House vs. Apartment – How to make the proper choice for your home purchase

A house or apartment is a natural dilemma when considering buying your own home. It can seem all the more difficult to make a decision if you are buying your first home. While each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, what you may need to ultimately give priority would be your lifestyle and preferences. No matter what you opt for, there will be options in all budgets, segments and areas.

Questions to consider when deciding between a house and an apartment

Either way, finding a space where you would be comfortable and peaceful should be your focus. However, here are some questions to keep in mind while you make a decision in the house vs apartment debate.

– What is your budget?

Like in any other purchase decision, budget should be the foremost concern. Property prices vary based on area. While typically apartments cost less than houses, apartments in certain areas (for example, an upscale or elite area) may cost more than houses in other areas. Generally speaking, apartments tend to be less expensive than houses in the same area; however, it can be the case that apartment living is more expensive on a £ per square foot basis.

For a first-time buyer who is looking to take their step in the property market, an apartment might be a wiser choice, as it would most probably entail a smaller security deposit amount than a house purchase.

– What kind of location would you prefer?

If you like the city centre, apartments may be the more feasible option. But houses may be your best bet if you prefer the suburbs and more peaceful areas minus the hustle and bustle.

– What maintenance would be required?

Apartments may be a frontrunner in this because they generally demand lower maintenance and offer greater convenience, including service personnel to take care of repairs and work. It may, of course, be attached to additional service and utility charges depending on how luxurious the development is.

– How much space are you looking for?

Even though some people may need a small space only, they may prefer to have a larger space because they can afford it. For example, even though a couple with no children may need a one-bedroom apartment only, they can still opt to have a three-bedroom spacious apartment or house based on their individual preference for space. While buying a house offers you the advantage of expanding the space later if needed, you do not have that option in the case of an apartment. You are restricted to the space that you buy.

– Do you want an outdoor space?

If you like to have your own garden and greenery around you, a house is what you should pick. Apartments tend to have common outdoor spaces and not necessarily your individual space and private gardens are rarer to find. However, the advantage is you would not have to bother with maintenance like cutting the grass, watering plants, etc.

– What is your lifestyle preference?

Lifestyle should be an important factor of consideration when choosing your space. If you want a slow pace of life, the suburbs or the countryside maybe your area, which would most probably have houses and not apartments. But if you like the fast life with easy access to bars, restaurants, and other amenities nearby, then an apartment in the city would be a better buy for you.

Another starting point for your decision-making could be – Would it be your permanent home or just the first home? At Glentree Estates, we understand that choosing between a house and an apartment can be a daunting decision. That’s why we’re here to assist you every step of the way. With our extensive portfolio of diverse properties, we can help you weigh each option’s pros and cons, considering factors like location, budget, lifestyle needs, and future plans. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring that you make a choice that perfectly suits your needs. Whether it’s a house’s charm or an apartment’s convenience, rest assured, Glentree has the ideal property waiting for you.

OTM Shareholders need to call time on Giant Slayer CoStar’s bid by 4th December

By Trevor Abrahmsohn, OnTheMarket.com Founder and Glentree International CEO.

The OTM/CoStar issue is certainly reaching a crescendo and we will all see if the disparate group of shareholders will be able to resist jam today for a possible jamboree tomorrow.

There is no question that for OTM to do a deal with CoStar will equip the newly acquired company with nuclear firepower and guess which portal will then be in their crosshairs ……. you’re absolutely correct, Rightmove.

Rightmove Share Price Slashed

Despite its hitherto unassailable position, Rightmove, with its eye watering 74% profit margin has had its share price slashed by circa 30% which has shaved off more than £1billion from its bloated market cap since the CoStar deal has been announced. No trifling matter I suggest! Even the hardy perennial investment analysts have done a volte-face and changed their investment recommendation from a ‘buy’ signal to a ‘sell’.  Hmm, me thinks they sense that a new Sherriff maybe in town.

Could the Rightmove shareholders suffer the fate of the battleship Bismarck which was, in its day, Hitler’s mightiest maritime colossus and which was eventually sunk by the British Navy.

CoStar is offering 110p per share, which is equivalent to £100million, and this represents a very modest 2.5 times multiple on OTM’s turnover. Thin gruel for a company which is far more profitable than the one floated a few years ago.

Although I am the founder of OTM, I’m not resistant to a deal with CoStar or others, I just think that the terms are not properly developed and are far too tame.  By an outright sale, not only will the agents be denied any upside but with total control, CoStar will then punish the agents as Rightmove have done so gratuitously to date.

Feudal, Sadomasochistic Relationship

The unacceptable feudal and sadomasochistic relationship that agents have with the two incumbent portals was exactly the reason why I founded OTM in the first place.  It has always been difficult for me to understand why the subjugate estate agents are so compliant, yet they willingly supply the portals with the revenue and data from which they derive their gluttonous profits and humongous market value, which between them totals over £5.5billion – go figure!

As a board member of Primelocation.com, yes, we did sell this to the Daily Mail Group in 2006 for £50million and by doing so we all lost out many millions on the subsequent journey, which ended in a £2billion sale of the combined group. However, at least the shareholders gained 300% on their shares which is in sharp contrast to the present deal with CoStar, where the agents are losing 33% of their issue price when the company was floated a number of years ago.

Agents Sold a ‘Pup’

If the deal goes through there will be lots of celebrations in the COSTAR/ Goldman Sachs camp but few amongst the agents, who are being sold a ‘pup’ whilst their future is forsaken.

I just hope that they don’t sleepwalk into this bad deal by default.

I say to the shareholders, stand up and be counted, you have one shot at this, make it a good one and this isn’t it I’m afraid.