Finding somewhere new to live requires a lot of research. One of the main aspects you might be thinking about is whether house or apartment living is best for you. Before settling on one option, you’ll need to consider the advantages and disadvantages and decide which is best for you.
While there are key differences between living in a house and an apartment, the decision is yours. There’s usually no right or wrong answer. Plus, it doesn’t need to be forever, so that’s a bonus!
Some of the following advantages and disadvantages may actually prove to be the opposite in your case. Most of the time it depends on the actual situation and circumstances of the living area.
House vs apartment building
Neighbours
House: When living in a house, you’ll usually only have neighbours on either side of the property. This can help to reduce noise and means you may even be able to access a garden or your own yard. Most of the time, these gardens will be your own private space. More privacy in your outside space may be appealing.
Apartment living: On the other hand, having neighbours in an apartment can be a positive too. It means you’ll likely save on energy bills as the heat from other flats helps to keep yours warm. However, having more people around means you’ll likely experience higher noise levels too. Usually, if there is a garden available with a flat, it will be a shared outdoor space rather than private. Again, not necessarily a disadvantage, but it’s worth considering when thinking about apartment buildings.
Location
Apartment: Typically, flats and apartment rentals are found closer to city and town centres. This is highly appealing to many people as it leaves you right in the middle of the action.
House: That doesn’t mean that all houses are far out, as some can be found in city centres too.
When choosing your next property, there are some things to consider with the location. You will want to ensure that the property isn’t too far away from your employment. Additionally, you’ll want to check out the local transport links. If you rely on these to travel, ensure that they are close to your home.
Space
House: Rental houses typically have more space than flats. You’re likely to have more room and perhaps an outdoor space that can be used for storage. Many homes also have storage under the stairs.
Apartments: Flats can sometimes lack space, with usually just one area for storage, such as a cupboard. This can make things tricky, but with organisation, you can still maximise your living space.
Maintenance
Apartments: With apartments typically being smaller, they are usually easier to maintain when it comes to cleaning. This can be appealing to many busy people.
House: Not all houses take a long time to clean. In fact, you may find that there isn’t much in the timing depending on the size of the home.
Ultimately, it’s your choice whether you choose to live in an apartment or a house. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both options, so it’s all about what works best for you and your situation.
Remember to think about how much you can afford and ensure that the property is safe. Security is a major factor when finding somewhere to live. Read our blog on what to look for when viewing a rental property.
Don’t forget to consider other aspects such as parking, shared spaces, renter’s insurance, maintenance costs and any service charges. You should be able to ask the property management company any questions so that you can make an informed decision.
Do you need help finding your next property? Then get in touch with our friendly team – we’re more than happy to help.
