Apartments not houses

[noddyholder]

If you had decided to sell up the house and live in a flat once dcs were grown up what would you want it to have?

[lisaro]

Decent neighbours! So much more important than when you live in a house.

[scurryfunge]

Views over a city.
Access to a nearby park.
Lots of light and glass.

[noddyholder]

Scurry that sounds like what we are looking at! Agree with that too lisaro although I live in Brighton so no matter how nice the road there will be STUDENTS!

[sh77]

Spacious layout, access to garden and park, good storage, en-suite, good management of the block, quiet road, share of freehold.

[Heswall]

I wouldn't.
Having lived in flats as a student and mid twenties I'd be gutted if I had to go back.

[noddyholder]

I am not looking at apartments like that heswall. All are bigger than any house I have owned and I have had 12 of those! I am looking at a totally different lifestyle tbh. Most have big terraces and just more views and space than the houses. Still not totally decided but I think now that I have a choice and before my health gets worse I want to be settled in something that will suit us as we get older. Don't want massive maintenance and gardens again as we want to travel etc.

[Heswall]

I think I can picture what you've got in mind, do they offer that in the UK though ? Maybe you'd have to go somewhere in Europe where flat dwelling is the norm.
Personally I have my eye on a town centre mid terrace with a patio, we've lived in one before and it was perfect for low maintenance living without the "neighbours" issues you get with flats.

[noddyholder]

this we viewed but it sold before we did! I have had so many terraces don't want another.

[kickassangel]

Noddy that us what I want when I'm older.
City centre, parking, maintenance, gym, train station in town, some kind of balcony etc.

It does exist in UK but you have to look, but one of those property programmes was a couple looking for that

[noddyholder]

I haven't viewed many yet just about to start. We want to be financially settled as I know with my health i will be less able to work. Also we sold our house last year and have been renting in the city centre and it is great. Really quiet post 7pm and everything is so so easy. Dp walks to work and ds to college and it is really convenient.

[suburbandream]

Good soundproofing and a communal front door that shuts properly (speaks from experience)

[noddyholder]

Yes thats true. The couple I have seen have had their own doors thankfully.

[Rhubarbgarden]

My Dad has thought about making this kind of move. He wants parking outside the door, a nice view from a balcony, and shops/cafes within walking distance. He is also considering Brighton actually - some great flats there and plenty going on.

[nemno]

For us to retire to it would be at least 2 bed (each min 14ft x14ft), 2 bathroom place with a large main room which is double, if not triple, aspect.

My must haves would be

Top floor (noise in flats is mainly from above ime)
A great view, preferably of the sea or a major river.
Allocated parking
A concierge (just great for deliveries and for the extra security)
Enough storage
Balcony

It would be great if it also had

An established, effective residents' committee
A surplus in the management coffers
No major works planned (or needed) to the structure
2 lifts for when one goes technical
Some way to clean the outside of windows (either reversing panes or a regularish external cleaning service)
Mostly owner-occupied apartments
Some sort of shop within 5 mins walk to buy milk etc

[noddyholder]

We are not retiring just downsizing and making life easier iygwim. Our ds is still at home and looks like he wont be going anywhere any time soon but he also wants me to slow down and look after my health so it has to be a long term place so am trying not to get blinded by too glam!

[fishyfairy]

We have a flat (no DC) and I struggle to find a house that offers the same as we have in the flat. We're the only flat on the top floor of a purpose built block so we have no sideways neighbours and we have light from all four aspects - to find a house like this in London would be £££££!

My non negotiables from living here are:

Outside space
Allocated parking
Guest parking
Gas (we don't have it and it costs a bomb to heat this place)
2 bathrooms
1000 square feet + (for 2 bedrooms, otherwise can be cramped)
Lots of storage cupboards
Separate kitchen, or at least somewhere else to put your washing machine - having your washing on full spin when open plan is v annoying

Finding that in a house in zone 3 or further in is v hard! Definitely have as few direct neighbours as possible.


PS - if you want a flat in central London you can have ours for a price [busmile]

[noddyholder]

Ooh I would love London! We are looking at 2/3 beds big terrace or balcony and top floor but need a lift.I also would like a big hall as I have a huge collection of paintings I can't let go of.

[fishyfairy]

Two bedrooms plus study, direct lift access to apartment, huge hallway with lots of light. Sound ok?

We are probably here for a few more years but will look to get out of the city at some point.

[noddyholder]

I am wedded to brighton I'm afraid,otherwise I would be there like a shot