Buying a Home vs. Apartment Living: Which is Right for You?

Moving from an apartment into a home that you own is a huge step for any person, and the excitement that comes along with it is palpable. However, some individuals don’t get as excited about home ownership as others, as they prefer apartment living to buying a home hands down.

What makes them so different and why would someone strongly prefer one over the other? Let’s closely examine the various aspects of these two living situations and find out which option is right for you.

To Buy Or Not To Buy?

Anyone who says buying a home is easy probably had an exceptionally unusual experience; that’s not to say that home ownership is something to be avoided, but it definitely takes time and energy to get everything in line to purchase property. Aside from making sure there’s enough money to fund a down payment, closing costs, and move in costs, the fun part of owning a home also tends to cost some money.

New furniture, appliances, and even paint are all some of the joys and responsibilities that come with home ownership. Some individuals absolutely love this type of freedom, as owning a home allows you to make whatever changes you see fit.

It’s also a great investment for those who are thinking about building up a real estate portfolio with homes in North East Calgary or elsewhere. Considering the approval process, financial requirements, mortgage and tax payments, and so much more certainly makes one stop and think before making this huge step.

What Apartment Living Entails

Just as buying a home brings its positives and elements to consider, apartment living has its fair share of benefits and drawbacks. Many people enjoy the element of predictability that comes with an apartment, particularly when it comes to finances. Typically, apartment complexes regulate utility and water costs within reason, and as long as your rent doesn’t change, you can plan your bills fairly easily every single month.

If something breaks, rather than draining the bank account for repairs, there are on-site maintenance people to come help. Amenities are also plentiful, as many complexes have a pool, gym, and recreation center.

Yet there are some factors to consider when it comes to staying in an apartment versus buying a home. For the most part, apartments are considerably smaller than an average single family home, so those with children might find themselves needing more space than they can get.

Unlike owning a home, there isn’t much you can change to the structure of an apartment space, so if there’s a desire to landscape, paint, or take out a wall, these options aren’t available either.

Both Choices Are Great

Whether buying a home or apartment living speaks to you, they are both great options depending on what your priorities are. Before feeling pressured to jump into the world of home ownership, take some time to think about future plans and what you’d like to do with your money. Sometimes investing in a home makes sense, while for others, a nice apartment is all they need. Either way, make sure to choose the scenario that’s best for your life.