With the rental market booming in WA maybe you’ve been considering whether apartment living would work for you. It’s certainly got a number of perks, the same as anything really, but is it the right move for right now? We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to apartment living below to help you make that possibly challenging choice.
Pros:
- Being so much smaller than a home it’s a lot easier (and quicker) to clean. Rent inspections? Ready in a few hours tops.
- You can lock that front door and go. No worrying about security (mostly) or garden maintenance, or anything else really.
- Close to all the good stuff – most apartments are right next to, or within a quick walk, of shopping centres, public transport and parks. If you’re lucky enough to find somewhere in Perth CBD then your commute (if you work in the city) has literally been cut down to a matter of 5 to 10 minutes.
- Apartments can feel like a cosy little bedroom, everything right within arm’s reach and easy to get to.
Cons:
- Generally no pets are allowed, or at least only very small ones. So if you’ve got furry or scaly or feathered friends an apartment may not be the best choice.
- Noise. Most apartments these days are pretty good with blocking out noise from outside and of course neighbours, though with so many people in one building there’s sure to be some disturbances.
- Limited space. If you’re a lover of basking in the sun or stepping outside and feeling the grass under your feet an apartment probably isn’t the way to go. With no yard space to run and play kids may also find it a little difficult to adjust.
- Longer lists of dos and don’ts. Sure renting comes with its own set of rules anyway but apartment blocks tend to have a whole other host of things you can and can’t do which can lead to infringements as well. Nothing worse than hanging a pot plant in the wrong spot on the balcony and being berated for it.
Apartment living is a change, it’s a different sort of lifestyle. As someone who lived in an apartment for 5 years we loved the convenience and carefree aspects of it, it was great for us for that young couple stage. Add a few kids and a pet… and things needed to change. Space was limited and we certainly needed more ‘playing’ space than ever before. Whichever way you go though, it comes down to a lifestyle choice. There is no right or wrong answer, you just have to do what works best for you for right now!
Apartment living? Is it all it’s cracked up to be or has it left you wanting? Tell us your thoughts!