Flat or Cottage?

[jazzactivist]

My partner and I are thinking of downshifting quite dramatically when we move house, and are keen on getting a small, two bedroom property that we can buy outright. However, in the town that we are keen on the cheaper, character cottages usually need quite a lot of work while there are new renovations of old properties that have been turned into flats which look much better value overall. However, I love gardening, but so long as I have a small patch or similar that's OK. What do you think are the pros and cons of a flat or cottage?

[lily]

I'd go for the cottage-if you do work on it you are in the words of Phil + Kirsty of Location x3 adding value. I think you'd have more privacy in a cottage than a flat with people on all sides, plus I think you would miss a garden. Don't know about Scotland, but here most flats are leasehold so you don't have as much freedom to do your own thing with them. Also if leasehold you will incur maintenance charges which can escalate dramatically.

[Serenity]

Hi Jazz, I agree with Lily but would take a look around a selection of both flats and cottages, that way you'll know for sure what suits you.
My inlaws did the same thing recently and found a lovely groundfloor flat in a block of four (two downstairs, two upstairs). It has its own section of garden ideal as she too is a keen gardener and its at the head of a quiet cul de sac, it seemed to be perfect.....

Unfortunately one of the other flat owners thought that he owned all the garden areas and was abusive whenever my mum in law did any gardening on HER part - he even planted some plants that she had just bought from the garden centre and had left by her door. The man in the upstairs flat works abroad for most of the time but lets his teenage children have keys to it so they hold late night parties. All in all it has not been a happy move for them.

I guess what my point is, is that when considering a flat there is a bigger picture to look at. I know that when I visit my inlaws I am more aware of their neighbours and for some people it is the ideal situation and have lovely neighbours. Good luck with the hunting!

[Redstart]

We lived in flats for our first 18 years here and really missed having the garden and outside space just outside the door. A balcony just isn't the same, however big. So when we decided to stay and buy, we went for a house. With a house you are free to make and carry out your own decisions. By all means consider both - it really does depend on how much you want that garden!

[sheddie]

If you buy a flat you are tied up with other people and a maintenance contract but could have planters maybe.Regarding the house you would be your own boss but maintenance down to you and depends if you want the work that will go with it. Hope the decision you make will be the right one for you both.

[franbee]

My Mum-in-law, now 91, gave up her house quite a number of years ago and has lived in several different (purchased) flats, all of which have been very nice. She is now installed in a retirement flat which is lovely and spacious, but on the first floor (has a lift). Someone who has a ground floor flat does a bit in the garden, even though it is shared and they all pay maintenance. I'd be happy to live like that if we didn't have as much stuff, hobbies etc.

[SummerSkye]

Hi Jazz, we have just moved interstate and downsized to a small 2 bedroom cottage;fortunately it had been renovated inside with new kitchen/bathroom, repainted, polished floorboards/new carpet. It is a lovely old cottage but the gardens are non existant so we are now busy planning and planting. I think a cottage is a better option than a flat as we can screen out neighbours and have good privacy eventually. We were actually dreading moving into a town however we have been very surprised with the quietness of the neighbourhood and the friendliness of passersby. I am also enjoying the closeness of the shops etc before we had almost an hours drive to the town.