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Buying a condominium in Boston can be exciting, whether you’re purchasing your first home or moving into a new neighborhood. But condo ownership can come with details that are easy to overlook during the home search.
Parking spaces, storage areas, monthly condominium fees, and building rules can all affect how you use your property and what it costs to own.
Before closing on a Boston condo, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re purchasing.
Is a Parking Space Included With Your Condo?
In Boston, parking can be a major consideration for condo buyers.
A listing may advertise a parking space, but buyers should confirm what rights are actually included with the unit.
Depending on the condominium, parking may be:
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Owned as a separate parking unit
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Assigned to a particular condominium unit
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Available through an exclusive-use right
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Shared or subject to association rules
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Rented separately
These arrangements are not interchangeable.
For example, having the right to use an assigned space may be different from owning a separately deeded parking space.
Before purchasing, buyers should ask how parking rights are documented and whether there are restrictions on their use or transfer.
What About Basement Storage or Other Storage Areas?
Many Boston condominiums offer basement storage, lockers, or other designated storage areas.
However, just because a storage area is being used by the current owner does not necessarily mean the buyer will have the same rights after closing.
Storage arrangements may be described in the condominium documents, plans, deeds, or association rules.
Buyers should confirm whether the storage area is included with the unit, assigned for exclusive use, or available through another arrangement.
What Do Monthly Condo Fees Cover?
Condominium fees are an important part of your monthly housing expenses.
Depending on the building, fees may help pay for:
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Maintenance of common areas
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Master insurance premiums
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Landscaping or snow removal
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Building utilities
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Management expenses
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Contributions to reserve funds
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Other shared building expenses
Not every condominium includes the same services.
Before buying, review the current fee amount, what it covers, and whether the association has discussed future increases.
Could You Be Responsible for a Special Assessment?
A special assessment is an additional charge that a condominium association may impose on unit owners for certain expenses.
For example, a building may need significant roof repairs, masonry work, or other major improvements.
Depending on the association’s governing documents and financial circumstances, those costs may be funded through reserves, increased fees, a special assessment, or a combination of methods.
Buyers should ask whether any special assessments have been approved, proposed, or discussed.
If a special assessment has been levied during your closing timeline, it is important to determine whether the buyer or seller will be responsible for payment. This should be addressed before closing to avoid unexpected expenses or disagreements.
Why Are Condominium Documents Important?
A condominium is different from a single-family home because ownership generally includes both an individual unit and rights or interests involving shared property.
Documents such as the master deed, declaration of trust, bylaws, rules and regulations, and financial information can help explain those rights and responsibilities.
These documents may address parking, storage, common areas, alterations, pets, rentals, and other important issues.
For a broader overview, read our article on condominium documents to review before closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Boston condo automatically come with parking?
No. Parking availability and ownership or use rights vary by building and unit. Buyers should confirm the arrangement rather than relying solely on the listing description.
Can condo fees increase after I buy?
Yes. Condominium fees may change based on the association’s budget, expenses, and governing documents.
Can I rent out my Boston condo?
That depends on the condominium’s governing documents and any applicable restrictions or requirements. Buyers who plan to rent their units should investigate the rules before purchasing.
Should I review condo documents before closing?
Yes. Reviewing the documents early can help you identify questions about ownership rights, building expenses, restrictions, and the association’s financial condition before closing.
As a buyer, you are generally bound by the condominium’s governing documents upon closing. It is essential to understand exactly what you are buying into.
Buying a Condo in Boston? Sherman Law Can Help.
From parking arrangements and storage rights to condominium documents and closing requirements, buying a condo can involve details that deserve careful attention.
Sherman Law assists buyers with residential real estate transactions throughout Massachusetts, including condominium purchases in Boston and the surrounding communities.
Our attorneys can help buyers understand important transaction documents and navigate the legal aspects of the purchase process.
Contact Sherman Law to discuss your upcoming condominium purchase.
About the Author
Attorney Timothy A. Sherman is a Massachusetts real estate attorney with more than 20 years of experience helping buyers, sellers, and lenders navigate real estate transactions. As the founder of Sherman Law, Tim and his team assist clients throughout Massachusetts, with offices in Hingham, Boston, Plymouth, and Dartmouth.
Contact Attorney Sherman:
Phone: 781-664-4936
Email: [email protected]
