3 bed flat vs 2 bed house

[JadeFeather]

Hi all

Curious what you would pick between these two (planning to have a small family at some stage- 2 kids)

I've heard a lot of people who live in flats say they really wish they had a garden. We don't make much use of our garden at the moment, mostly because the weathers often rubbish but I guess it's probably different with kids?

Is a garden really worth the trade off in terms of less space/ kids having to share a room?

If you want dc then l say house. They are much louder than you know! You don't have anyone above/below. The outside space will be handy when you just need everyone out, now!

I live end of terrace and l find sharing one wall annoying, would hate people around me

house, for sure.

living in a semi, i would hate to have communal hallways, entrances and people above/below/either side of me. your children will be noisy and not being joined on to other flats is one less thing to worry about.

our two of the same sex will share a bedroom. no big deal.

it will be good to have a garden to shuffle about in and also to give yourself a bit more space around your home.

We had to make the same decision. Went for small two bed house and frequently talk about how much it was the right choice for us. garden is so useful with kids. Sandpit occupies ds for ages when I'm making dinner etc and it's bliss not having to worry too much re noise. Also v useful in terms of work on the house, we have far less paperwork/permissions.

I'd say house too. I'd never been too keen on gardens but having kids its a godsend. Mine have been out in all weather from playing in snow, jumping in puddles and in the sun. Plus garden toys are great as a pp said. We have a swing, sandpit, cars, pool and water table and soon as its remotely acceptable weather they spend their days splashing, racing, swinging etc. No way would a flat come close

For convenience a house is better - not just having a garden to play in but access to bins is useful.

Go for one nearest to a school that you like (and within smallest catchment). Otherwise you may well be moving soonish anyway.

House over flat if that is the only factor. School places are a huge one...

We only had a small paved garden enclosed and when the dc where pre-schoolers they used it loads.

Flats are difficult to sell ... as lots are the same. They can share when little and you can move 10 years down the line if you want too. Will be sooner in a flat as garden is priceless when you neeed to get out.

Definitely house over flat with children.

Def house - this is my first summer in a house & having a garden is amazing with dc

Thanks all!
Seems like consensus is to definitely to go for the house over the flat.
This is our starter home so plan is at some stage to buy our "forever" family home. Was just concerned people would say that it can get cramped in a 2 bed with 2 small childre. but it seems like advantages that come with having a house outweigh the space issue!

How do they compare in terms of sq m? I chose a flat in similar situation but it was MUCH bigger than the poky 2 bed for the same price. It also had a communal green that was massive so not completely lacking outside space.

Given that most of the year you are inside the extra space won out for me. However, if the third bedroom is a tiny box room and you are not gaining much more overall space then I would go for house.

The house would likely give you greater flexibility in future, eg You could do a lift extension in the house in time. Likely to be cheaper than buying a bigger house.

Oops, I meant LOFT extension!

House.

House. With hindsight (now have 2 cd) would only consider a flat if it was purpose built with excellent soundproofing and had its own garden.

Also imagine toddler pram shopping and 3 flights of stairs ... v own front door... leave toddler in car? Leave baby in flat? ... that would put me off.

Going against the grain here but only to say it really depends on the house and the flat!

We chose to rent a large 3 bed flat over a small 2 bed house. Reasons being the flat is huge. The bedrooms are spacious and the DC have their own. Even the smallest one can fit a double bed and wardrobe/dresser/etc. in.

It is a single flat above a shop so no neighbours to worry about.

We have a large safe outside space where the kids have a play tent and slide and paddling pool. We could get some fake grass laid down out there at some point.

We have a huge lounge with dining table area, kids play/toy area and sitting/tv area. Kitchen/diner and three very large walk in cupboards.

It obviously has some downsides. Three flights of steps up. One side of the flat can be noisy on Friday and Saturday when pub end of street is open late, but rest of the time lovely and quiet.

We even have a dog!