Hey there, KC home-seekers! 🌆🏡 It’s your favorite neighborhood guide, Rach the Realtor. Over the years, I’ve helped countless folks find their dream spaces in our lovely city. One common crossroads many face is the decision between buying a house or a condo. So, let’s break down the pros and cons to help you find the perfect fit!
Houses in KC: The Pros and Cons
The Pros:
- Space and Privacy:
Houses often come with bigger living spaces, private yards, and no shared walls. It’s your kingdom! - Flexibility:
Want to paint the exterior neon pink or build a treehouse? In your own home, you’re the boss.***
***Kinda. Some city codes and almost all HOAs have regulations about paint colors, structures like sheds, etc. So look for homes outside of city limits if you really want a free-for-all.
- Long-term Investment:
Houses in Kansas City (and just in general!) have historically appreciated well, making them solid long-term investments.
The Cons:
- Maintenance:
Owning a house means you’re responsible for all repairs and upkeep—inside and out. - Higher Initial Costs:
Often, the upfront costs for homes can be higher than condos, especially if you’re eyeing popular neighborhoods.
Condos in KC: The Ups and Downs
The Ups:
- Convenience:
Many condos offer amenities like gyms, pools, and security—adding value and convenience to urban living. - Location:
Condos are often nestled in the heart of the city, putting entertainment, dining, and shopping right on your doorstep. This is absolutely my favorite selling point of condos right now with the way downtown is absolutely popping off. We haven’t seen this yet but I also wonder with the street car expansion, Kansas City Current stadium, World Cup 2026 coming into KC, and a potential downtown Royals stadium, if condos won’t start to see an increase in value that paces more with single-family homes. It’s just speculation at this point, but if you like the idea of a condo for other reasons, a potential great cherry on top! - Less Maintenance:
With a condo, you’re typically only responsible for the interior. No lawn mowing, shoveling snow, or cleaning out the gutters!
The Downs:
- HOA Fees:
While they provide many services, monthly Homeowners Association fees can be an added expense. In KC in particular, you also have to watch out for special assessments. A lot of the condo buildings in the financial/government district and the garment district areas, and some down into the Crossroads (hello Western Auto building) have had some pretty hefty special assessments. This impacts your ability to buy and sell. When buying, either you or the seller has to come up with the cash to pay off the assessment before closing. When selling, if you don’t want to foot the bill, you’ll be limiting your buyer pool to folks who have the cash and want to purchase the condo badly enough that they are willing to pay it. Loans can be a little funky with condos too so make sure you tell your lender upfront if you’re considering a condo purchase. - Less Privacy:
Shared walls mean you might hear your neighbors’ late-night movie marathons. Many condos also prohibit short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO so keep that in mind if that’s in your long-term plans. - Potential for Slower Appreciation:
While condos can be a great investment, they sometimes don’t appreciate value as quickly as standalone homes. But also… see above regarding location!
Making Your Decision
Whether you’re an urbanite dreaming of a condo with a skyline view or someone seeking the serene space of a house, Kansas City has options aplenty. Remember, the best choice always depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and financial situation.
Still on the fence? Swing by my website, Rach the Realtor Kansas City, and let’s chat about what you’re looking for. Together, we’ll turn that dream space into a reality!
Until next time, happy hunting and keep those KC vibes strong!
Cheers,
Rach 🌟🔑
Rach Kilmer
Putting Down Roots in Kansas City
Learn about Putting Down Roots in Kansas City on a May airing of House Hunters on HGTV.