When you’re looking for a house, there are lots of options out on the market. Even at the smaller end of the scale, you still have a couple of choices. If you’re looking to move into a smaller place, then you may be wondering whether a bungalow or apartment is good for you. Lucky for you, if you carry on reading, you’ll find some good points for both of them.
Bungalows
I like to think of bungalows as the dwarf of the real estate world. They’re like traditional houses, only smaller and usually with just one floor. If you’re considering a bungalow, here are some of the benefits one can bring.
Firstly, what sets a bungalow apart from an apartment is that you can actually own one. If you buy a bungalow, then it’s yours, it belongs to you. You aren’t renting it, you’ve paid for it and can now do whatever you want to it. You don’t have to worry about landlords of any restrictions, do as you please.
The second benefit is that bungalows can have extra assets, like a garden or garage. A garage can provide your house with a lot more space, which is always a good thing. With a garden, you have a nice outdoor space to do with as you please. It can be a great place to play outside if you have any kids. Or, you can grow your own fruit and veg in it!
Another good thing about bungalows is their size. You can easily fit a four-person family in a bungalow and have no problems with living space. This makes it a far cheaper option than buying a three bedroom, multi-storey house.
Apartments
So you’ve seen what bungalows have to offer, but what about the benefits of living in an apartment?
For starters, apartments are a lot cheaper and easy to afford. You don’t have to pay a huge lump sum; it’s just money every month in rent. This means you won’t need to take out a mortgage and end up in lots of debt.
Secondly, this option is unique because you get to be part of a close-knit community. Living in an apartment building means you’re never far away from one of your neighbours. There are even some apartments in AFB housing that hold communal events for residents! This can be a great way to meet new people and forge friendships.
Thirdly, apartments cost a lot less to maintain. When you move into an apartment, the gas and electricity responsibilities fall upon the landlord. It’s up to them to make sure they’re in working order and get fixed when broken. So, you won’t have to worry about forking out on gas repairs if a pipe goes bust. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
My final point is that apartments can be a lot safer. It’s far harder for someone to break into your home if you live in an apartment. They’ll have to, somehow, get into your building and then find your flat and break into it. There are also security systems like CCTV in place in a lot of apartment complexes, making them more secure.
Now you’ve seen the positives of both options, it’s up for you to decide which is the best choice for you!