The Pros and Cons Of a Cluster Home

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For those who desire to live in a landed property, but eschew the pre-requisite maintenance required, a cluster housing development seems to be a good compromise.

You get the exclusivity, the quietness, and the space, plus you get someone to maintain the property for you. Plus the price is usually significantly lower than that of a similar landed home in the same area.

However there are some downsides one must be aware of:

Firstly the cost of maintenance - with lesser units than a typical condo, you have to divide up the costs amongst a few owners. But the cost remain the same, and the more facilities your cluster home has, the higher the costs. 
Let's get real, it's a condo, but you stay in a cluster home. So think of it as a large condo home with some landed. 
The same sinking funds, repair costs all come into play. And you'll need to paint that exterior every 5 years like a condo. If you employ a guard, there's more costs. 

If it's an older development, then the costs can quickly pile up if there are lifts or a swimming pool and things will need repairs.

You also cannot tear it down or do any external renovations which may change the facade. Everything requires a consensus, and that can take time or even totally impede repairs. 


So go in with your eyes open, check out the pros versus the cons.. 

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 I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.

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