Recently, a couple looking for a home in Springfield had one condition: a single-story house without stairs. They found it burdensome to go up and down two floors due to their knees not being what they used to be. However, finding a single-story detached home in this area proved to be more challenging than expected. There weren't many listings, and most of the available homes were quite old.

As an alternative, they considered condos and townhomes. Condos typically have all spaces on one floor, and if they are in a building with an elevator, the stair issue is completely eliminated. Townhomes usually have two or more floors, but there are listings with bedrooms on the first floor. However, moving away from a detached home means giving up a yard and sharing walls with neighbors.

Cost is also a factor to consider. The property tax rate in Fairfax County for 2026 is $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. The effective tax rate for the county is about 1.01 percent, with a median home value of $760,400 and a median property tax of around $7,669 per year. Springfield is part of this county, so the tax structure is the same. Even if they move to a condo, they will still have to pay property taxes. However, the costs for roof, boiler, and lawn maintenance that were incurred with a detached home will be included in the HOA fees for a condo.

HOA fees can vary significantly from one community to another. Some include heating and hot water in the management fees, while others only manage the exterior and common landscaping. When viewing properties, it's important not to just look at the price but also to get the HOA fee schedule to see what is included. It's also crucial to remember that property taxes are separate.

Heating costs should also be factored in. The average electricity rate in Virginia is 10.62 cents per kilowatt-hour, and residential natural gas is $16.79 per 1,000 cubic feet. This area often experiences sub-zero temperatures in winter and hot, humid summers. This means that heating and cooling will need to be used extensively. A larger detached home will have a wider range for heating and cooling. Condos, being smaller and sharing walls, tend to have less heat loss.

If you are over 65 or have a disability, you should check for property tax relief in Fairfax County. If your income is below $60,000, you are fully exempt. For incomes between $60,000 and $70,000, there is a 75 percent exemption; between $70,000 and $80,000, a 50 percent exemption; and between $80,000 and $90,000, a 25 percent exemption. The asset limit is $400,000 excluding the primary residence. If you qualify under these criteria, maintaining a detached home can become much more manageable.

Another alternative when a single-story home cannot be found is to stay in the current home and make modifications such as installing grab bars or ramps. Reinforcing stair railings, installing bathroom grab bars, and removing thresholds can often be done for a few thousand dollars, which may be less than the cost of moving. However, since you cannot eliminate the stairs entirely, you should consider the possibility of your knee condition worsening before making a decision. It's advisable to get estimates for both moving and renovations.

If you decide to move to a condo, be sure to read the HOA regulations carefully. Each community has different rules regarding pet size limits, rental possibilities, and approval processes for renovations. You should also gather the paperwork for applying for property tax relief. If you miss the application deadline, you may have to wait until the following year, so it's wise to mark the relief application schedule on your calendar separately from your moving plans.

When viewing properties, it's also good to think about how many more years you plan to live in that home. If there's a chance you might move again in a few years, you need to be cautious as you could incur moving costs and selling costs twice. Conversely, if you plan to settle down for a long time, it may be worth investing a bit more in your current decision. If you're only considering a short period, renting first to see how it goes is also an option.

Considerations include whether the home is single-story, the management burden, and eligibility for tax relief. These three factors should be evaluated together to find the best answer. Tax rates and relief criteria can change annually, so it's advisable to check the latest information. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional and a tax advisor before making any contracts.