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Buying a property is a big commitment, not to mention, very costly! With so much money and effort on the line, you want to be 100% certain that you’re investing in your dream home. There are plenty of factors to consider in the buying process. Starting from scratch, one of the main dilemmas you may be having is whether to buy a house or a flat. There’s no right or wrong answer here. Both have their own pros and cons. However, when deciding between a flat vs house it does help to consider the following key factors:

Size & Layout

One of the most obvious differences between a flat vs house is size and layout. Whilst you can find large flats, in most cases a flat will provide you with less space than a house. This may not be a problem if you are living alone or in a couple - in fact having a more compact space may be an advantage. However if you have a family to home, a house with more space may be a more preferable option. If you are eager to have outdoor space, then this will be limited with a flat. The very design of a flat presents a different style of living to a house, and so it’s important to have a good think about the environment that you’ll feel most comfortable in.

Cost

Cost will of course be one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a property. As a general rule of thumb, flats are cheaper to buy than houses because they are smaller and less private. This makes them a good option for first time buyers that are looking to get onto the property ladder, particularly as the deposit will be smaller. That being said, prices will vary widely depending on location. For example, buying a two bedroom flat in central London is likely to be more than buying a 3 bedroom house in Devon. That being said, it can be more challenging to get a mortgage on a flat as lenders consider them to be riskier investments. This is because there is more risk of their value altering. Potential cladding issues, ground rent problems and more, are all potential risks that come with purchasing a flat rather than a house.

Maintenance

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing between a flat vs house is maintenance. As a house has a greater square footage, which may include garden space, it’s likely that there’ll be more maintenance required for a house, particularly if it is an older build. However, the benefit of owning a house rather than a flat is that you are in full control. If you own a flat on the other hand, you’ll need to work with the building's maintenance team. You’ll need to pay service charges and ground rent which contribute towards the maintenance of communal areas. These are important factors to consider when deciding between a flat vs house, particularly in terms of  budgeting and cost.

Lifestyle

Do you want a quiet life in the countryside or a more fast paced life in the city? These are all important questions to ask yourself when deciding between a flat vs house. If you want a quieter life in the countryside with plenty of space and privacy, then a house is likely to be a better option for you. This can also make life easier if you have pets. However, if you prefer being amongst the action then a flat could be better for you. A flat is likely to be noisier with less privacy than a house, with space being another factor to consider. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference as to which type of property you think would best accommodate your lifestyle. 

Hopefully, these pointers will help you in deciding between a flat vs house. When you’ve found your dream home, remember to keep Hackworthy in mind for your big move. With more than 45 years experience in removals, we’re dedicated to making your move as stress free as possible. That’s why our removals service includes the option of a full packing service, with insurance and waivers included. You can request a quote online or get in touchwith us for more details.