Typically free-standing, a house may be surrounded by a front yard and a backyard. A house owner takes responsibility for the entire house and its grounds. That includes all of the maintenance, from cutting the lawn to getting a new roof. That can mean a lot of time and money, but it also means you do not have to consult anyone about changes you want to make to the house. Depending on the neighborhood and other factors, a house maintains its market value well.
Houses offer the greatest amount of ownership and control, but are the most expensive option.
A condominium is usually a less expensive housing option. As a condominium owner, you own your own unit, but share in the ownership of the common areas. Condominium units are clustered in condo complexes, which can be anywhere from three units to several hundred. All of the units in one complex share common facilities and the cost of maintaining them. Maintenance in a condominium complex is handled by the condominium association.