Housing type affects responsibilities, but neither houses nor units are always cheaper to own.
Assess a house
Review the roof, structure, drainage, garden and site risks. The owner may carry significant repair obligations. Council rates depend on the property and council assessment, not a universal house-versus-unit rule.
Assess a unit
Read strata records, levies, the capital works fund, insurance and proposed special levies. Private-lot maintenance still matters alongside common property. Compare location, layout and likely tenants or buyers, then model total holding costs. Choose the actual asset rather than relying on a stereotype about either category.
