Columbus Condo FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Greater Columbus condo buyers and sellers ask us most, from the My Columbus Condo team. Questions about a specific building? Call (614) 675-2202.
Buying a Condo in Greater Columbus
How much does a condo cost in the Columbus area?
Across Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Union, Madison and Pickaway counties, 3,774 condos sold through the Columbus REALTORS MLS in the 12 months ending October 2026, at a median price of $284,000, up from $274,900 the year before. By mailing city, the median was about $245,000 in Columbus, $253,000 in Hilliard, $315,000 in New Albany, $328,000 in Westerville, $357,000 in Dublin and $415,000 in Powell; Downtown Columbus (43215) condos had a median of $342,500. Prices vary widely by area, from townhome communities in the suburbs to luxury high-rises Downtown. Each community page on this site lists recent sale prices for that building.
Which areas have the most condos for sale?
In the last 12 months the most condo sales by mailing city were in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Powell, Grove City and New Albany. Downtown, the Arena District and the Short North have the most high-rise and loft condos, while Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Worthington and New Albany offer many townhome and ranch-style condo communities. Browse condo communities by area.
What is the difference between a condo, a townhome and a villa?
“Condominium” describes how a home is owned, not what it looks like. With a condo you own your unit and share ownership of the common elements, such as the roof, grounds and amenities, through an association. Many Central Ohio townhomes and ranch-style “villas” are owned as condominiums, while others are fee-simple homes with an HOA. The ownership type affects your fees, insurance and financing, so we confirm it on every listing.
What should I review before buying a condo?
Ask for the declaration, bylaws, rules, current budget, reserve information, recent board minutes, the master insurance policy and any pending or planned special assessments. These show how well the association is run, what the fee covers and whether rental, pet or parking rules fit your plans. Our team requests and reviews these documents with every condo buyer.
Are there condos for buyers 55 and older?
Yes. Several Central Ohio communities are age-restricted or designed for one-floor living, especially ranch-style condos in Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, New Albany and Delaware County. Tell us your must-haves in the Condo Finder and we’ll match you with communities that fit.
How can I hear about new condo listings first?
Tell us your budget, areas and must-haves in our free Condo Finder, and we’ll send matching condos and townhomes as they list, including buildings that rarely have units for sale.
Free download: 2027 Columbus Condo Community Guide →
Condo Fees and Associations
How much are condo fees in the Columbus area?
Across 3,746 Central Ohio condo sales in the last 12 months that reported a fee, the median monthly condo fee was about $318, and most fell between about $170 and $510. Full-service Downtown high-rises such as Miranova and Waterford Tower report fees above $900 a month, where the fee typically covers far more. Each community page shows its reported fee range.
What do condo fees usually cover?
It depends on the association. Fees commonly cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, insurance on the building and common areas, reserves for future repairs and amenities like pools or fitness rooms. In Downtown high-rises the fee may also include a doorman, parking, water or heat. Always compare what’s included, not just the dollar amount.
What is a special assessment?
A special assessment is a one-time charge the association levies on owners to pay for a major project, such as a roof, siding or elevator repair, when reserves aren’t enough. Before you buy, ask whether any assessments are approved or under discussion and who pays them at closing.
Can I rent out my condo or have pets?
Rental and pet rules are set by each association’s declaration and rules, and they vary a lot. Some communities limit or prohibit rentals, set minimum lease terms or cap the number of rented units, and pet rules range from no pets to size or number limits. We check these rules before you write an offer.
Condo Financing and Closing
Can I use an FHA or VA loan to buy a condo?
Often, yes, but the building matters. FHA and VA loans generally require the condo project to be approved by HUD or the VA, and FHA also allows single-unit approvals in some projects that aren’t on the approved list. Matt Sheffey, our team’s Condo Financing Specialist, can check a building’s status before you make an offer. Try our condo mortgage calculator.
What is a “warrantable” condo?
A warrantable condo is in a project that meets Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, which lenders review for things like owner-occupancy, reserves, insurance, commercial space and pending litigation. Non-warrantable condos can still be financed, usually with a different loan program and a larger down payment.
Who do you recommend for condo financing?
Our team works with Matt Sheffey, our Condo Financing Specialist and VP of Sales at Keller Home Loans (NMLS #197990), who has been in mortgage lending since 2006. Call Matt at (440) 668-2942 to get pre-approved and have him review the building’s financing requirements. You are always free to choose any lender.
What closing costs should I expect on a Columbus condo?
Buyers typically pay lender fees, title insurance, recording fees and prepaid taxes and insurance, plus any association transfer fee. In Franklin County the seller customarily pays the conveyance fee of $3 per $1,000 of the sale price. Taxes, the condo fee and any special assessments are prorated at closing.
Do I need my own insurance on a condo?
Yes. The association’s master policy covers the building and common areas, but you’ll need a condo (HO-6) policy for your belongings, liability and, depending on the master policy, interior finishes and improvements. Your lender will also require it.
Property Taxes and Tax Abatement
What is a Columbus tax abatement?
The City of Columbus grants residential tax abatements through Community Reinvestment Areas. The owner pays taxes on the pre-construction value, and the abatement covers the added value from the new construction or renovation, often at 100% for 15 years on qualifying projects. See our Columbus tax abatement condos page.
Does a tax abatement transfer when I buy a condo?
Yes. An abatement is attached to the property, so a buyer keeps whatever years remain. Check the years left and estimate the full tax bill before you buy; we pull this from the County Auditor for every condo our buyers consider.
Selling a Condo
How long does it take to sell a condo in Greater Columbus?
The median Central Ohio condo that sold in the 12 months ending October 2026 was on the market 19 days, based on Columbus REALTORS MLS data. Well-priced condos in active communities often sell faster, while unique or higher-priced units can take longer.
What documents do I need to sell my condo?
Gather your declaration, bylaws, rules, the association’s contact information and current fee, any special assessment details and recent utility costs. Buyers and their lenders will ask for association documents and a questionnaire, so having them ready keeps your sale on schedule.
Why sell your condo with My Columbus Condo?
My Columbus Condo is the condo specialist site of the Capitol Ohio Sales Team at Keller Williams, led in Columbus by KC Cornell. We price every condo against recent sales in its own community and market it to buyers searching specifically for condos. Request a free condo valuation or call (614) 675-2202.
Sources: Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS closed condo sales (November 2016 through October 2026, pulled November 1, 2026); City of Columbus Department of Development; Franklin County Auditor. Market figures are refreshed quarterly. This page is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice.