Trying to decide between a condo or a single-family house in Hilliard? You are not alone. The right choice depends on how you want to live, what you want to maintain, and how you plan to finance and eventually resell. In this guide, you will compare real costs, HOA rules, lifestyle trade-offs, and lending differences so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Big picture: Condo vs house

Condos in Hilliard usually trade some yard space and control over the exterior for lower day-to-day upkeep. You pay a monthly association fee that covers shared items like exterior maintenance, common-area insurance, landscaping, and snow removal. You still handle your interior and your own systems inside the unit.

Single-family homes give you more privacy, storage, and yard space, plus full control over the property. In exchange, you take on all exterior maintenance, landscaping, and long-term repairs. In Hilliard’s suburban setting, that often means more time and a bigger maintenance budget.

Monthly costs and maintenance

What condo fees often cover

• Exterior maintenance and roof for common elements
• Landscaping, snow removal, and trash service for the community
• Building or common-area insurance under a master policy
• Amenities and shared utilities for common spaces

Always ask for a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions. Fees can increase, and associations can charge special assessments for large projects like roof replacement or repaving. Review the fee history and reserve funding before you commit.

What you pay for in a house

• All exterior repairs, roof, siding, and driveway
• Lawn care, tree trimming, and drainage fixes
• Full dwelling insurance and all utilities
• Long-term replacements like HVAC, windows, and major systems

You control the work and timing, which many owners like, but the budgeting burden is fully on you.

How to budget with confidence

A common rule of thumb is to set aside about 1 percent of the purchase price per year for maintenance, adjusted for age and condition. For a deeper look at planning maintenance costs, see guidance from Bankrate on home maintenance budgets.

Insurance differs by property type. Condo owners typically carry an HO-6 policy that covers interior finishes and personal property, while the association’s master policy covers common elements. Single-family owners typically carry an HO-3 policy for the whole dwelling. For basics on condo insurance, review the Insurance Information Institute’s HO-6 overview.

Finally, remember that condo ownership does not remove property tax obligations. Condos and houses in Hilliard are both taxed as real property in Ohio.

HOA rules and due diligence in Ohio

Know the legal basics

Condominiums and planned communities in Ohio are governed by state law. You can review state statutes for Condominium Law, Chapter 5311 and Planned Communities, Chapter 5312. These frameworks describe governing documents, association powers, and certain disclosure rights.

Documents to review before you buy

• Declaration or CC&Rs and bylaws
• Rules and regulations, including pet, rental, parking, and renovation rules
• Meeting minutes for the past 12 to 24 months
• Current budget, balance sheet, and most recent reserve study
• Insurance certificate for the master policy, including deductible responsibilities
• History of fee changes and any special assessments
• Any pending litigation or code violations

For a practical legal perspective on HOA disclosures, see this NOLO guide to HOA due diligence.

Red flags to watch

• Low reserves in an older community
• Frequent or recent special assessments
• Poor or missing financial records
• Strict rental policies that could limit resale to investors
• Vague insurance coverage or deductible pass-throughs

Lifestyle and location fit in Hilliard

Space, privacy, and noise

Hilliard single-family homes often offer yards, gardens, and space for outdoor projects. Condos may include a patio or small private area, but you share more walls and common spaces. Detached condo communities exist in some areas and can offer a middle ground, though you still live within an association.

Parking, storage, and pets

Houses usually include driveways and garages that handle both cars and storage. Condo parking can be assigned, with specific guest parking rules and enforcement. Associations often regulate pet size, number, and where pets can be in common areas, so review those rules closely if pets are part of your plan.

Commute and amenities

Hilliard sits near I-270 and US-33, which helps with commutes across the Columbus metro. Some condo communities cluster closer to retail and dining, which can increase convenience if walkability is important to you. To explore local parks, trails, and programs, use the City of Hilliard website. For school assignment maps and district info, check the Hilliard City School District. For a quick snapshot of city-level housing basics, see U.S. Census QuickFacts for Hilliard.

Financing and resale reality

Condo loans have extra steps

Some loan programs have added requirements for condominium projects. If you plan to use FHA or VA financing, confirm whether the condo community is approved. You can search FHA guidance and project lists through HUD’s resources. Conventional lenders also look at project health and master insurance. For project criteria, see Fannie Mae’s condominium project guidance.

What affects resale in Hilliard

Single-family homes often draw a broad buyer pool, especially for those seeking land and privacy. Condos appeal to first-time buyers, downsizers, and anyone who prefers low-maintenance living. Resale outcomes depend on location, property condition, association health, and inventory. To see current market trends for the Columbus area, review reports from Columbus REALTORS.

Head-to-head comparison

Buyer checklist

For all properties

• Compare recent sales from the last 6 to 12 months
• Review property tax history through the Franklin County Auditor search
• Verify school assignments with the Hilliard City School District
• Map commute times to your primary destinations

If you are eyeing a condo or townhome

• Confirm monthly HOA fees and exactly what they cover
• Request the HOA budget, reserve study, last audit, and recent minutes
• Ask about special assessments in the last 5 to 10 years
• Review the association insurance certificate and deductible responsibilities
• Check rental, pet, parking, and architectural rules
• Confirm FHA, VA, or conventional project approval status with your lender, and use HUD and Fannie Mae resources for guidance

If you are leaning toward a single-family house

• Note roof age, siding condition, windows, and driveway health n- Evaluate lot drainage, large trees, and boundary maintenance
• Estimate timing and cost for replacements like HVAC and roof

Simple budgeting worksheet

Use this to compare any two properties side by side.

• Mortgage principal and interest
• Property taxes
• Home insurance premium
• HOA dues for condos or planned communities
• Utilities for your expected usage
• Maintenance reserve at 1 percent of price annually, adjusted for age and condition, per Bankrate’s guidance

Add these line items to estimate a realistic monthly total. For condos, also consider future fee increases and the risk of special assessments if reserves are low.

Where to find current local data

• City services, parks, and planning updates: City of Hilliard
• Property records, tax and assessment details: Franklin County Auditor
• Market reports and trends: Columbus REALTORS
• School district boundaries and information: Hilliard City Schools
• State statutes on condos and planned communities: Ohio Revised Code 5311 and Ohio Revised Code 5312

Next steps

If you want more space, privacy, and control, a single-family home may fit best. If you want low-maintenance living and are comfortable with a monthly fee and community rules, a condo could be the right move. Your best path is to compare real numbers side by side and review the association’s health just like you would the property.

You can tour the right mix of Hilliard condos and houses, review HOA documents, and build an apples-to-apples budget with a local advisor. If you are ready to narrow your list and move with confidence, connect with Keli Fisher for expert, community-first guidance.

FAQs

How much are typical HOA fees for Hilliard condos?

• Fees vary by community and amenities. Ask for the budget, reserve study, and fee history, then compare that total to expected yard and exterior costs for a house. Use the NOLO HOA guide to frame your questions.

Will a condo save me money on maintenance and insurance?

• It may reduce your direct exterior tasks, but you will pay HOA dues and still need an HO-6 policy. Large repairs can trigger special assessments. Review Bankrate’s maintenance planning and III’s HO-6 basics.

Can I use FHA or VA financing for a Hilliard condo?

• Possibly. Many programs require project-level approvals. Confirm with your lender and check resources at HUD and Fannie Mae.

What should I ask for in an HOA disclosure review?

• Request governing documents, recent minutes, budget and reserves, insurance details, special assessment history, and rules that affect pets, rentals, parking, and renovations. See the Ohio condo law for statutory context and the NOLO HOA guide.

Which resells faster in Hilliard, a condo or a house?

• It depends on demand, location, and condition. Review recent days on market and inventory trends through Columbus REALTORS, then compare comps for your target neighborhoods.