Investing your hard-earned cash in property can be daunting. Should you rent or buy? Where’s the best location? Are the locals model citizens or nightmare neighbours?
One of the biggest considerations is whether to opt for a flat or a house. Still not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry, s1homes is here to help.
Here are the top five things to consider.
Inside Space
This is crucial. While we tend to think of houses as being more spacious than flats, this isn’t always the case. Lofty apartments with high ceilings and ample bedrooms can make great family homes.
The perfectly proportioned small house, meanwhile, can be ideal for singles or young couples.
The first thing to do is work out how much space you really need – this way you’ll avoid wasting time viewing flats that are too tiny or houses that are way too big.
Outside space
If you like spending time outdoors, this can be a deal breaker when deciding between a house and a flat.
Some flats feature a communal garden area – great for making new friends. But if you can’t stand sunbathing next to Chatterbox Charlotte, a flat probably isn’t for you.
Houses, on the other hand, nearly always come with outside space where you can hang out your undies to dry without embarrassment.
Noise levels
Living in a flat can sometimes be noisier than living in a house, with neighbours upstairs, downstairs or on both sides.
Then again, perhaps you love nothing more than cranking up the ghetto blaster in the wee small hours to perfect your breakdancing skills. But is that something you really want to inflict on neighbours?
If you’re a lover of quiet nights in, ask yourself if noise annoys you before deciding on a flat.
Lifestyle choices
If you’re a fan of restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and shops, an apartment in the fast-beating heart of the city will be right up your street. Not having to endure a long commute to your day job could be a bonus too.
But if you love the countryside or the quieter suburbs, with their tranquillity and slower pace of life, chances are a house further out of town will be the top choice.
You’ll also benefit from the potential for off-road parking or a garage – an added extra most flats can’t offer.
Long-term plans
Future plans should also be part of your flat versus house decision making.
If you’re planning to have kids a house has potential for creating more space. If you’ve always wanted a dog, a house with a garden would be best.
Conversely, if you’re planning to retire or downsize, a flat would perfectly match your needs – though bear in mind which floor you choose, as those flights of stairs could be challenging in the years ahead.
Whether you go for a flat or a house, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to choosing – your dream property is right here on s1homes.