Townhomes vs Condos in Calgary: Which Is the Better Investment in 2025?
Is a townhome the better investment in Calgary or is the humble condo reigning supreme? Let’s break down the key differences between condos and townhomes from an investor’s perspective, not just a lifestyle one.
Condos: The Entry-Level Investment With Built-In Efficiency
Why Investors Love Condos
Affordability: Condos come with a much lower purchase price than townhomes, making them ideal for first-time investors—they’re much easier to save the down-payment and to qualify for the mortgage, also making them less risky.
Turnkey Management: Condos are the easiest way to invest in real estate because the condo building management handles the upkeep of the property including the exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal—your tenant just moves in and you just cash the rent cheques.
Prime Locations: Calgary condos are often in central areas with access to transit, making them attractive to young professionals and students and offer a great alternative to dungy basement rentals or run-down apartment buildings.
No Stairs: Older people and families appreciate the fact that there are no stairs and condos provide an appealing option.
What to Watch Out For
Condo Fees: Monthly maintenance fees can eat into your cash flow so be sure to factor this in.
Limited Land Ownership: You own the interior unit—not the land, which can affect long-term equity growth.
Investor Restrictions: Some buildings have rental caps or by-laws you’ll need to work around and sometimes there are too many investors within a single development which can affect your investment.
Townhomes: More Space, More Potential—With More Responsibility
Why Townhomes Are Popular
No Elevator? No Problem. Post-COVID, many tenants prefer walk-up access and private entrances—something townhomes naturally offer.
Larger Units = Larger Rent: More square footage and multi-level living mean you can often charge more rent. These units are ideal for families and people looking to live in a more traditional home.
Perfect Blend Between A House and A Condo: Townhomes offer many of the benefits of a house like larger living spaces and multiple bedrooms but are still relatively easy to manage and maintain because the exterior maintenance and snow removal/landscaping is usually the responsibility of the condo board (yes most townhomes have a monthly condo fee).
⚠️ The Caveats
More Maintenance: I guarantee that a townhome will be more work than a condo. No condo management means that you are responsible for everything within you unit and there will be more repairs and upkeep as there are more mechanical components.
Higher Price Point: Your upfront investment is typically 25%-35% higher than a condo in the same area
Location Spread: Townhomes tend to be in suburban areas—great for families, but not always in high-demand rental zones.
Which Is the Better Investment in 2025?
There’s no right answer and it depends more about your personal investment preferences:
Go Condo If:
This is your first investment and you’re just getting started
You want low maintenance, hands-off management
You’re buying in a high-demand rental area close to employment opportunities
Go Townhome If:
You’re seeking stronger long-term equity
You don’t mind managing some upkeep or hiring it out
You’re buying in growth areas of the city with high rental populations
Consider freehold townhomes and those with basements and backyards as this represents a very small percentage of the available townhomes in Calgary and will always be appealing to buyers.
The better investment isn’t universal—it depends on your goals, your capital, and your risk profile.
Let’s Build a Game Plan Together
Still unsure which move is right for you? This is what I help investors figure out every day.
🔗 Book a 1-on-1 consultation with me and we’ll review your numbers, your goals, and which Calgary strategy makes sense for where you’re at.
Let’s make smart moves, not emotional ones.
—
Kyle Dovigi
The Condo Millionaire
Investor. Educator. Guide to long-term real estate wealth.
Real Talk. Honest Advice.
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