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Living overseas

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Moving from a house to an apartment

4 replies

BonApp · 11/03/2019 19:33

We live in Europe where apartment living is common.

At the moment we are in a house - it’s ok but a bit old fashioned and bits of it are starting to annoy us. The layout doesn’t really work and the things that were charming are now just frustrating... It’s detached with no overlooking neighbors, driveway, double garage and garden (which requires a lot of upkeep).

We have the chance to move to brand new apartment (still being built) on a complex of 11 new buildings. It’s the only flat on the top floor (so the penthouse I guess!) and we’d gave similar floor space as now. No garden, but a huge terrace, better overall layout. And a bit cheaper than we pay now.

Aside from being a bit nervy about it being a brand new build, we are a bit concerned about the transition from being in a relatively secluded house to being in a complex of 150 other flats.

We have struggled to meet people a bit here so it could be a bit more sociable. We have lived in flats before in the UK but not for many years. Will we miss opening the front door and walking outside? Will getting tyevluftbup and down get old quickly? Will we miss our garden despite it being hard work? Will we hate bumping into neighbors all the time? Will it be nice or irritating to be part of a community within the complex?

Not sure what I’m asking for really, but has anyone else gone from a house to an apartment? Would love to hear your experience if so!

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mathanxiety · 11/03/2019 20:12

Apartment to house to apartment again here.

I hate moving, and the move from house to apartment was not my choice, so maybe my pov is jaundiced. I preferred my house to any apartment. Part of the reason is also poor (non existent) soundproofing and other people's dogs and taste in music.

Having said all of that, my current apartment has a nice private deck, lovely light, some quirky features which I like. After a rough start I grew to really appreciate it.

Maybe you will have a similar trajectory?

Could you spend some time in a new build Air B&b in a high rise or similar short term rental to get a feel for the environment?

MariaNovella · 11/03/2019 20:39

Whether or not there is any sense of community in the new complex is a moot point - apartment neighbours do not always socialise.

anniehm · 11/03/2019 21:00

My concern would be for noise proofing, in your case the floor. My biggest issue when I lived in a flat was the lady below's tv volume (she was a bit deaf) only positive is that due to her extreme volume late at night I heard about princess Diana dying, pre internet and mobile phones I probably wouldn't have heard until I was next in work unless someone called us as we didn't do tv much

BonApp · 12/03/2019 06:28

Good points thank you.
I will check out the floor plans as we may have two flats below and also ask re sound proofing.

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