Though condominiums and apartment rentals are part of that broad commercial real estate sector known as “multifamily,” they are, in fact, different. Mainly, those who live in these units want vastly different things, according to Denver-based architecture and landscape-planning firm Kephart.

For one thing, condo designs focus more on permanency, similar to single-family home design. Apartment designs, however, can focus more on temporary living. Condo exteriors might consist of more traditional and timeless architecture, rather than the eye-catching exteriors more common to apartments. Condominium finishes also tend to be higher-end, with more options when it comes to everything from unit sizes to sound-proofing, to lighting and mechanical systems.

The chart below, courtesy of Kephart, details the differences.

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