Buying your own living space is a big decision that requires in-depth market research and looking at aspects like budget and location. Some people opt for apartments while others prefer independent houses, based on their unique preferences. When choosing your new home, it is best to weigh down the pros and cons of both types of properties. The debate over apartment vs house has been going on ever since the apartment culture started prevailing in Pakistan. To make the decision easier for you, we have listed all the factors you should consider when choosing what to buy.
Apartment vs house: Things to Keep in Mind
Here are all the things you should keep in mind when deciding between an apartment and a house in Pakistan:
Cost
Cost is always a deciding factor when properties are involved. The first thing you should be well aware of is your budget for the new home. The amount you are willing to spend on buying or renting a property, whether it’s a house or an apartment can help finalize your decision. For instance, if budget is not a concern and you have surplus funds, then buying a house there is a good option. The reason is that for houses the total amount increases multi folds when the construction and land costs are combined.
On the other hand, apartments are more affordable accommodations as they are pre-built spaces within a building with modern amenities. For houses and villas on independent land, around 2-3% extra cost is spent for everyday amenities that are already included in apartments, such as power back-up, security cameras, play areas, etc.
Living Space
Another aspect to consider while settling the debate between apartment vs house is the space they both offer. Typically, houses are much more spacious than apartments with larger spaces for parking, lawns, and balconies, etc. If you have a large family, buying or renting a house is ideal as there are more rooms divided into upper and lower portions. Living in a house also means that you can easily host family gatherings and events at your place.
Apartments generally have less area compared to houses which makes them practical for people who don’t need a lot of living space. For instance, those who live alone or have only a few members in their family. However, with more people adopting the apartment culture, residential developments like Aurum One offer large 2 and 3-bed apartments and penthouses.
Security
Undoubtedly, apartments have better security than houses despite the location. Apartment buildings have dedicated security systems with guards, CCTV cameras, and emergency alarms. Houses on the other hand can be unsafe unless you live in a posh and gated area. There are greater chances of robberies and thefts as it is way easier to break into a house than it is to break into an apartment.
Apartment entry guards keep an eye on who goes in and out of the building which reduces the risk of crimes to a great extent. In apartments, you can easily get help if something goes wrong because people are living all around you, but in houses, that’s not always the case.
Community
Factors like community, neighbors, and privacy should also be kept in mind when evaluating apartment vs house living. Choosing an apartment makes you a part of a tight-knit community with neighbors who live in close proximity. Residents stay connected and are able to interact on a daily basis as they use the same lifts or staircases. A downside of living in an apartment is that you don’t have as much privacy as you get living in a house.
Houses offer better privacy with no obligation to interact with neighbors as every house has separate gates and parking areas. Unless you live in a closely-knit neighborhood, there is adequate space between houses, giving families enough space and privacy.
Resale
Houses generally have a higher resale value compared to apartments, but it is important to take into account factors such as location and the condition of the property. The reason houses have more resale worth is that they are on independent land which keeps on appreciating in value. However, in cities like Karachi, apartments are more in demand as they save money, offer more privacy, and are easy to maintain.
People hesitate to buy apartments because it means becoming a part of a larger community, whereas with houses there is no such commitment. The location and condition of a property also determine its value. For instance, an apartment in a posh area like DHA Islamabad would have more value than a house in an unpopular area.
Pets
If you are a pet lover, an apartment may not be the best option for you as most of the apartment buildings have a restriction on keeping pets. Building management usually doesn’t allow pets, especially cats and dogs inside the apartments due to many reasons. Some of them include property damage, insurance issues, and the idea that animals might scare other tenants. Some buildings are pet-friendly, so before you decide to move to an apartment, make sure they allow pets.
Living in a house, on the other hand, means you can keep as many pets as you like, whether it’s a cat, cat, or any other animal. In houses, you don’t have to follow the rules of the building management regarding what you can and cannot do.
Final Words
In conclusion, the decision for apartment vs house living should be based on individual needs and preferences. The choice is yours but keep some factors in mind like space, privacy, security, community, resale value, and pet ownership.
If you are looking for high-class but reasonably-priced apartments with advanced lifestyle facilities, Aurum One is a perfect choice. It is located in DHA Islamabad and has diverse residential options including 1,2 and 3-bed premium apartments.
