Site condominiums use the condominium form to create individually owned building sites, and are used to avoid subdivision platting in states where the statutes permit it.

The structure. Each unit is a described area of land rather than an enclosed space, with the improvements built within it and the balance of the land as general or limited common elements.

Why developers use it. In some states the approval path is faster than platting, the road and utility standards may differ, and the phasing flexibility is greater.

Municipal response. Many jurisdictions now apply subdivision-equivalent standards to site condominiums by ordinance, which removes most of the advantage and is generally upheld.

Practical differences for owners. The land within the unit is owned but the underlying regime is a condominium, with an association, assessments and a declaration. Owners frequently do not understand this at purchase.

Financing and title. Lenders and title companies treat these as condominiums, which affects the loan products available and the endorsements required.

Diligence for a purchaser. Read the declaration, the budget and the reserves; confirm whether roads are private and who maintains them; and confirm the developer’s remaining rights, including to expand the project.