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View Full Version : Condo vs. Coop -- What's the diff?



mauimix
June 27th, 2005, 09:31 AM
I know the legal differences between coops and condos -- in a coop you own shares in a corporation, not property; in a condo you own property (your unit) as well as a percentage of the common space.

My question is a pragmatic one -- do they actually function differently?

Each is governed by a board elected by the residents. It seems to me that the quality of the living experience will be determined by the quality of the people on the board -- their choices in managing agent, their decisions re maintenance and upkeep, etc. Ultimately, the management of the building falls to the board.

The common assumption is that generally a condo will be better managed and run than a co-op, but I'm wondering whether this is true.

Any thoughts or advice?

Eugenius
June 27th, 2005, 03:06 PM
A major difference is that in a coop, you may need board approval to sell your apartment. With particularly picky boards, that may severely limit your potential market. In a condo, you can sell your apartment to whoever.

Edward
June 27th, 2005, 04:39 PM
See also http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5394