For many people in the UK, the dream of owning a home with a white picket fence will likely remain a dream. Getting onto the property ladder is more challenging than ever and much harder for young people today than it was for their parents or grandparents. There are reasons to remain positive, though, as we should look at our European counterparts who enjoy much more apartment living. Apartments and flats are at the more affordable end of the property scale, and there are many benefits:
1: Sociable living
There are many benefits to having good relationships with our neighbours, and apartment living is more sociable. There is a closer feeling between people when they share a building, with more significant opportunities to look out for each other, contact management agents when something needs fixing, sign for parcels, and any other emergency. There is a greater sense of community.
2: Smaller Space means a smaller price
While you don’t have as much space as you’d enjoy with a house, the advantages include a smaller space to clean and maintain, lower initial costs, and lower utility bills. Many flats will use only gas or only electricity, so bills should be lower and council tax is not quite so painful. This could give you a better opportunity to gather some savings for the future.
3: Location
If you don’t drive, living close to amenities is important, and the location of your residence needs some extra consideration. Many apartments and flats in town and city centres could suit you far better for work and entertainment than buying a house in the suburbs. Homes are more expensive to build in highly-sought after central locations, so you find more apartment blocks.
4: Amenities
Many apartment blocks offer amenities you won’t get with a house, such as shops, gyms, laundry facilities, and swimming pools! This gives you so much more for your money, is incredibly handy, and provides even more opportunities to meet new people.
5: Security
Flats and apartment buildings come with security measures included. They often have cameras, controlled access and electric gates, for example. To find out more about Electric Gates Cheltenham, visit Complete Gate Automation, a provider of Electric Gates Cheltenham
6: Less Responsibility
One of the most significant advantages of flat living is that you don’t have to worry about maintenance issues. You might have to pay a service charge, but when communal areas look rundown, or the lift is out of order, it’s not your problem. A management company will ensure issues are dealt with, leaving you stress-free.
