What is a condominium?

A condominium is a form of real estate ownership in which an individual holds title to a specific unit within a larger multi-unit building or development, while also sharing ownership of common areas — such as hallways, parking lots, or recreational facilities — with other unit owners. The owner's space is generally defined by the interior walls of the unit, and a homeowners association manages the shared areas and enforces community rules.

Condominiums are relatively less common in the rural Western Catskills than they are in suburban or urban markets, though they do exist — particularly in resort-oriented developments in Ulster and Greene counties near ski areas such as Windham and Hunter mountains. Buyers considering a condo in these areas should carefully review the condo association's financial health, monthly fees, rules regarding short-term rentals, and any pending special assessments, as these factors significantly affect the true cost of ownership and the property's investment potential.