There has long been a feeling that an end unit is always superior to an interior unit. While I may not be able to change everyone’s mind, I would at least like to take a moment to point out the pro’s and con’s of both interior and end unit condominiums.
First off, let’s define what we’re talking about. I am refering to new condos, or at least built within the last few years. Condo floor plans have undergone a major transition over the past 10+ years, and to compare new units to older units is not an ‘apples to apples’ comparison.
End Unit PROS
- More Light
- 1 less Neighbor
- A more ‘private’ side yard
- Possibly a more private entrance (maybe via the side)
End Unit CONS
- 1 additional exterior wall; less energy efficient
- Direct view of neighbors, or whatever is next to you
- People walking in between buildings (remember, you don’t own the land)
- More expensive
Interior Unit PROS
- Less expensive
- More energy efficient*
- You know exactly what is going to be on all 4 sides of you
Interior Unit CONS
- Less light (depending on the floor plan)
- Limited access to a side yard, and back yard only if it’s a walkout
- Neighbors on 2 sides
*I did an non-scientific comparison using 2 identical condos, same floor plan, same orientation (garage faced north), similar age, similar construction materials, ect. The end unit was approximatly 40% more to heat than the interior unit. With the garage consuming most of the northern facing wall, and 2 neighbors completeing the 2 side walls, the only exposed wall is the southern facing wall.
The ‘interior vs. end unit’ debate is a healthy and lively debate. My experience has been that it’s about 50/50 when it comes to preference of interior or end unit. Bottom line is that it comes down to your personal desires. How are you going to use your condo? What is most important to you? Having lived in an interior condo for the past 5+ years, I can say that I am partial to an interior unit. I have tall windows that let in plenty of light, loads of space, and 2 neighbors that help heat and cool my condo! Don’t make up your mind until you get into both an end unit and an interior unit. You will be plesantly surprised at both!