How to Identify the Type of Condo You Have

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, it’s essential to accurately identify the type of condo you live in. The type of condo you own influences the security recommendations made for your home, ensuring your living space is well protected. Condos come in many forms, and in this blog, we’ll explore the different types of condos—garden condos, low-rise condos, townhouse condos, detached condos, loft condos, high-rise condos, mixed-use condos, co-op condos, condo-hotels, and penthouse condos—to help you better understand your residence and fill out your Fortify Form with confidence.

1. Garden Condo

A garden condo is typically a low-rise building surrounded by gardens or outdoor spaces, offering a more relaxed and suburban lifestyle. These condos often have direct access to green areas and may feel more like a townhouse. However, they are usually part of a larger complex with shared amenities and spaces.

Garden Condo vs Townhouse Condo:

• Garden condos offer a more community-focused, nature-oriented environment, while townhouse condos tend to offer more privacy and often span multiple levels.
• Garden condos are ideal for those who appreciate outdoor living without the responsibilities of full home ownership.

When filling out your Fortify Form, make sure to select “garden condo” if you live in a unit with easy access to outdoor areas and green spaces.

2. Low-Rise Condo

A low-rise condo is typically a building that is three stories or fewer. These buildings offer the benefits of condo living without the high-density feel of a larger complex. They often come with fewer units, which means less noise and a more intimate community setting.

Low-Rise Condo Benefits:

• Quieter, with fewer residents compared to high-rise condos.
• Often more affordable and easier to maintain.

In your Fortify Form, select “low-rise condo” if you live in a smaller building with fewer floors and residents, making it essential to assess security for your entryways and shared spaces.

3. Townhouse Condo

A townhouse condo combines the layout of a traditional townhouse with the benefits of condo living. These units typically feature multiple stories, private entrances, and may include outdoor spaces such as patios or small yards.

Townhouse Style Condo:

• Offers more privacy and space compared to other types of condos.
• Often resembles a detached home but with shared walls and condo association maintenance.

For your Fortify Form, choose “townhouse condo” if your unit spans multiple floors and has more private entry points, which could require additional security measures.

4. Detached Condo

A detached condo is a standalone unit that offers the privacy of a single-family home but is part of a condo association. You own the structure and the land, but the condo association handles common areas and exterior maintenance.

Detached Condo vs Townhouse:

• Detached condos offer more privacy since they don’t share walls, unlike townhouse condos.
• Ideal for those who want the independence of a home but the convenience of a condo association.

On your Fortify Form, select “detached condo” if your condo stands alone without shared walls, which might require different security recommendations compared to other condo types.

5. Loft Condo

A loft condo is known for its open floor plan, high ceilings, and industrial design elements. These condos are often converted from warehouses or factories and feature exposed brick, beams, and ductwork.

Loft Condo Living:

• Offers a unique, modern living experience with an emphasis on open space and natural light.
• Typically located in urban areas with a minimalist design.

When completing your Fortify Form, choose “loft condo” if your home has a wide, open layout and industrial features, which could require specific security strategies for large, open windows and high ceilings.

6. High-Rise Condo

A high-rise condo is a building with multiple stories, typically more than seven, that offers expansive views, extensive amenities, and urban living. High-rise condos often include security features such as doormen, gated entrances, and surveillance cameras.

High-Rise Condo Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Often comes with luxury amenities such as gyms, pools, and concierge services.
• Cons: Higher HOA fees, less personal privacy compared to lower-density buildings.

For your Fortify Form, select “high-rise condo” if you live in a taller building, making it important to evaluate security for shared areas like lobbies, elevators, and common spaces.

7. Mixed-Use Condo

A mixed-use condo is part of a building that includes both residential and commercial spaces. These buildings often have retail stores, restaurants, or offices on the lower floors with condos above.

Mixed-Use Condo Features:

• Convenient access to businesses, restaurants, and shops.
• Offers urban convenience but can come with higher foot traffic and noise levels.

When filling out your Fortify Form, choose “mixed-use condo” if your building includes commercial spaces, which may require heightened security due to increased visitor access.

8. Co-op Condo

A co-op condo operates differently from traditional condos. In a co-op, you don’t own your unit; instead, you own shares in the corporation that owns the building. Co-ops often have stricter rules regarding who can live in the building.

Co-op vs Condo:

• Co-ops tend to have more stringent entry requirements and rules.
• Condos provide more individual ownership, whereas co-ops function more like a shared investment.

For your Fortify Form, if you live in a co-op condo, ensure to select “co-op” to reflect the unique ownership structure and security needs.

9. Condo-Hotel

A condo-hotel is a condo that operates as part of a hotel. These units are typically owned by individuals but rented out as hotel rooms when not in use by the owner. Condo-hotels are popular as investment properties.

Condo-Hotel Investment:

• Provides rental income when not occupied by the owner.
• Includes hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, concierge services, and room service.

If your condo functions as part of a hotel, select “condo-hotel” on your Fortify Form, as security recommendations may need to consider transient guests and shared hotel amenities.

10. Penthouse Condo

A penthouse condo is typically the top-floor unit of a high-rise building, offering expansive views, luxury finishes, and exclusive access to amenities. Penthouses often come with private terraces or roof decks.

Penthouse Condo Features:

• Offers the ultimate in luxury living with larger spaces and high-end amenities.
• Higher level of privacy due to its exclusive location on the top floor.

For your Fortify Form, select “penthouse condo” if you live in a top-floor unit with exclusive amenities and private outdoor space, requiring specialized security solutions.