Torn between a low‑maintenance condo and a private single‑family home in Boca Raton? You are not alone. Many buyers in Palm Beach County weigh convenience and amenities against space and control. In this guide, you will compare true monthly costs, understand HOA and insurance differences, and learn how local rules affect your decision. Let’s dive in.
Boca Raton market context
Boca Raton attracts a mix of retirees, second‑home buyers, families, and investors. You will find waterfront estates, suburban single‑family neighborhoods, gated communities, and coastal condo towers. Proximity to the beach, Mizner Park, major roads, and preferred school zones often drives pricing and demand.
Condos commonly offer a lower entry price than single‑family homes in the same area. That said, luxury coastal condos and high‑end houses can overlap in price. Always compare recent local comps and factor in monthly fees or maintenance before you decide.
If you want to confirm taxes or historical records for a specific property, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser is a helpful starting point.
Costs: condo vs. house
When you compare options, look past the sticker price. Your real question is, “What will I spend each month and each year to live here?”
Purchase price and inventory
- In many Boca Raton areas, condos start at lower prices than single‑family homes nearby.
- Inventory varies by micro‑market. Beachfront or Intracoastal buildings may have tighter supply, while inland communities can offer more options.
- Luxury segments blur the lines. A remodeled condo with ocean views can price similarly to a larger inland home.
Total monthly carrying cost
Build a full monthly view so you can compare apples to apples:
- Mortgage payment based on price and rate.
- Property taxes for Palm Beach County.
- Insurance: HO‑3 for a house, HO‑6 for a condo, plus flood if required.
- HOA or condo fees and any assessments.
- Utilities and routine maintenance.
For condos, HOA fees typically fund building insurance on the structure, common area maintenance, landscaping, and amenities. Some associations also cover water, cable, or internet. For houses, you will likely pay more directly for landscaping, pool service, roof and exterior repairs, and unexpected fixes.
Insurance in Florida
Florida’s insurance market is unique. Premiums and coverage can change, so get quotes early.
- Houses generally need a homeowners policy and, if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a separate flood policy.
- Condo owners carry an HO‑6 for interiors and personal property. The building has a master policy. You are still exposed to the master policy’s deductible and should verify coverage details in the association documents.
- To understand flood risk and map zones, check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. For market conditions and consumer guidance, visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
Financing differences
Condos face more lender scrutiny because the project must meet eligibility standards. Your lender will review owner‑occupancy ratios, budget reserves, litigation, and insurance.
- Some loan programs require project approval. You can search federal resources, including FHA’s condo guidance and lookup tools, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Depending on the project, you may see stricter underwriting, higher down payments, or limited loan types for condos.
- If you are considering a condo, ask your lender about project eligibility on day one.
Governance, reserves, and assessments
Your experience in a condo depends on the association’s health and rules. Florida law provides structure for condominiums and HOAs.
- Condominiums are governed by Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. Review the current text of Chapter 718, Condominiums.
- Many single‑family communities have HOAs governed by Chapter 720, Homeowners’ Associations.
After the 2021 Surfside tragedy, building safety, inspections, reserves, and transparency received increased attention across Florida. Practical takeaways for condo buyers:
- Older coastal buildings may have new inspection or recertification requirements.
- Associations with underfunded reserves can face special assessments to handle structural, roof, or concrete work.
- You should review recent inspection history, reserve studies, and the association budget before you write an offer.
Lifestyle trade‑offs
Choosing between a condo and a house is not just about cost. It is also about how you want to live.
Maintenance and time
- Condos: exterior, landscaping, and shared spaces are handled by the association. You can lock up and travel with less upkeep.
- Houses: you manage your roof, yard, pool, and exterior. Some owners prefer the control and are comfortable with the maintenance.
Space, privacy, and customization
- Single‑family homes usually offer more indoor space, a yard, and fewer direct neighbors. You have broader freedom to renovate, subject to permits and any HOA rules.
- Condos limit personalization of exteriors and structural elements. Interiors are yours to update, within building guidelines.
Amenities and community
- Condos often bundle a pool, fitness center, security, and possibly concierge services.
- Houses in gated communities may include shared amenities, while standalone homes typically do not.
Pets, parking, and storage
- Condos may restrict pet size, number, and where pets can go. Parking and guest policies are set by the association.
- Homes often provide private garages, more storage, and flexible pet options.
Noise and neighbors
- Condos mean close proximity to neighbors, which can bring occasional noise.
- Houses reduce shared walls and elevate privacy.
Short‑term rentals and local rules
If you want rental income, check rules before you buy. Associations can limit leasing terms, frequency, and approvals. Cities and counties also regulate rentals.
- Start with the City of Boca Raton’s framework in the Code of Ordinances. Then confirm the association’s leasing policy, minimum terms, and waiting periods.
- Short‑term rentals under 30 days are often restricted by condo documents and may require licensing or registration.
What to review for a condo purchase
Before you commit, read the documents and ask precise questions. Key items include:
- Declaration, bylaws, rules and regulations.
- Budgets for the last 3 to 5 years, audited financials, and reserve studies.
- Master insurance policies and deductibles.
- Recent meeting minutes and any pending litigation.
- History of special assessments and planned capital projects.
- Building inspection reports, roof and concrete restoration history, and upcoming work.
What to prioritize for a single‑family home
Due diligence looks different for a house:
- Full home inspection and a separate termite or WDO inspection.
- Roof age, HVAC and water heater age and service history.
- Pool equipment condition if applicable.
- Elevation certificate and flood quote if the property is in or near a mapped flood zone.
- Any HOA documents if the home is in a governed community.
Step‑by‑step decision checklist
Use this plan to move from “unsure” to “clear.”
- Define your lifestyle goals
- Do you want low maintenance and amenities, or more space and privacy?
- Will you live here year‑round or seasonally?
- Map your monthly budget
- Price out mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA or maintenance, and flood coverage.
- Get preliminary quotes and confirm what condo fees include.
- Verify insurance and flood exposure
- Pull flood zones from the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
- Request insurance quotes for HO‑3 vs. HO‑6 plus flood, and confirm condo master policy details.
- Confirm financing early
- Get pre‑approved and ask about condo project eligibility and documentation needs.
- If exploring FHA or VA, check program requirements, including FHA’s resources via HUD.
- Review legal and financial documents
- For condos, read governing documents, budgets, reserves, and recent meeting minutes.
- For homes, focus on inspections, systems, roof age, and any HOA rules.
- Check rental and pet rules
- Review city and county requirements in the Code of Ordinances, then confirm the association’s policies.
- Compare neighborhoods
- Prioritize commute routes, beach access, walkability to downtown areas like Mizner Park, and your day‑to‑day needs.
- Decide with confidence
- Weigh the trade‑offs, then move forward with an offer strategy that accounts for fees, inspections, and timelines.
Tips for sellers: condos and houses
If you plan to sell, anticipate buyer questions and reduce friction upfront.
If you are selling a condo
- Prepare a digital packet with recent budgets, audited financials, reserve studies, master insurance, and minutes.
- Highlight capital improvements and reserve strength.
- Be transparent about any assessments and timelines.
- Price with the monthly HOA fee in mind, since many buyers compare total monthly cost.
If you are selling a house
- Document recent improvements, such as roof, HVAC, and impact windows.
- Provide service records and any permits.
- Share inspection reports if available to build trust.
- Stage outdoor areas to show the Florida lifestyle.
Ready to compare properties that fit your lifestyle and budget in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or across the Palm Beach coast? Connect with Tatsiana Tobina‑Fotiou LLC for a personalized plan that aligns financing, insurance, and neighborhood fit.
FAQs
What is cheaper each year, a condo or a house in Boca Raton?
- It depends on total monthly carrying cost, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA or maintenance, and flood coverage; run the full numbers for each property to compare accurately.
Are condos harder to finance in Boca Raton than houses?
- Often yes, because lenders review condo project eligibility, reserves, insurance, and litigation; get pre‑approved and verify requirements with your lender early in the process.
Do I need flood insurance near the beach or Intracoastal?
- Lenders require flood insurance if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area; check zones on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and obtain quotes before you finalize a budget.
Which condo documents should I review before I buy?
- Review governing documents, budgets and audited financials, reserve studies, master insurance, recent meeting minutes, inspection history, and any pending litigation or assessments.
Can I rent out a Boca Raton condo short term?
- Many associations restrict short‑term leasing, and local rules also apply; confirm the association’s policies and review the City’s Code of Ordinances before you count on rental income.
