Nice, modern flat in a posh area or semi detached in a decent area

Slinky

Tancred wrote: »

Yes, even for 999 year leases, you might live to 1000.

I wouldn't like to discount the possibility

Idiophreak

We had this decision when buying our first place, which we currently live in. Had a house or flat for the same money...

In the end, we opted for the flat on the basis:

1) It is much larger than the semi, in terms of square footage, and certainly in terms of "usable" square footage.

2) It's higher spec, nice built-in kitchen, underfloor heating, much nicer bathrooms etc.

3) Less potential for noise from neighbours. We have one neighbour, downstairs, and that's all. Excellent sound insulation, so woman downstairs could not be there and we'd never notice. (in fact, she went on holiday for 2 weeks and seemed put out that we'd not worried) In a semi, you've got the neighbours to worry about all through the house and plenty of noise from gardens etc to worry about.

4) No garden. We'd have liked one, but we'd not have liked the hassle of maintaining it. Our communal space is really pretty and well maintained.

5) Much lower running costs (lady downstairs does like to keep her place toasty warm!)

6) Better location.

Now we're starting to think about having babies at some point, I guess we'll need to think about moving somewhere they can run around outside...but hopefully we've another couple of years left in the flat before it's urgent