Thinking about a condo or a townhome in Arlington but not sure which fits your life and budget best? You’re not alone. Many Northern Virginia buyers weigh the same choice, especially when commute times, walkability, and monthly costs all matter. In this guide, you’ll learn how the two property types differ in price, ownership, HOA coverage, financing, and resale so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Arlington market snapshot
Recent county data shows a median sale price near $705,000 with homes taking roughly 75 days to sell and achieving close to list price. Provider snapshots vary depending on whether they track closed sales or active listings, so expect month-to-month swings. In 2024 and 2025, Arlington’s condo segment generally saw more inventory and softer pricing than townhomes, which tended to hold value in the mid to upper price bands.
Looking ahead, the 2026 NVAR forecast expected modest price gains across condos and townhomes along with more inventory compared to 2025. You should still check current neighborhood data when you’re ready to shop, but the regional outlook points to steady conditions rather than dramatic shifts. You can read more in the 2026 NVAR forecast here: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors market forecast.
What you own: condo vs townhome
Condo ownership basics
With a condo, you typically own the interior of your unit plus a shared interest in common areas. The association handles exterior maintenance, building systems, and shared amenities. This structure often provides a lower-maintenance lifestyle for you, especially in high-rise and mid-rise buildings near Metro.
Townhome ownership basics
Most Arlington townhomes are fee simple, which means you usually own the structure and the land beneath it. You are responsible for exterior elements like the roof, siding, and yard. Some townhome communities also have an HOA, but it often covers less than a condo association does.
Monthly costs compared
HOA dues and what they cover
- Condos: Higher monthly dues are common because they fund building insurance, exterior upkeep, elevators, garage and common-area maintenance, and amenities like gyms or pools. Coverage varies by building. For budget planning, treat dues as a range, not a single average. Learn how HOAs allocate costs here: HOA fees explained.
- Townhomes: Dues tend to be lower when present, often covering landscaping of shared spaces, trash, or private road maintenance. You’ll carry more direct responsibility for your roof, exterior, and yard.
Insurance differences
- Condos: You typically carry an HO-6 policy that covers interior finishes and personal property. The building’s master policy covers the structure and common areas.
- Townhomes: You usually need a full homeowners policy similar to a single-family home, since you own the exterior and the land. Premiums can be higher than condo policies because the coverage footprint is broader.
Taxes and utilities
- Property taxes are set annually by the county. Arlington adopted a 2025 real estate tax rate of $1.033 per $100 of assessed value. Use the county’s finance tools to estimate payments: Arlington County tax and budget info.
- Utilities vary by building and community. Some condos include water, gas, or even electricity in monthly dues. Townhomes typically meter utilities directly to the homeowner.
Your monthly payment checklist
Add these up to compare apples to apples in the same neighborhood:
- Mortgage principal and interest
- Property taxes using current assessments
- HOA dues and any recurring fees
- Insurance appropriate to the property type
- Utilities that are not covered by the HOA
Financing and approvals
Why condos need project review
Condo loans involve the unit and the project as a whole. Lenders review association finances, reserves, owner-occupancy ratios, litigation, and commercial space to decide if the project is eligible for conventional delivery. Learn the standards here: Fannie Mae’s condo project eligibility guidance.
FHA and VA considerations
If you plan to use FHA or VA financing, confirm the building’s status early. Some projects are already approved, while others may require a single-unit approval or different loan options. You can look up eligibility on HUD’s site: HUD condo approval lookup.
Practical steps that save time
- Ask your lender to pre-check condo project eligibility before you write an offer.
- Request the full resale package early. This includes the budget, reserve study, insurance declarations, and meeting minutes.
- Plan for any condo questionnaire, transfer fees, or move-in fees your lender or the building may require.
Reserves, assessments, and risk
Healthy reserves are the backbone of a well-run association. A current reserve study and an adequately funded reserve account reduce the risk of special assessments for big-ticket items like roofs, elevators, or garage repairs. Underfunded reserves can limit your loan options or compress resale demand. For background on reserves and best practices, see: HOA reserve study essentials.
In Arlington, older mid-rise buildings with limited reserves or active litigation can face a narrower buyer pool. Townhomes often appeal to buyers who want more space and fee-simple control, which can support steadier demand, though townhomes also come at higher price points. Either way, your best protection is a careful review of the association’s financial health before you commit.
Where each type is common
- Condos: You’ll see the largest clusters near high-density, transit-rich corridors like Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and National Landing. These locations often trade larger floor plans for convenience and amenities.
- Townhomes: You’ll find pockets around urban villages and established neighborhoods, including parts of Clarendon, Lyon Village, Radnor/Fort Myer Heights, and Fairlington/Green Valley. Townhomes can be infill developments or small clusters where mid-density makes sense.
Who each option fits
- Choose a condo if you want low exterior maintenance, building amenities, and walkability to Metro. Condos can offer a lower purchase price and a lock-and-leave lifestyle.
- Choose a townhome if you want more space, a private entry, garage or yard access, and say over your exterior. Townhomes feel closer to single-family living without the same price point as a detached home.
Price ranges at a glance
These ranges are illustrative for Arlington. Always check current comps in your target neighborhood and building.
- Condos: Many older garden and mid-rise units list in the low $200Ks to high $500Ks for smaller floor plans. Larger or luxury high-rise units often run $700K to $1M+ depending on building, views, and condition.
- Townhomes: Many communities trade in the roughly $600K to $1.1M range. Renovated, end-unit, or larger townhomes with garages can exceed that band depending on location and features.
Decision framework to use
Ask yourself what matters most day to day, then match the product type.
- Prioritize minimal upkeep, amenities, and walkable locations near Metro: lean condo.
- Prioritize space, fee-simple control, a garage or yard, and long-term ownership of land: lean townhome. For a quick comparison of typical differences, see this overview: House vs. condo vs. townhouse basics.
- Using FHA, VA, or a low down payment: verify condo project eligibility with your lender at the start. Here’s the standard lenders use: Fannie Mae condo project guidance.
- Concerned about HOA fee stability: request the reserve study, budget, and a dues history. Underfunded reserves can trigger special assessments. Read more: HOA reserves explained.
Buyer due-diligence checklist
Use this list to compare a condo and a townhome in the same Arlington neighborhood.
Get the resale package. Ask for the budget, 2–3 years of financials, reserve study, insurance declarations, litigation disclosures, and meeting minutes. Lenders rely on these. See the lender lens here: Fannie Mae project eligibility.
Confirm FHA/VA status. If you plan to use these programs, check the building’s status or ask about single-unit approvals: HUD condo approval lookup.
Compare carrying costs. Tally mortgage, taxes, HOA, insurance, and utilities. Use Arlington’s published rate to estimate taxes: Arlington County tax info.
Read the minutes. Look for talk of special assessments, deferred maintenance, or board disputes that might affect fees or financing. Background on reserves: HOA reserve study essentials.
Ask for the reserve study and percent-funded number. Underfunded reserves raise the chance of future assessments.
Verify parking, storage, and leasing rules. These affect your day-to-day use and future resale.
Ask your lender what they need. Many require a condo questionnaire, master insurance policy, and budget. Start early: Fannie Mae condo project guidance.
Weigh outdoor space and upkeep. If you value a yard or garage, note the added maintenance and replacement costs over time versus a condo balcony and shared amenities.
The bottom line
Arlington gives you two strong paths. Condos deliver convenience, lower-maintenance living, and proximity to transit at a lower entry price in many buildings. Townhomes deliver space, fee-simple control, and private entries, usually at a higher purchase price and with more personal responsibility for exterior upkeep. Your best choice comes from a side-by-side cost comparison, early lender checks for condo eligibility, and a careful read of the association’s finances.
If you want a clear, data-backed plan tailored to your commute, budget, and design goals, connect with our team. We pair neighborhood expertise with thoughtful staging and presentation to help you buy with confidence. Start the conversation with Property Collective.
FAQs
How do Arlington condo and townhome prices compare?
- Condos often start at lower price points for smaller units, while townhomes typically list higher due to more space, private entries, and land ownership. Always check current comps in your target neighborhood.
What HOA fees should I expect for an Arlington condo?
- Expect a range from several hundred dollars per month to higher amounts in amenity-rich towers. Coverage varies by building, so review the resale package for exact inclusions.
How do condo approvals impact FHA or VA buyers?
- If a condo project is not approved, your loan options may narrow or require a different approach. Verify status early using the HUD condo approval lookup and speak with your lender about alternatives.
What insurance policy type will I need?
- Condo owners typically carry an HO-6 policy for interiors and personal property, since the master policy covers the building shell. Townhome owners usually carry a full homeowners policy because they own the exterior and land.
How do Arlington property taxes factor into my monthly payment?
- Arlington’s 2025 real estate tax rate is $1.033 per $100 of assessed value. Multiply the current assessment by the rate to estimate your annual taxes and divide by 12 for a monthly figure. Learn more here: Arlington County tax info.
Which Arlington areas have more condos versus townhomes?
- Condos cluster along transit hubs such as Rosslyn to Ballston, Pentagon City, and National Landing. Townhomes appear in pockets around urban villages and established neighborhoods like Clarendon, Lyon Village, Radnor/Fort Myer Heights, and Fairlington/Green Valley.
What are the biggest red flags in a condo building?
- Underfunded reserves, frequent or large special assessments, active litigation, and high non-owner occupancy can affect financing and resale. Ask for the budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes to evaluate risk.
