202306252
MLS
Enjoy the experience of nearly 3,500 sq ft of luxury living at this tri-level contemporary open-concept floor plan corner/end VILLA unit w/ your own private walkway entry directly from your parking...
Active Under Contract
128 Pokole Way Kailua,  HI 96734
$3,587,000
Neighborhood: Lanikai
7
Beds
5
Baths
4,184
Sq.Ft.
2002
Year Built
20
Days on Site
202306075
MLS
Available for the first time in generations, this legacy property is situated steps to the waters edge front and center of the world-renowned Mokulua Islands. Designed by and for a large family and...
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,455
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
20
Days on Site
202306165
MLS
One of the world's most desirable luxury condominium adjacent to Ala Moana Center. Unique opportunity to enjoy natural tropical landscaping in heart of Honolulu. Amenities are truly exceptional and...
$2,940,000
Condo: Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,524
Sq.Ft.
2006
Year Built
21
Days on Site
202306039
MLS
The first row of Kakaako luxury living with unobstructed views that will NOT change! Hokua is the leader in luxury condominium living with an 80% owner occupancy rate making it feel like home. Hokua...
$2,490,000
Condo: The Ritz-Carlton Residences - 383 Kalaimoku
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,206
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
22
Days on Site
202303829
MLS
Enjoy luxury living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Tower 1 Hotel/Condo! This 2 Bedroom comes fully furnished with all linens & kitchenware. Top notch amenities include infinity pool,...

Discussion

#1 By Luxury Residence Honolulu at 8/2/2022 -2:39 PM

Deciding between a luxury house or condo is tough, but this article is great for weighing each option. Thanks for sharing!

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