Living in an apartment or unit instead of a house has its perks. Here’s some reasons you might want to consider the block life.
1. Low cost
Apartment living can be much more cost effective than house living for both bills and rent. Heating and cooling a smaller area will save money on your gas and electric bills. The rent is usually much cheaper on apartments too, compared a house or a mortgage.
Photography: Kate Hunter
Apartments can also be quite a sustainable option because with so many people living in close proximity it means that apartments retain heat from other apartments, which reduces the amount of heat you use in your own apartment. This means your winter energy bill will be much cheaper than if you were living in a house. The newer your building, the more energy efficient is likely to be.
Read more: 4 tips to help you save energy this winter
2. No maintenance
If you have a problem in an apartment that you rent, you can usually call the property manager and have someone else deal with the issue.
Gardening is another major factor to consider. Most apartments don’t have private gardens, only small balconies, which means that if you live in an apartment your weekends can be spent doing whatever you please rather than mowing lawns or planting bulbs.
If you live in an apartment your weekends can be spent doing whatever you please rather than mowing lawns or planting bulbs.
The grounds of apartment blocks usually have a maintenance person who takes care of the communal building gardens which means you won’t have to spend your time weeding garden beds.
Read more: Starter guide to Strata
3. Increased safety
Most apartments have several layers of entry. A main door, a side door or a fire door, then the door of your apartment.
It’smore difficult for potential thieves to get access to your home in an apartment, particularly if your apartment has a foyer or secure front entry system.
There’s also the benefit of living in such close proximity to others. It’s trickierfor a thief to get large valuable items like TVs past several other apartments and out the communal front door without witnesses.
Read more: 3 advantages to living alone
4. Extra amenities
Apartment blocks often come with amenities that you wouldn’t normally get if you rent house like gyms, pools, rooftop entertaining areas, BBQ areas, laundry rooms and secure storage cages. Having a gym and pool on site is really convenient and will save you money on gym membership fees.
BBQ areas are great for entertaining and will save you having to invest in expensive outdoor entertainingequipment.
If you live in an urban area one of the best perks of apartment living is the car park. Street parking in urban areas can be a nightmare and apartments often come with secure underground parking.
Having a secure car park cansave you money in car repairs too.
Having a secure car park will probably save you money in car repairs too. I know from personal experience that parking your car on the street in a high density area can be really expensive – from fixing minor scrapes and dings to full on break-ins with smashed windows.
5. Low commitment
As the rent is generallylower on apartments it means that you’re able to move around whenever you like without being tied to a house with a mortgage. You’re also able to afford to live in higher socio-economic areas that you may not be able to afford to rent or buy a house in.
Decideif Renting or Buying is the right choice for you with ourReverse Rent Calculator.
This article was originally published on 10 Nov 2014 at 10:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
FAQs
Living in an apartment complex allows you to become part of a community. You'll have neighbors close by, providing opportunities for socializing and building friendships. Some apartments include utilities in the rent, which can help simplify your monthly expenses and budgeting.
Are there any advantages to living in an apartment? ›
Living in a multi-unit dwelling gives added security you can't find in a home. Many apartment complexes have gated communities, controlled access, security cameras, and extra fire protection. The close proximity of neighbors is also a huge safety benefit.
Why do you like living in an apartment? ›
Apartment living is a simpler way of living, which translates to a happier, lower-stress life. A simpler lifestyle provides the space to figure out what matters most and the freedom to focus on these things. Some people may love fixing up their home, and that's great.
In what ways is living in an apartment better than living in a house? ›
What are the advantages of living in an apartment? Some advantages of Living in an apartment are Cost-effective, better amenities, higher security, rental income and living in a community.
Why are apartments more efficient than houses? ›
Compact Design: Apartments are generally smaller in size compared to houses, requiring less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. The compact layout of apartments allows for more efficient use of space and energy resources. Centralized Heating and Cooling: Ma.
What is the purpose of an apartment? ›
One of the most significant benefits of apartment living is convenience. Apartment buildings are often located in urban areas, close to necessities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation. Residents can easily access the things they need and enjoy without traveling far from home.
What is an advantage of renting a place to live? ›
Renters have lower utility bills, greater flexibility in where they live, and access to amenities, such as a pool or fitness room, that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
Is it smart to move into an apartment? ›
Apartment rentals often have lower monthly costs than mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowners' insurance. Additionally, utility expenses in apartments tend to be more manageable due to their smaller size, making it easier to budget your monthly expenses.
What is the apartment life? ›
Any concrete structure should have an ideal lifespan of 75 to 100 years. However, it is believed that a flat has an average lifespan of 50–60 years compared to a house's 40 years.
Do you prefer house or apartment? ›
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want more space, privacy, and control over your environment, a house may be a good option. If you're looking for a more affordable option with more amenities, an apartment may be a better choice.
Apartment Living: How to Love the Apartment You're In
- Find Your Ideal Setup. ...
- Add Lighting. ...
- Work With the Walls. ...
- Make Your Bedroom a Haven. ...
- Get Rid of Clutter. ...
- Make it Pretty. ...
- Splurge on a Statement Piece. ...
- Entertain.
A house might be ideal if you require more space and privacy and can afford to pay a little bit extra. On the other hand, if you're on a budget and don't want to worry about too much maintenance, an apartment might be the better option. Find available rentals near you on Realtor.com.
Is living in a house more expensive than living in an apartment? ›
On average, owning a home costs $1,176 more per month than renting from a professionally managed apartment complex, according to an analysis published this month from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). That's the biggest buy-versus-rent gap since fall 2006, the industry group said in its report.
Is living in apartment safer? ›
Apartment blocks tend to have safety features built in, including security front doors and cameras. Houses, by contrast, rely on individual door locks and sometimes an alarm. This makes apartment living a safer choice.
What are the disadvantages of living in a house? ›
The disadvantages of houses
Like everything else, however, houses also have their drawbacks. This type of property is typically more expensive to buy, has higher maintenance costs and requires you to spend more time cleaning it.
What percentage of US lives in apartments? ›
The Golden State only has around 17% of its population in apartments, but that represents more than 6.7 million people or 2.1 million more than New York.
