Condo vs Single-Family Home in Fort Lauderdale: What’s Right for You?

Let’s dig deeper into each area, especially in a market like Fort Lauderdale.

1. Cost and Financial Considerations

Upfront & purchase costs

Condo units often require lower down payments because the land cost is shared across units. However, lenders can be more conservative about condo financing (e.g., requiring the association to meet specific financial stability standards).

Single-family homes command a premium because you buy the land and the structure. In Fort Lauderdale, median home sale prices have been rising.

Monthly fees & carrying costs

With a condo, your monthly dues (HOA or maintenance fees) may cover exterior upkeep, landscaping, amenities, security, insurance for common structures, etc. Those fees can vary dramatically between buildings. (Sometimes those fees increase if major repairs are needed.)

For a single-family home, you’ll absorb all costs, including roof repairs, lawn care, exterior painting, and pest control. In hurricane-prone Florida, those costs can be significant.

Insurance and flood/hurricane risks

Flood insurance is often non-negotiable because Fort Lauderdale is on the coast and has low elevation. Condos may pass on parts of that cost through the association, but your share still matters. Single-family homes may face tougher insurance premiums because they’re more exposed, and you control everything (so less risk-spreading).

Appreciation & resale

Single-family homes often appreciate more steadily because the land component tends to rise in value. Condos might lag if the building’s management, finances, or condition becomes unattractive.

However, in Fort Lauderdale’s condo market, the median price is around $585,000 (especially for well-located luxury units), and luxury condos continue to perform relatively well.

Market dynamics 2025 also show a surge in condo inventory and active listings. In June 2025, condo, townhouse, and penthouse listings jumped sharply, meaning more options but also more competition.

2. Lifestyle and Use

Maintenance & convenience

One significant advantage of condos is lower day-to-day maintenance. A condo simplifies things if you travel often or don’t want to hire contractors.

If you love gardening, customizing your exterior, or want a pool in your backyard, a single-family home gives you that flexibility.

Privacy & noise

Condo residents have shared walls, sometimes louder neighbors, and more modification restrictions. Single-family homes offer more privacy and fewer restrictions on your home’s exterior changes.

Amenities & shared features

Many condos in Fort Lauderdale offer amenities like fitness centers, pools, concierge, dock space, security, and communal lounges. For many buyers, these features are a big draw.

For example, Las Olas River House provides residents a fitness center overlooking the New River, rooftop gardens, lounges, meeting rooms, and more. Wikipedia

If you want similar amenities in a single-family home, you’ll need to build and maintain them yourself (or pay for community facilities if they’re part of a gated subdivision).

Location & walkability

Condos tend to be closer to downtown, waterfront, and walkable districts. If you value proximity to restaurants, shops, transit, and nightlife, a condo in central Fort Lauderdale may deliver more convenience.

Single-family homes are often in quieter areas farther from the core, so you might accept longer commutes or drive more.

3. Risk and Governance

HOA / association governance

You don’t control everything in condos, even your building’s roof repairs or exterior design. You share decision-making with all owners. A poorly governed HOA can degrade property condition or force special assessments (unexpectedly large fees).

Before buying, it is crucial to review the association’s financials, reserve fund, past repairs, bylaws, and meeting minutes.

Restrictions & rules

Condo buildings often limit short-term rentals, require approval for renovations, set pet policies, and impose design restrictions. These rules may bite you if you plan to rent your unit or remodel heavily.

Single-family homes may have fewer restrictions, though local zoning and community covenants (if in a subdivision) still apply.

Risk of building issues

Large condominium buildings may require expensive structural repairs over time. If many owners don’t pay, the burden may fall on a few.

In a single-family home, you control all repairs and aren’t dependent on decisions made by others.

4. When a Condo Makes More Sense

You might lean toward a condo if:

• You prefer low-maintenance living
• You want urban access, short commutes, or walkability
• You’re an empty nester or a professional without children
• You travel often and want someone else to handle upkeep
• You want shared amenities (pool, gym, security) but don’t want to build them yourself
• You’re OK with HOA governance and rules

Especially in Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront or downtown corridors, condos often deliver prime locations combined with ease.

5. When a Single-Family Home Might Be Better

A single-family home might be preferable if:

• You want complete control over your property
• You desire more privacy, yard, or space
• You’d rather avoid or have only minimal HOA fees
• Want to customize, build additions, or have fewer restrictions
• You expect stronger land-value appreciation

If you value independence, space, and customization, a single-family home could be better for you in the long term.