Deciding whether to purchase a Boston condo or a Boston loft is a choice many potential homebuyers face. If you’re not sure which living space is more suitable for you or your family, considering the differences each option offers may make it easier to determine whether a condo or loft is the right choice for you.
Exterior Space
Many Boston condo buildings resemble apartments because they are constructed of attached units in a residential community. Like apartments, condo buildings are governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) that collects monthly and/or annual fees and takes care of ground maintenance and repairs in common areas. Life in a condo community offers a sense of closeness similar to apartment living.
Lofts, on the other hand, are commonly converted out of warehouses, industrial properties, and other commercial or abandoned spaces. They are not necessarily attached to other buildings, though they can be part of a condo or apartment community. Like condos, lofts are usually overseen and managed by an condo association.
Generally, there are two type of lofts: the hard loft variation and the soft loft type. Hard lofts are primarily spaces that have been converted out of old warehouses and industrial facilities. Soft lofts are units designed in the loft style, but located in a newly constructed building. Hard lofts can be found above businesses and shops, but soft lofts are more likely to be found in an apartment-like community.
Interior Space
When it comes to interior space, condos resemble apartments, whereas rooms are distinctly separated by walls. Condos are built with the purpose of accommodating individuals and/or families, whereas most lofts were originally constructed as warehouses or factories.
The interior of a loft is generally more simple and modern than the inside of a condo. Most lofts do not have walls, resulting in spacious living spaces and tall ceilings. Other common loft features include open floor plans, exposed pipes, ducts, and other fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Location
Location is one of the biggest differences between life in a condo or a loft. Condos can be found in cities, suburbs, and even some rural areas. Lofts are more likely to be situated in urban areas where warehouses and factories are located. Living within close proximity to the city makes lofts appealing to many business professionals.
Space and Storage
Due to their larger size and separated rooms, condos typically offer more space for storage and general living than lofts. Single individuals may find the minimal space of a loft to be an attractive feature. On the opposite end of the spectrum, people with children and/or pets might require the spaciousness offered by condos.
