Flat vs House

Bun

I've lived in many houses and flats, but have only been able to buy flats.

Firstly, flats often come with gardens - we have a huge one. Depends if you go with a block or a house split into flats. Each has advantages and drawbacks (mostly detailed above).
Secondly, you do pay buildings insurance - it's generally covered under the service charge.

One big agreement, particularly with 15-20yr old conversions - the noise. I've lived in terraced houses which can be the same, but it is definitely different if you're in the same building.Have had neighbours from hell and lovely neighbours, both noisy in different ways. And 'young families and old people' can be just as noisy in their different ways as the usual neighbours you'd imagine would be a pain (stereos etc). There's nothing like a small person having a tantrum (I know,I have one and boy does the noise carry) or an old person with the telly on full volume to make you wish you'd bought a house. And if you work from home they are often there all the time with you.View at different times of day to get an idea. If you work nights too, bear this in mind.If you can, try to find out the room layout of the flat above/below you. Will you be occupying the same space all the time?

I love our flat but if our lovely neighbours (who rent, they aren't all bad, and can be removed if a problem, whereas home owners are more difficult) move, it could be awful.
IMHO, if you can afford it buy a house.Then again, many on this forum will say that the above problems are only eradicated in a detached house, but they are something to consider.

Only other thing, make sure if you are in flats, you have a secure post box/means of getting the post to you alone. Pigeon hole systems are just not secure enough nowadays.

good luck!

black-saturn

On a lighter note a flat is better if you want a lie in. Your visitors usually have to press a buzzer and you speak to them on the intercom. You can turn the buzzer off and they wont know if your in or out.