With the cost of living continuing to rise and first homebuyers working hard to build up their savings, I’m finding that more and more people are exploring alternative options to buying their first home. 

Seemingly, couples and young families are not always setting their sights on a three-bedroom house with a large backyard anymore. Instead, first homebuyers are showing they are open to change and are setting realistic goals akin with the times. And for many, that means opting for an apartment or townhouse as their first property purchase.

If you’re tossing up on whether to keep saving for that cosy bungalow or thinking about getting one foot on the property ladder now with an apartment or duplex, our Australian buyers agency can help! 

First, let’s compare the pros and cons of each option so you can get a better idea of your wants and needs as a future homeowner. 

High maintenance

While buying an existing house or building on vacant land may sound ideal for your family’s needs, buyers should be aware of the costs involved. Though you’ll typically have much more floor space in a freestanding house compared to an apartment or unit, owning a property with a garden or outdoor space to maintain comes with added costs and a commitment to maintain more than the house itself. 

Rewarding for renovators

If you’re interested in renovating, you may find there are more options available to you if you choose to purchase a house, as there are no owner’s corporations or strata laws to abide by. You will need have to keep council requirements and building regulations in mind, though doing so will ensure better equity in your house later on. If you have any questions with regards to what you’re allowed to build and what you need to steer clear of, a real estate buyers agent like Kitty & Miles can help. 

Buying an apartment or unit is certainly the quicker way to enter the property market. With affordability being far more within reach, many first-time homebuyers are able to save the required deposit to nab a property of their own faster when opting for a unit or apartment as opposed to a freestanding house. 

Less maintenance but additional costs

There’s also far less maintenance required of an apartment owner, seeing as lawns and driveways are shared – meaning they are managed and maintained by strata. You’ll need to keep in mind however that such benefits come with a financial cost – and in this case, it’s your strata fees and payments to the body corporate for management of the shared aspects of your purchase – including gardens, driveways, roof tiles, pest inspections and so forth. 

Costly extras

In addition, make sure you’re not buying into a complex that offers amenities you have no use for. For example, if your potential new apartment block offers a pool, gym or other fabulous extras, keep in mind you are paying for shared use and maintenance of these in your corporation fees. 

Buying your first home is a big deal, so before you decide which option is best for you, it’s good to make a list of all the features you need included in your property for the short-term, such as a backyard for the kids to play in, two toilets for yourself and your guests, space for multiple cars and so forth. But if the bare basics are enough for your needs, it’s best to keep your purchase simple and avoid buying into a complex or estate you have no intention of using to its full extent. 

Whether it’s a house, apartment or townhouse you’re looking to purchase, our buyers advocate agency can help. Give us a call on (02) 8916 6172 or email our team at support@kittyandmiles.com.au for more information!