The primary distinction is who owns the property and who has to cover its costs. The condo owner usually owns the interior of the condo, and the exterior and shared areas of the condo building are managed by the Homeowners Associations (HOA). Typically a townhouse is owned by its occupant(s) and the exterior and interior of the property, along with the land that it sits on. It's important to grasp the difference between condo vs townhouse to determine what kind of house will work best for you. While condos have minimal maintenance, townhouses have more freedom, yard and less sharing with other homes.