Condo vs. Townhouse: When Your Family Outgrows the Condo in the Tri-Cities
For many families in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, the first home is a condo. It's affordable, low-maintenance and often steps from the Millennium Line. Then a baby arrives, or a second one, and the condo starts to feel small quickly.
Helping families make that move, from condo to townhouse and eventually to a house, is a big part of what I do as a REALTOR® in the Tri-Cities. I'm Hiroshi Kubota, and in this guide I compare condos and townhouses honestly, show what the move up costs in each area, and explain how to time selling your condo so you're not stuck carrying two homes.
Condo vs. townhouse: the core differences
| Condo apartment | Townhouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Usually 1–2 bedrooms on one level | Usually 3 bedrooms over 2–3 levels |
| Outdoor space | Balcony | Patio or small yard, often fenced |
| Neighbours | Above, below and beside | Usually beside only |
| Parking and storage | Assigned stall, storage locker | Often a garage (tandem or side-by-side) |
| Strata | Yes | Yes, in most Tri-Cities complexes |
| Stairs | Elevator, single level | Multiple flights inside the home |
| Price in the Tri-Cities | Lower entry point | Typically $210,000–$340,000 more |
What it costs to move up in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and North Burnaby
Here are current benchmark prices for a typical condo and townhouse in each area:
| Area | Condo benchmark | Townhouse benchmark | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coquitlam | $640,100 | $976,600 | $336,500 |
| Port Moody | $676,200 | $940,900 | $264,700 |
| Port Coquitlam | $550,000 | $834,300 | $284,300 |
| North Burnaby | $662,400 | $880,400 | $218,000 |
Source: Greater Vancouver REALTORS® MLS® Home Price Index, September 2026.
What stands out:
- Port Coquitlam is the most affordable place in the Tri-Cities to buy a townhouse. Areas like Citadel Heights and Oxford Heights are popular with families. See what's available on my Port Coquitlam page.
- North Burnaby has the smallest gap between condo and townhouse, which can make it the easiest step up if you're already in a Burnaby condo. See North Burnaby.
- Port Moody townhouses run a little under Coquitlam's, with trail and waterfront access around Rocky Point Park and Inlet Centre. See Port Moody.
- Coquitlam has the widest range, from complexes near Coquitlam Centre and the Evergreen Line to quieter streets in Central Coquitlam near Mundy Park and newer infill in Maillardville. See my Coquitlam page.
The down payment difference
In Canada, the minimum down payment on a home under $1.5 million is 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the rest.
| Price | Minimum down payment |
|---|---|
| $650,000 condo | $40,000 |
| $850,000 townhouse | $60,000 |
| $990,000 townhouse | $74,000 |
If you already own a condo, the equity you've built is usually what funds the bigger down payment.
Strata costs: condo vs. townhouse
Condos and most Tri-Cities townhouses are both strata properties, so you'll pay monthly strata fees either way. The amount depends on the building's age, size and amenities, and how well it has saved for future repairs. A tower with a pool, gym and concierge costs more to run than a small townhouse complex.
Before buying either, review the strata's Form B, depreciation report and recent meeting minutes. My guide to strata fees in BC explains what to look for.
Signs it's time to move up
- You're running out of bedrooms, or the home office has become a nursery
- Strollers, car seats and kid gear have taken over the condo
- You want a fenced space where kids can play while you cook
- You're thinking about school catchments for the next 5–10 years
- You'd like to stop worrying about noise travelling to the unit below
What Tri-Cities families often overlook
- Stairs. Three-level townhouses mean carrying laundry and toddlers up and down all day. Some families prefer a two-level layout or a bedroom on the main floor.
- Garage layout. Tandem garages fit two cars end to end, which can be awkward with two working parents.
- Strata bylaws. Check the rules on pets, rentals, barbecues and what you can change in the yard.
- School catchments. Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam are served by School District 43; North Burnaby is in the Burnaby School District. Catchment boundaries don't follow neighbourhood lines, so check the specific address with the district before you buy.
- First-time buyer tax. Most Coquitlam and Port Moody townhouses are above the $860,000 limit for the first-time buyer property transfer tax exemption. See my property transfer tax guide.
How to time selling your condo and buying the townhouse
This is where most families get stressed. You have three main options:
- Sell first, then buy. You know exactly how much you have to spend, but you may need to rent short-term or negotiate a longer completion date.
- Buy first, then sell. You secure the home you want, but you may need bridge financing and carry two homes for a while.
- Buy with a "subject to sale" clause. Your purchase depends on selling your condo. It protects you, but it can make your offer less attractive in a competitive market.
The right choice depends on the market for each property type right now and how much flexibility you have. I help families plan this before they start shopping, so the condo sale and townhouse purchase line up. For the selling side, see my guide to selling your home in the Tri-Cities.
Frequently asked questions
Is a townhouse better than a condo for a family?
Usually, for space and outdoor area. But a condo near good schools and SkyTrain can still work well for a young family, and costs less.
Do townhouses have strata fees in BC?
Most Tri-Cities townhouses are part of a strata and charge monthly strata fees.
How much more is a townhouse than a condo in Coquitlam?
Based on September 2026 benchmark prices, about $336,000 more in Coquitlam, $265,000 in Port Moody, $284,000 in Port Coquitlam and $218,000 in North Burnaby.
Where is the most affordable townhouse in the Tri-Cities?
Port Coquitlam, with a September 2026 townhouse benchmark of about $834,000.
Should I sell my condo before buying a townhouse?
It depends on your finances and the market. Selling first removes risk; buying first secures the home you want. Plan it with your REALTOR® and mortgage broker before you list.