One thing that people often overlook when looking at townhome listings is the management fees. They may decide based solely on the purchase price, only to be surprised later by the monthly fees. It would be helpful to check this aspect first when choosing a home in Seattle.

Looking at the recent market, the median sale price in Seattle was $890,000 for the three months leading up to June 2026. This is a decrease of 2.3% compared to the previous year. By type, as of July, the median price for single-family homes was $1,045,000, while the combined median for condos and townhomes was $628,725. When looking specifically at traditional condos, the median price as of January was $445,000, down 12.9% from the previous year, but newly built townhome-style condos are maintaining around $775,000.

Among the cases I reviewed, the difference between new and older properties is particularly striking. New townhome developments have higher purchase prices but relatively straightforward management fees, while older condo buildings may have lower purchase prices but could see management fees spike if major repairs are planned. I recommend checking recent meeting minutes from the management association or any upcoming repair plans when viewing properties.

To summarize, condos have the highest management fees among the three types, as the management association operates the building's exterior, structure, and most common facilities. Townhomes have a middle structure where the HOA manages the exterior while the owner is responsible for the interior, often resulting in lower fees compared to condos. Single-family homes typically have no or low management fees, but the owner is responsible for everything, including the roof, exterior walls, and landscaping.

The first dilemma is whether to focus on the purchase price or the management fees. Even if a condo's purchase price seems low, adding several years of management fees can make it comparable to a townhome. A practical comparison method is to calculate the total cost of ownership by adding the purchase price and management fees. Comparing the total monthly amount, including mortgage payments, management fees, and property taxes, will give a clearer picture of the actual cost of living.

The topic of loans cannot be overlooked. Banks may take a closer look at the HOA's financial status and reserve fund levels for condos, which can lead to longer approval times even with the same income. In contrast, single-family homes and townhomes are typically processed more smoothly based on personal credit and income.

From a lifestyle perspective, choices naturally diverge. Those looking to reduce commuting and management burdens often start with condos. Families wanting a yard and independent space tend to gravitate toward single-family homes. Many who are weighing adequate space and management fees often choose townhomes.

Seattle has many neighborhoods favored by Korean families for their school districts. However, school district boundaries are frequently adjusted, so it's advisable to verify which school a property of interest is assigned to using GreatSchools or Seattle Public Schools resources before making a contract.

A similar trend is observed in the new housing market. Nationally, the proportion of townhomes in new supply is increasing, as confirmed by statistics from the National Association of Home Builders, and this trend is also evident in Seattle. In areas with limited land, new developments often focus on townhomes or condos.

When considering resale, single-family homes tend to attract a broader range of buyers. It's worth noting that condos and townhomes may have limited buyers depending on loan conditions and the HOA's financial status.

Some may approach this from an investment perspective, but given the recent decline in the condo market, it's difficult to predict when prices will recover. It's important to weigh rental demand against the potential for rising management fees to assess the risks involved.

Families moving from other states should be aware that while Washington has no income tax, there is a real estate excise tax when buying property. It's advisable to check the latest rates for accuracy. The prices and statistics mentioned in this article are not investment or legal advice, and it's recommended to consult with a real estate agent and tax professional before finalizing any contracts.