A condominium, frequently shortened to condo, is a type of real estate divided into several units that are each separately owned. Residential condominiums are frequently constructed as apartment buildings, but there had been an increase in the number of "detached condominiums" which look exactly like single-family homes but in which the yards, building exteriors, and streets are jointly owned and jointly maintained by a community association. The common areas, amenities and utilities are managed collectively by the owners through their owners' association.