Condo vs Detached in Brantford: The Surprising Way a Condo Might Save You Over $1,000 a Month
When You’re Comparing Homes, Don’t Just Look at the Sticker Price
Most buyers think affordability means price — but it’s actually about what you’re paying every month. And when you compare a condo vs detached home in Brantford, the monthly numbers tell a very different story. Whether you’re buying your first place or trying to right-size your living situation, the all-in cost of ownership is what really matters. I wanted to use real numbers — and a real condo — as an example.
TL;DR
- A $370K condo in Brantford could cost ~$1,000/month less than a $620K detached home when all costs are considered.
- Condo fees include all utilities and maintenance — replacing bills most detached owners pay separately.
- You can buy a condo sooner thanks to the lower price and smaller down payment.
- A smaller mortgage equals big savings on interest over time.
- Detached homes come with extra costs — and a higher barrier to approval.
Table of Contents
- Matt’s Stats
- Featured Condo: 640 West Street, Unit #101
- Monthly Cost Breakdown
- A Few Things That Don’t Show Up in the Table
- What Condo Fees Actually Cover
- Utilities and Maintenance: Detached Costs Add Up
- Condo vs Detached in Brantford: What the Numbers Say
- Ready to Compare Your Options?
Featured Condo: 640 West Street, Unit #101, Brantford, ON
Here’s a real example of what condo ownership can look like in Brantford:
- List Price: $370,000
- Size: 1,071 sq ft
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Condo Fees: $817.69/month (includes heat, hydro, water, maintenance)
- Features: Updated kitchen and bath, large windows, balcony
- Extras: Storage locker, exercise room, party room, sauna
- Parking: Underground and visitor parking
- Location Perks: Close to grocery, Costco, highway access
Matt’s Stats
- Example Condo price: $370,000
- Detached Home Median Sales Price: $620,000*
- Down payments compared: 10% and 20%
- Interest rates used: 3.99% (insured), 4.44% (conventional)
- Property tax estimates: $203.82/month (condo), $317.00/month (detached)
- Condo fees: $817.69/month (includes all utilities and maintenance)
- Detached utility & maintenance estimate: $565/month
- Monthly savings with condo: Up to $1,082.55/month
📌 *The $620,000 detached price point is based on the current median sale price (as of April 2025) for a 2-bedroom detached home in Brantford.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Condo (10%) | Condo (20%) | Detached (10%) | Detached (20%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $370,000 | $370,000 | $620,000 | $620,000 |
| Down Payment | $37,000 | $74,000 | $62,000 | $124,000 |
| CMHC Insurance | $10,323 | $0 | $17,875 | $0 |
| Total Mortgage | $343,323 | $296,000 | $575,875 | $496,000 |
| Monthly Mortgage | $1,804.09 | $1,482.17 | $3,026.15 | $2,466.17 |
| Property Tax | $203.82 | $203.82 | $317.00 | $317.00 |
| Condo Fees | $817.69 | $817.69 | – | – |
| Utilities/Maintenance | Included | Included | $565.00 | $565.00 |
| Total Monthly | $2,825.60 | $2,503.68 | $3,908.15 | $3,348.17 |
| Monthly Difference | – | – | +$1,082.55 | +$844.49 |
A Few Things That Don’t Show Up in the Table
The monthly numbers are one thing. But there’s more behind the scenes.
You Can Buy Sooner
A condo with 10% down needs just $37,000 upfront. Compare that to the $62,000 needed for a detached home. That $25K difference could mean buying now instead of saving for another year or two.
It’s Easier to Qualify
Canada’s mortgage stress test is based on the loan amount. A smaller mortgage isn’t just cheaper — it’s more likely to get approved.
You Borrow Less — and Save More
Even at the same rate, a smaller mortgage means less interest.
- Condo: $343,323 total loan value
- Detached: $575,875 total loan value
That’s over $230,000 less borrowed. Which equals tens of thousands in long-term savings — without even trying.
What Condo Fees Actually Cover
That $817.69/month fee might look big — until you realize it replaces nearly all the monthly bills detached owners pay separately.
Here’s what’s included:
- Heat, hydro, and water
- Snow removal and lawn care
- Common area and building maintenance
- Building insurance
- Future repair funding via the reserve fund
No snowblower, no plumbing surprises, no roof fund, windows, doors… you get the idea.
Utilities and Maintenance: Detached Costs Add Up
Here’s what the average detached homeowner in Brantford could expect monthly:
| Service | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Hydro | $150 |
| Gas/Heating | $125 |
| Water/Wastewater | $90 |
| Lawn/Snow Maintenance | $100 |
| Repairs & Upkeep | $100 |
| Total | $565 |
That’s an extra $6,780/year — and it pretty much not optional.
The $565/month estimate for a detached home is based on a yearly average — but seasonal swings are real in Brantford. Your gas bill in January? Probably triple what it is in July. Snow removal costs (or time) go way up in winter, and lawn care kicks in by May, electricity jumps up with the heavy use of A/C in the Summer months and sometimes even later.
When it comes to repairs, whether you’re paying a local handyman, handing cash to the neighbour’s kid, or doing the work yourself — you’re spending something. Labour isn’t free. Everyone has an hourly rate, whether it shows up on a bill or not.
Condos roll those fluctuating costs into a fixed monthly number. Detached homes? They roll with the weather.
Condo vs Detached in Brantford: What the Numbers Say
If you’re comparing homes based on lifestyle or square footage, detached might win. But if you’re comparing based on monthly costs — the stuff you actually pay every 30 days or so — the condo comes out on top.
Smaller down payment. Lower monthly expenses. Less maintenance. More predictability.
And in a market that keeps moving, that predictability might be your biggest asset.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Got questions about these numbers? Want to see if a condo is the right fit — or if there’s a detached property that works better for your budget? Reach out. I’ll break down the math for your situation and help you figure out your next step.
