How to Choose Between a Condo and Townhome in White Rock in 2026

If you’re considering buying in White Rock, BC in 2026, you’ve probably noticed that our beachside community offers some of the most attractive condo and townhome options in the Lower Mainland. But here’s the question I hear constantly from buyers: which property type is the right fit?

In my years working as a REALTOR® with Macdonald Realty in the White Rock and South Surrey area, I’ve helped countless buyers navigate this exact decision. The truth is, both condos and townhomes offer distinct advantages, and the best choice depends entirely on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key factors you need to consider when choosing between a condo and townhome in White Rock in 2026.

Understanding White Rock’s Condo and Townhome Market in 2026

Let me start by giving you a snapshot of what the White Rock housing market looks like right now for strata properties.

In 2026, White Rock continues to attract buyers who want that coastal lifestyle with easy access to the beach, the promenade, and a walkable downtown core. Condos dominate the inventory higher up the hill in downtown White Rock and along Marine Drive, where you’ll find everything from older low-rise buildings to newer high-rise developments with ocean views. Prices for condos in White Rock typically range from the mid $400,000s for a one-bedroom unit to well over $1 million for larger, view properties.

Townhomes, on the other hand, are more common in Uptown White Rock and the areas bordering South Surrey. These properties generally start around $750,000 for a two-bedroom unit and can exceed $1.2 million for newer, larger complexes with premium features. The townhome inventory tends to move quickly when priced correctly, particularly for well-maintained properties in family-friendly complexes.

One trend I’m seeing in 2026 is that buyers are becoming increasingly focused on the age and condition of strata buildings. With interest rates stabilizing compared to recent years, purchasers have more room in their budgets to be selective about building quality, amenities, and the overall financial health of the strata corporation.

Lifestyle Considerations: Which Property Type Fits Your Daily Life?

When I sit down with buyers to discuss condos versus townhomes, lifestyle factors almost always emerge as the deciding consideration.

Outdoor space and privacy are typically the biggest differentiators. Townhomes in White Rock usually include a private patio or small yard space, often with direct access from your unit. If you enjoy gardening, barbecuing, or simply having your own outdoor area where you can step outside without taking an elevator, a townhome offers that experience. Condos, especially in high-rise buildings, typically provide balcony space that ranges from compact Juliet balconies to more generous covered patios, but you won’t have ground-level yard access.

Noise and neighbour proximity matter more than many first-time buyers realize. In my experience, townhomes generally offer better sound separation because you typically share only one or two walls with neighbours, and you don’t have anyone living above or below you. Condos, particularly older buildings constructed before modern soundproofing standards, can have more noise transfer between units. That said, newer condo developments in White Rock have significantly improved soundproofing, and many buyers appreciate the anonymity and minimal interaction that condo living provides.

Pet ownership is another crucial factor. If you have a dog, you need to pay close attention to strata bylaws. Many White Rock condos restrict dog ownership by size (often 20-30 pounds maximum) or prohibit dogs altogether, while others allow one or two pets without size restrictions. Townhomes tend to be more pet-friendly overall, but you still need to review the bylaws carefully. I always request the strata documents early in the process so my buyers can confirm pet policies before falling in love with a property.

Comparing Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

The purchase price is just the beginning. When you’re buying a condo or townhome in White Rock, you need to understand the ongoing costs that come with strata ownership.

Strata fees are your regular monthly contribution to the strata corporation, covering shared expenses like building insurance, maintenance of common property, landscaping, and contributions to the contingency reserve fund. In White Rock in 2026, typical condo strata fees range from $0.35 to $0.65 per square foot per month, though this varies significantly based on the age of the building and amenities included. A 750-square-foot condo might have strata fees between $260 and $490 per month.

Townhome strata fees are generally lower, often ranging from $150 to $350 per month, because there are fewer common areas to maintain and no elevators, hallways, or extensive shared infrastructure. However, townhomes sometimes have lower contingency reserves, which can lead to special levies down the road if major repairs are needed.

Property taxes in White Rock are assessed based on the value of your property. Condos and townhomes are taxed at the same residential rate, but because townhomes typically have higher assessed values due to larger square footage and land component, your annual property tax bill will generally be higher for a townhome than a comparable condo.

Long-term maintenance and special levies are risks you need to evaluate carefully. When I’m working with buyers, I always review the strata’s depreciation report (required every five years in BC) and the meeting minutes from the past year. Buildings with aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, or low contingency funds pose a higher risk of special levies, which can range from a few thousand dollars to $50,000 or more per unit for major projects like roof replacement, parkade repairs, or building envelope remediation.

Space, Layout, and Future Flexibility

Let’s talk about what you actually get for your money in terms of livable space.

In the White Rock real estate market in 2026, condos offer a wider range of sizes and layouts, from compact studios perfect for investors or downsizers, to spacious three-bedroom units suitable for families. The value per square foot in condos tends to be higher in buildings with premium locations (like oceanfront properties) or extensive amenities.

Townhomes typically provide more overall square footage, often ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet or more. The multi-level layout gives you better separation of living spaces, with bedrooms upstairs and living areas on the main floor. If you work from home or need dedicated space for hobbies, storage, or a home office, townhomes usually offer more flexibility.

Storage and parking are practical considerations that affect daily life. Most White Rock condos include one parking stall (sometimes two in larger units) and a storage locker. Townhomes typically include a garage, often with room for two vehicles, plus additional storage space. If you have recreational equipment, seasonal items, or simply accumulate belongings over time, the extra storage in a townhome can be invaluable.

Resale potential is something I always discuss with buyers who are thinking about their exit strategy. In my experience, both property types have strong resale appeal in White Rock, but they attract different buyer pools. Condos appeal to downsizers, first-time buyers, investors, and anyone prioritizing low-maintenance living and location over space. Townhomes attract young families, move-up buyers, and those who want more space and privacy without the full responsibility of a detached home. Understanding your likely buyer pool when you eventually sell can help you make a more informed decision now.

Strata Governance and Community Living

One aspect of strata living that surprises many first-time buyers is how much the strata council and community dynamics affect your ownership experience.

Strata councils operate similarly in both condos and townhomes, but the size and complexity differ. Larger condo buildings often have more formal governance structures, professional strata management companies, and detailed rules covering everything from move-in procedures to balcony decorations. Townhome complexes, especially smaller ones, may be self-managed or have more relaxed governance, which can be either a positive or negative depending on your preference for structure and oversight.

Common amenities vary significantly between properties. Many newer White Rock condo buildings include fitness centres, guest suites, party rooms, and rooftop terraces. These amenities add to your strata fees, but they also add value and convenience. Townhome complexes typically have fewer amenities, perhaps a small playground or landscaped common areas, which keeps fees lower but means you’ll need to look outside the complex for fitness facilities and entertainment spaces.

Building age and condition matter enormously. In White Rock, we have everything from 1970s-era concrete buildings to brand-new glass towers. Older buildings can offer better value per square foot and more affordable entry prices, but they come with higher maintenance risks and often higher strata fees due to aging systems. When I show properties to buyers, I always encourage them to think about the building’s remaining lifespan for major components like roofs, windows, plumbing, and heating systems. The depreciation report will outline these timelines and help you understand what expenses are coming.

Making Your Decision: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

As you narrow down your choice between a condo and townhome in White Rock, here are the key questions I recommend asking yourself:

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? If you’re planning to start or grow a family, a townhome’s extra space and private yard might serve you better. If you’re looking to downsize, travel frequently, or want minimal maintenance responsibilities, a condo could be the ideal fit.

How important is outdoor space to you? Be honest about how you actually live. If you rarely use outdoor space or prefer the beach and parks over your own yard, a condo balcony might be perfectly adequate. If you garden, entertain outdoors regularly, or have pets that need yard access, a townhome makes more sense.

What’s your budget for ongoing costs? Calculate not just the mortgage, but the total monthly cost including strata fees, property taxes, utilities, and potential special levies. Sometimes a slightly cheaper townhome ends up costing more monthly than a condo once you factor in all expenses.

How do you feel about shared walls and neighbours? This is a personal preference that varies widely. Some people thrive in the social environment of a condo building, while others find it intrusive. Visit properties at different times of day to get a sense of noise levels and neighbour interactions.

When you’re ready to view properties, I’ll help you access and interpret the critical strata documents, including financial statements, meeting minutes, bylaws, rules and regulations, and the depreciation report. These documents tell the real story of how well the building is managed and what you’re getting into.

Let’s Find Your Perfect White Rock Property

Choosing between a condo and townhome in White Rock in 2026 ultimately comes down to understanding your own priorities and finding the property that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and future plans. There’s no universally “better” option, just the right option for you.

I’ve helped many buyers work through this exact decision, and I’d be happy to do the same for you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to figure out what you can afford, or a move-up buyer looking for more space while staying in the White Rock area, I can show you current listings that match your criteria, walk you through the pros and cons of specific properties, and help you understand the strata documents before you make an offer.

If you’d like to discuss your situation and explore what’s currently available in the White Rock housing market, please reach out to me directly. I’m Darin Germyn with Macdonald Realty, and I’m here to help you navigate the buying process from start to finish. Let’s find the condo or townhome that’s the perfect fit for your next chapter in White Rock.