House or Flat a straight forward choice?

Although every investment should be assessed on its own particular merits some fundamental things need to be considered when deciding which is best house or flat.

Flats appear to be more popular with the mobile population of many inner city locations. Young professionals need the ease and flexibility provided by a flat.

Some enjoy the status symbol of the chic and fashionable style that a modern flat gives the occupier.  Others just like the freedom to socialise in close proximity to all the ‘in places’. So space becomes irrelevant and less is a sometimes a preferable option for busy young professionals.

Houses on the other hand gain in popularity out of city centres and important elements of more living space and garden become important, more so for couples who maybe considering a family.  Others want to live in entirely in their own space without having to take account or be irritated by those living above or below them.

Supply and demand

Developers build more flats because they are more popular and profitable.  Your local estate agent David Jordan Estate Agents is able to give you all the information you need of the availability and how prolific flats are in the areas you are considering.    

Gone are the days when a flat was less than that of a house.  Style size and location are now prime valuation factors and more so within inner city boundaries.  Fashionable high rises and fashionable conversions outclass and in some cases out cost many of the more traditional family houses.

Bear in mind with a ground floor flat that while you may pay 20 per cent less than those on upper floors they are perceived as less secure. If you were considering a buy to let investment it can be more difficult to let. 

Flats in the main are leasehold and can prohibit letting and if buying a flat the leasehold restrictions should be fully investigated at the outset.  Houses are largely freehold and so don’t come with the same restrictions.

Is it just about cost!

Today lifestyle, age and mobility are all primary factors that can influence decisions about buying or renting a house or flat. There is considerable narrowing margin when it comes to the financial factor that flats are always the cheaper alternative to houses. 

And don’t forget throughout the journey David Jordan Estate Agents will be with you every step of the way offering their years of expertise to guide you along the way.

Call us or email us using the details on our website:  www.DavidJordan.co.uk

T:    01323 898414

Which camp do you sit in - New or Old Property ?

There are in the main two separate camps of buyers when it comes to the age of houses that buyers consider. Those who would only consider period properties for their original features and character, those who go for the easy –living low maintenance of the new build.  Period properties have been visualised as a black hole for money by those who prefer new build while those who favour Victorian style properties tend to view new builds as bland.

Digging Deeper

Whether you choose a classic Victorian property or a shiny new build each purchase can result in additional costs not often taken into account by buyers.

For example the perfectly thoroughly modern show home kitchen while looking the part is often an upgraded version of the standard offered in the actual property you may purchase and the diamond edge version will not come cheap.    Digging deeper, consider that the garden of a show home has been professionally landscaped so how would your garden grow possibly with the ringing of pound notes unless you just want a plot of plain turf!

What is part of the deal can vary between different house builders. Carpets may or may not be included and often all add-ons like curtain rails, TV aerials, may not be included.

Those moving into an older style Victorian property will already likely have these add-ons but unlike the pristine sparkle clean new build once the previous owners have left the empty property can reveal its chipped walls and cracks, damaged skirting or missing tiles not previously seen.  However a new-build is not necessarily free from defects, for example poor plastering which may repeat itself in more than one room.

The Victorian owner can incur a different set of problems for example above ceilings and between walls can mean ideal territory for wildlife or rodents which may require the services for a pest control company who can in the main quickly eradicate the problem.

Diamond Edge or Knife Edge

So which type of property has the edge?  Possible the new build may just have the edge because of one overriding advantage is it comes without the gazump factor, debris left after departure by the seller and no chain this has to be priceless. 

So many things to consider whether you think about new or old properties! 

David Jordan Estate Agents an estate agent that excels in all areas of the house buying process will take you every step of the way. 

David Jones Estate Agents is here to make sure you have all the advice and support that you need whether buying, selling or letting.

Call us or email us using the details on our website:  www.DavidJordan.co.uk

T:    01323 898414