text: Being a condominium owner myself, I would have a hard time recommending condos to prospective home-buyers. Our condo fees are rising much faster than the official rate on inflation. In our case, electricity is included in our fees and, although we don't have a washer / dryer in our unit (no room), we find ourselves subsidizing the owners who have them.  The only thing keeping us in our place is that our combined condo fees and property taxes are notably lower than the cost of renting a decent two bedroom apt., in any rental building or condo in our area (we have no mortgage), so we're almost  stuck for the time being. Otherwise, we wouldn't hesitate to sell and move, even if we had to sell our place at a bargain basement price  (We'd still make a profit, but not a great one.) All this to say that, for the reasons I have already stated and several others, I do not recommend condominium ownership, except maybe in a newer, luxury building, for those who can afford it.