Freehold vs Condo Townhouse in Toronto: Which Should You Buy?
Freehold or condo townhouse? Ownership, monthly costs, rules, the status certificate, resale and September 2026 TRREB numbers, compared by Candice Schott, Broker.
Updated October 2026 · Written by Candice Schott, Broker, Schott & Co., Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage
Buy a freehold townhouse if you want to own the land, skip monthly fees and control your renovations, and you can budget for the roof and repairs yourself. Buy a condo townhouse if you want a lower price and less maintenance, and you're comfortable with monthly fees and the corporation's rules.
In September 2026, City of Toronto freehold townhouses averaged $1,104,629 and sold for 102% of asking in 23 days. Condo townhouses averaged $749,653 and sold for 98% of asking in 39 days (TRREB). This guide from Candice Schott, Broker and co-founder of Schott & Co., explains the difference and how to choose.
The short version
- Freehold: you own the house and the land, pay no condo fees, and pay for every repair yourself.
- Condo townhouse: you own your unit plus a share of the common elements, pay monthly fees, and follow the corporation's rules.
- Before you buy a condo townhouse: have your lawyer review the status certificate.
- Resale: freehold townhouses are selling faster and closer to asking right now.
What's the difference between a freehold and a condo townhouse?
It comes down to what you own. With a freehold townhouse, you own the building and the land it sits on, and you're responsible for all of it. With a condo townhouse, you own your unit and share ownership of the common elements, such as roads, landscaping and sometimes roofs and windows, with the other owners through a condominium corporation.
| Freehold townhouse | Condo townhouse | |
|---|---|---|
| You own | The house and the land | Your unit plus a share of the common elements |
| Monthly fees | None | Yes, set by the condo corporation's budget |
| Repairs | All yours: roof, windows, driveway, snow | Shared items are covered by fees and the reserve fund; what's covered depends on the declaration |
| Rules | City bylaws only | City bylaws plus the declaration, bylaws and rules |
| Renovations | Your call, with permits | Exterior and some interior changes may need approval |
| Extra due diligence | Home inspection, survey | Home inspection plus the status certificate |
Which costs less to own?
A condo townhouse usually costs less to buy, and a freehold usually costs less per month. In September 2026, the average Toronto condo townhouse sold for $354,976 less than the average freehold townhouse. But condo fees are a monthly cost for as long as you own, and lenders count them when they work out how much mortgage you qualify for.
With a freehold, you have no fees, but you need your own savings for big repairs. A roof or windows are your bill, not the corporation's. Down payment rules and land transfer tax are the same for both. Run your numbers in our Cost to Own Calculator, and see Closing Costs in Toronto.
What is a status certificate and why does it matter?
It's the condo corporation's report on the unit and the building, and it's the most important document when buying a condo townhouse. It shows the fees, whether the unit is behind on payments, the reserve fund, any special assessments, lawsuits and the rules. A condo corporation can charge up to $100, including taxes, and must deliver it within 10 days, according to the Condominium Authority of Ontario. Make your offer conditional on your lawyer reviewing it.
Which is easier to resell?
Freehold townhouses, right now. In September 2026, the City of Toronto had 267 freehold townhouses for sale and 92 sales, about three months of supply. Condo townhouses had 747 for sale and 97 sales, closer to eight months of supply (TRREB). Buyers have more choice in condo townhouses, so they take longer to sell and sell for less than asking on average.
| City of Toronto, September 2026 | Freehold townhouse | Condo townhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Sales | 92 | 97 |
| Average price | $1,104,629 | $749,653 |
| Median price | $1,067,500 | $685,000 |
| Sold vs asking | 102% | 98% |
| Average days on market | 23 | 39 |
| Active listings | 267 | 747 |
Is every townhouse labelled freehold actually freehold?
No. Some townhouses are freehold but tied to a small common elements condominium, sometimes called a POTL (parcel of tied land), which charges a monthly fee for shared roads or services. Others are sold as freehold but share a driveway or have easements. Your lawyer can confirm exactly what you'd own from the title.
"If you want full ownership of the land, room to renovate on your terms, and no monthly maintenance fees, a freehold home puts you in control. If you want a lower entry price, less upkeep, and shared costs covering things like snow removal and exterior repairs, a condo townhome keeps life simpler. One gives you more freedom and the other more convenience. The right fit comes down to how much of your time you want your home to take." — Candice Schott
Which one fits you?
A freehold townhouse fits if you want full control, no monthly fees, and a home that tends to sell faster, and you have room in your budget for repairs.
A condo townhouse fits if you want a lower purchase price, you'd rather not handle exterior maintenance, and you've reviewed the status certificate and the fees fit your monthly budget.
Buying your first home? See our First-Time Home Buyer Guide.
Common questions
Do freehold townhouses have maintenance fees?
Most don't. Some are tied to a common elements condominium (POTL) that charges a monthly fee for shared roads or services. Check the listing and have your lawyer confirm.
Are condo fees included in mortgage qualifying?
Yes. Lenders include condo fees when they calculate how much you can borrow, so higher fees can lower the price you qualify for. Ask your lender how they treat them.
How much does a status certificate cost in Ontario?
Up to $100, including taxes, and the condo corporation must deliver it within 10 days, according to the Condominium Authority of Ontario.
Is a freehold or condo townhouse a better investment?
There's no single answer. In September 2026, Toronto freehold townhouses sold faster and closer to asking than condo townhouses, and there were fewer of them for sale. Your result depends on the specific property, the building's finances and how long you own it.
Comparing a freehold and a condo townhouse?
We'll walk you through the numbers on both, including fees, repairs and what similar homes sold for. Get in touch with Candice and Jason →
Sources: TRREB Market Watch, September 2026 · Condominium Authority of Ontario, status certificates
General information, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Talk to your lawyer and lender about your situation. Market figures are TRREB averages and vary by property. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.