I lived in 2 different apartments while in Cph, one fairly big (but I had a small room) and one tiny (but I had a huge room). Neither had balconies, and although I was happy enough in them, I really did feel claustrophobic at times, especially in winter. Even having big windows, I still felt a lot more locked in.....not being able to go outside or laze in a garden or just get fresh air whenever I wanted.
Other cons: - I hate climbing stairs :P - Had to hang clothes inside (unless you have a dryer, but I think they're a waste of energy) - Noise. Granted the walls in my building were pretty thin, but you're always going to get a lot more noise when you share walls/roof/floor with other apartments
Pros - Much easier and quicker to clean! - Extra security - If you're lucky you can get a nice view :)
Check the apartment out in the evening. That's when your neighbours are home. Then you can work out how sound proof the place is. Older apartments are best. Steer clear of any apartment built recently, they are not sound proof. Check your sun. Top apartments can be really hot if they are in full sun. Bottom apartments can be cold with little sun. Some bottom apartments get no sun. Pick one with a veranda. I learnt that lesson. Check where windows are placed. Don't pick a place that only has windows on one side. The place will get airless and stale. We have that problem at our place.
"Steer clear of any apartment built recently, they are not sound proof"
Not entirely true, but ask the manager what thickness the walls are, and what material they are made from..
If they are brick, you want a minimum of double brick, if they are concrete you want a minimum of 120mm thick If they are Plaster, you want a MINIMUM of double sheeting on either side of the wall... Anything less than that and sound will be a big issue for you...
Id reccomend looking for something with 150mm thick concrete walls between appartments, and they are around...
Also id inquire into the electrical capacity of the place, if its in a highrise, ask if there has been provisions made for high speed internet, (be specific) and pay tv...
Perhaps ask neighbours what its like during the heat/cold
well... purchasing or renting, the same things still apply. You'll likely get a bit more cupboard space at least, but everything else will still be small. Apartments are built on the concept that space is limited, there's not really much way around that.
Everything else about the noise, the temperature, utilities and body corporate will still apply.
Where are you looking at buying and how much are you looking to spend? Last time I looked I couldnt find any decent 2br places within reasonable distance of the city for under 500k... well, not outside the western subs anyway
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Other cons:
- I hate climbing stairs :P
- Had to hang clothes inside (unless you have a dryer, but I think they're a waste of energy)
- Noise. Granted the walls in my building were pretty thin, but you're always going to get a lot more noise when you share walls/roof/floor with other apartments
Pros
- Much easier and quicker to clean!
- Extra security
- If you're lucky you can get a nice view :)
That's all I can think of for now :)
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Check your sun. Top apartments can be really hot if they are in full sun. Bottom apartments can be cold with little sun. Some bottom apartments get no sun.
Pick one with a veranda. I learnt that lesson.
Check where windows are placed. Don't pick a place that only has windows on one side. The place will get airless and stale. We have that problem at our place.
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Not entirely true, but ask the manager what thickness the walls are, and what material they are made from..
If they are brick, you want a minimum of double brick, if they are concrete you want a minimum of 120mm thick
If they are Plaster, you want a MINIMUM of double sheeting on either side of the wall... Anything less than that and sound will be a big issue for you...
Id reccomend looking for something with 150mm thick concrete walls between appartments, and they are around...
Also id inquire into the electrical capacity of the place, if its in a highrise, ask if there has been provisions made for high speed internet, (be specific) and pay tv...
Perhaps ask neighbours what its like during the heat/cold
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Also, you and Nat V cool to come over for dinner & games next week? :)
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Everything else about the noise, the temperature, utilities and body corporate will still apply.
Where are you looking at buying and how much are you looking to spend? Last time I looked I couldnt find any decent 2br places within reasonable distance of the city for under 500k... well, not outside the western subs anyway
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MONT ALBERT NORTH,BALWYN,IVANHOE,TOORAK,ST KILDA,ST KILDA EAST,BRUNSWICK EAST,CLIFTON HILL,COLLINGWOOD
But also been looking at
THORNBURY, HEIDELBERG, EAGLEMONT, TRAVANCORE, ASCOT VALE, NORTHCOTE.
Basically anything with easy access to public transport and not too far from the CBD
the ones i'm finding are in the price range of about $380,000 - $400,000. Not houses, mostly units or apartments.
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