Thinking about a condo or a townhome in McLean and not sure which fits your life better? You are not alone. With Tysons next door and several commuter routes nearby, the right choice often comes down to how you want to live, not just what you want to own. In this guide, you will learn the key differences in ownership, fees, maintenance, space, parking, commute access, and resale factors specific to McLean. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: condo vs townhome in McLean
- Condos: Lower personal maintenance, more bundled services and amenities, often closer to Tysons and transit, but typically higher monthly fees.
- Townhomes: More private space, garage and small yard are common, fees vary widely based on what the HOA covers, locations range from near corridors to quieter residential pockets.
- Commute tradeoffs: Condos near Tysons and the Silver Line offer convenience. Townhomes may sit farther from the core, which can mean more driving but more privacy.
- Bottom line: Read the community documents. In McLean, responsibility and cost structure vary by the legal setup and the HOA’s budget and reserves.
Ownership and HOA rules
Ownership drives your obligations more than the label on the property.
- Condominiums: You own your unit plus a percentage of the common elements. The association manages building systems, roofs, lobbies, and grounds. Review the condominium declaration, bylaws, resale package, budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes.
- Townhomes: There are two common formats in McLean. Fee-simple townhomes mean you own the land and structure, and the HOA covers limited common areas. Some townhome communities are organized as a condo regime, where the association may maintain roofs and exteriors. Never assume maintenance duties based only on the word “townhome.”
What to review before you offer
- Governing docs: Declaration, bylaws, and CC&Rs.
- Financials: Current budget, last audited statements, reserve study and balance, delinquency rate, and any current or recent special assessments.
- Operations: Meeting minutes for the last 6 to 12 months, major capital projects completed or planned, and any pending litigation.
- Rules: Pet policies, rental caps, parking rules, guest parking, and architectural control for exterior changes.
Fees and maintenance: what your monthly buys
Condos in McLean often include many services. Townhomes vary.
- Condos: Monthly fees typically cover building exterior, roofs, common area systems like elevators, snow removal, landscaping, trash, and common area insurance. Some buildings include certain utilities. Amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and concierge services increase fees. Older buildings may face special assessments if reserves are not funded adequately, so the reserve study matters.
- Townhomes: Fees tend to be lower when you maintain your own exterior. If the HOA covers roofs, siding, or shared utilities, fees can match or exceed some condos. Private lane maintenance, snow removal, landscaping of common areas, and any pool or playground services can be included.
What to compare on each listing:
- Monthly fee amount and exactly what it covers.
- Date and amount of any recent special assessment.
- Reserve fund balance and the most recent reserve study.
- Insurance structure: master policy coverage vs. what your personal policy must cover.
- Utility billing: what is included and what is separately metered.
Space, privacy, and parking
Think about your daily routine, not just square footage.
- Condos: Expect efficient layouts and often single-level living. High-rise buildings may offer balconies but limited private outdoor space. Sound transfer can vary based on construction. Steel and concrete buildings often provide better sound insulation than wood-frame structures.
- Townhomes: Typically multi-level with private entries, attached garages, and small yards or decks. You get more storage, more separation of spaces, and a greater sense of privacy, while still sharing party walls.
Parking and storage tips:
- Condos: Parking may be assigned, deeded, or unassigned. Some older buildings have limited guest parking and storage lockers. Confirm your specific space and any guest policies.
- Townhomes: Most include a garage and driveway. Review HOA rules for street parking and visitor passes.
Lifestyle and commuting in McLean
Your commute and weekend plans should shape your choice.
- Proximity to Tysons: McLean sits just north and west of Tysons, with many residents working or shopping there. Condos closer to Tysons tend to offer quicker access to retail, restaurants, and services.
- Transit options: The Silver Line stations in Tysons are a short drive from many McLean communities. Park-and-ride and commuter bus options add flexibility. If you want an easier transit connection, look at buildings or townhome clusters with convenient access to Tysons.
- Major corridors: I‑495, Route 123/Dolley Madison Boulevard/Chain Bridge Road, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Dulles Toll Road influence traffic patterns and commute times. Living closer to these routes can shorten trips but may increase noise, so weigh convenience against day-to-day comfort.
- Redevelopment: Ongoing growth in Tysons continues to add amenities, walkability, and density. Condos near the action tend to benefit the most from these changes, while townhomes in quieter areas offer space and a slower pace.
Financing, insurance, and taxes
A strong financing and insurance plan protects your investment.
- Financing: Lenders often review condo projects for owner-occupancy ratios, delinquency rates, and any litigation. Some projects can be harder to finance than a fee-simple townhome. If a townhome is in a condo regime, similar project-level reviews may apply.
- Insurance: Condo owners typically carry an HO‑6 policy for interiors and personal property, while the association maintains a master policy for common elements. Townhome owners usually carry an HO‑3 policy that covers exterior and interior if the home is fee-simple. Always confirm what the association’s master policy includes and the deductible.
- Property taxes and closing costs: Fairfax County handles assessments and tax rates. Also confirm any HOA move-in fees, deposits, and county transfer and recordation charges with your title company.
Resale, liquidity, and buyer pool
Both property types can sell well in McLean, but demand differs by project and location.
- Condos: These often appeal to first-time buyers, commuters, downsizers, and investors. Buildings with strong reserves, reasonable fees, and useful amenities tend to move faster. Older buildings with high fees or deferred work may face longer market times.
- Townhomes: These draw a broad pool, including small families and buyers seeking more space and a garage without jumping to a detached home. In family-focused markets, demand can be steady, especially when layouts support home offices and flexible living.
Price-band context and who each fits
Avoid fixating on sticker price alone. In McLean, relative price bands often align with lifestyle.
- Entry or lower band: Condos and smaller townhomes near commuter routes offer an accessible path into the area, prioritizing location and low maintenance.
- Mid band: Larger condos with amenities and multi-level townhomes with garages balance space and convenience. These often suit small families and professionals who want a home office.
- Upper or luxury band: Penthouse condos and premium townhomes in prime neighborhoods deliver upscale finishes and more privacy. Buyers here often prioritize top-tier design, location, and services.
Typical buyer profiles:
- Lock-and-leave commuter: Prefers a condo with low maintenance, access to Tysons, and easy Silver Line connections.
- Small family with a compact yard: Likes a townhome with extra bedrooms, a garage, and a manageable outdoor space.
- Downsizer: Leans toward single-level condo living and strong building services and security.
- Investor: Often favors condos near transit corridors but must verify rental rules and lender project approval.
A practical comparison checklist
When you are comparing a McLean condo and a townhome side by side, gather and review:
- Governance and health: Association budget, last audited financials, reserve study and balance, delinquency rate, last 6–12 months of meeting minutes, and any litigation.
- Fees and assessments: Monthly amount, what it includes, last special assessment and why, and any planned capital projects.
- Insurance: Master policy coverage and deductible, personal policy requirements, and any endorsements required by the HOA or condo association.
- Use rules: Pets, rental caps, short-term rental restrictions, parking and guest policies, and architectural control procedures.
- Unit details: Square footage source, floor plan, storage availability, sound insulation type, HVAC age and service records, in-unit laundry, and parking space status.
- Location and environment: Distance to Tysons and Silver Line access, noise exposure from I‑495 or Route 123, nearby redevelopment plans, school assignment verification, and any floodplain or environmental constraints.
- Financing and closing: Condo project eligibility for your loan type, owner-occupancy percentage, transfer and recordation taxes, and move-in fees or deposits.
When a condo makes sense
Choose a condo if you want bundled services, strong amenities, and quick access to Tysons or transit. You may be a commuter who values time, a downsizer who prefers single-level living, or a traveler who wants a secure, lock-and-leave lifestyle. Just make sure the building’s reserves, fees, and rules align with your plans.
When a townhome makes sense
Pick a townhome if you want more privacy, a garage, and a small yard without managing a large lot. You may be a small household that needs separate levels for work and sleep, or you want a neighborhood feel while staying close to McLean’s corridors. Confirm whether the HOA or condo regime maintains the exterior so you can budget correctly.
Your next step
If you are weighing these tradeoffs in McLean, a local, broker-led perspective helps. Our team serves buyers, sellers, and investors across Northern Virginia, with hands-on guidance from first showing to closing and beyond. If you plan to rent out a unit later, we also provide leasing and property management to keep things seamless. Ready to compare real options and make a smart move? Talk with a local expert at Karina Srebrow. ¿Hablamos?
FAQs
What is the main difference between owning a condo and a townhome in McLean?
- Condos typically include ownership of the interior plus a share of common elements, while townhomes can be fee-simple or part of a condo regime; the legal documents define who maintains what.
How do HOA fees for McLean condos and townhomes usually differ?
- Condo fees often cover building systems, amenities, and some utilities, while townhome fees vary widely based on whether the HOA handles exteriors and shared services; always check the budget and reserve study.
What documents should I review before buying in a McLean HOA or condo association?
- Review the declaration, bylaws, CC&Rs, current budget, reserve study and balance, audited financials, meeting minutes, special assessment history, delinquency rate, and any litigation.
How does Tysons and the Silver Line affect my condo vs townhome decision?
- Condos near Tysons and the Silver Line offer convenience and walkability to jobs and retail, while townhomes may trade a longer drive for more space and privacy.
Are special assessments common in older condo buildings around McLean?
- Older buildings can face special assessments if reserves are inadequate for major repairs; check recent assessments, the reserve study, and planned capital projects.
What insurance do I need for a McLean condo or townhome?
- Condo buyers typically carry an HO‑6 policy for interiors, while townhome buyers often carry an HO‑3 policy if the home is fee-simple; verify what the association’s master policy covers and the deductible.
Can I rent out my McLean condo or townhome after I buy it?
- Many communities allow rentals but may have caps or rules; confirm rental policies, owner-occupancy ratios, and any lease length or registration requirements in the governing documents.
