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.

Sign up and receive the latest news and info on Hawaii Vacation Homes, straight to your inbox.

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.

Related: 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. Once you've decided what you'd like and are ready to discuss your options, contact us at (808) 400-9542 to get started. We'll work with you to refine your list of properties to find the one that best fits your needs.

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

117 Properties
Page 1 of 10
$3,990,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,492
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
3
Days on Site
202320074
MLS
Experience the pinnacle of modern luxury living in this high-floor 3-bed/3.5 bath unit at Anaha, located in the heart of Ward Village! Enjoy stunning panoramic ocean, Diamond Head, and firework...
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,563
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202319051
MLS
Experience Park Lane Ala Moana, Honolulu's premiere luxury residential condominium offering a single family home living experience in the sky! This beautiful 2-Bd, 2-bath condo offers wide open...
$2,150,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,349
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202321329
MLS
Luxurious, immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bath wrap-around corner end unit with sweeping ocean-to-mountain views! This is a special unit on the Penthouse floor with 10-foot high ceilings and a Penthouse...
$2,650,000
Neighborhood: Kahala Kua
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
2,909
Sq.Ft.
2002
Year Built
6
Days on Site
202320845
MLS
Welcome to KAHALA KUA, a gated premier community located between Kahala and Hawaii Kai with stunning unobstructed ocean views from every room. This architect designed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is...
$2,750,000
Condo: Trump Tower Waikiki
2
Beds
3
Baths
1,660
Sq.Ft.
2009
Year Built
6
Days on Site
202321236
MLS
Enjoy the world famous Trump Tower Waikiki that provides 5 Star Hotel Living. This 2 bedroom + Den, 3 full bathroom unit comes fully furnished with all linens, kitchenware, and also includes...
$3,499,000
Neighborhood: Old Pali
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
4,268
Sq.Ft.
2005
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321265
MLS
RARELY AVAILABLE CUSTOM BUILT EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE IN OLD PALI NEIGHBORHOOD. SPACIOUS HOME BUILT IN 2005 WITH THREE BEDROOMS, THREE AND ONE-HALF BATHS, LARGE OFFICE WITH LOTS OF BUILT-INS, FAMILY...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321338
MLS
Welcome to Koula, Brand New condominium in the heart of Ward Village in Kakaako! Brand new, never lived in Koula, 3-bathroom, 2-parking home is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan. 2400 is...
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,608
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202319672
MLS
2302 is a distinctive courtyard condo with a single-family home ambiance that offers a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This luxurious residence captures breathtaking views and is...
$3,800,000
Condo: The Ritz-Carlton Residences - 383 Kalaimoku
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,504
Sq.Ft.
2014
Year Built
11
Days on Site
202320834
MLS
Experience the epitome of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach - Tower 1! This preferred high-floor, corner-end 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit is fully furnished and boasts spectacular...
$6,000,000
Condo: Waiea - 1118 Ala Moana
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,377
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202320989
MLS
Waiea, or "Water of Life", stands as Honolulu's flagship luxury residence in award-winning Ward Village. This 21st-floor 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2,377 sq.ft. residence has been furnished & modified by...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202321034
MLS
Views, Location plus Luxury - Welcome to Ward Village's renowned Studio Gang designed Ko'ula, your dream come true! Located in the preferred "00" stack, offering the largest floor plan on the ocean...
$2,375,000
Neighborhood: Koko Villas
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
2,541
Sq.Ft.
2004
Year Built
13
Days on Site
202320798
MLS
Desirable Koko Villas in quiet neighborhood: this particular home offers superior custom features such as a special custom architectural steel beam reinforced "Nanawall '', which provides a sweeping...

Inquire Now!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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!

Post a Comment