gracie_jc t1_iwpxow0 wrote on November 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Cons:

- Poor sound insulation - primarily affects the downstairs unit.

- The condo association structure seems like a nightmare if the other unit's owners are difficult to deal with. This is why I would never buy a condo in a bayonne box.

- Some of them have a shared (tandem) garage for both condo units.

Pros:-

Downstairs unit have a garage and backyard.

- Newer models have individual entrances and higher ceilings.

I think they are good starter homes. I recommend to buy the entire property, if your budget allows for it. You'll have control in choosing your neighbors (tenants) and no condo association to deal with.

See an older (to the right) & newer model, the interior layout is almost the same:https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/98-Zabriskie-St-2-Jersey-City-NJ-07307/2082299525_zpid/?mmlb=g,22

HobokenJ t1_iwq315n wrote on November 17, 2022 at 2:40 PM

Yeah, the condo association structure gives me pause as well. You're entirely dependent on your neighbor in this regard

DifficultyNext7666 t1_iwskff4 wrote on November 18, 2022 at 12:56 AM

Our neighbor owes 1000 bucks for the HOA and has tried to steal from us a few times. Gonna be fun suing in the new year

Mindless-Budget9019 t1_iwqb4r9 wrote on November 17, 2022 at 3:38 PM

Can you give an example of how the other condo unit owners could be difficult to deal with?

kevstev t1_iwva70c wrote on November 18, 2022 at 4:49 PM

There is only two of you, and you may have differing priorities. You might be looking at the place long term, wanting to upgrade mechanicals/landscaping/roofing etc, the other person might be looking to get out in the next year or 3 to get more space in the burbs so just wants to band-aid everything.

Things like putting in solar or doing electrical work to get an electric car charger are two areas I can see where things could be tricky in a two person condo if you aren't on the same page.

HobokenJ t1_iwz5zo2 wrote on November 19, 2022 at 2:18 PM

Another potential area of concern: Your neighbor can just decide to stop paying the HOA fees--and short of taking them to court, you have very little recourse as to how to collect. They could also decide that those roof repairs aren't their problem, since they're on the lower floor--again, what can you do short of taking them to court? There's no Condo Association or Board to enforce the bylaws or provisions of the Master Deed. It's just you and your neighbor.

That said, you could also end up with great neighbors who follow the agreed-upon rules.