Which to choose

[LOliver123]

Hi, I have recently split my ex, and I have one child. I have seen two properties I would like to buy. A really nice modern, two bed, two bathroom ground floor apartment or a nice two bed terrace. The apartment is right next to the train station and I like the local area, and is very convenient for me. The house whilst nice - I don’t like the area as much - and no train only bus. Would it be silly to buy an apartment over a house? It is just me and my four year old.

I like the sound of the apartment. Good transport links and nice areas are v important.
Does it have decent soundproofing? Do you know who lives upstairs?

Yeah I am leaning towards the apartment. I don’t know about the sound proofing - I have only visited it during the day - when it was really quiet. It was built a few years ago , and it is a purpose built block - so hoping sound proofing to be ok. Don’t know neighbours either. Seems to be a lot of young professional types and small families - ie have seen a lady with a small child . But the development itself is of a very high standard - weekly cleaning in shared areas, etc. I could imagine myself living there. I just keep getting this voice of doubt - that with a child I should be buying a house . But I do like this apartment

Plenty of children grow up in flats. Location would be key for me and then internal space. Check what the service charges are but remember if you by a house maintenance costs can be high.

in your circumstances I would choose the flat. Location, transport links, the internal layout... and you like it more.

What's the service charge like? Sounds like it could be a pretty with a weekly cleaner. Is there a communal garden with direct access? Will you use the train for commuting?

The service charge is £95 a month, but the grounds, shared areas are kept so well. Yes will use train for commuting and getting to sons school which is 3 mins on the train (it’s at the next train stop) . So is way more easier than the bus. No communal garden

Are the schools equally good in both the areas? That can be an important thing to consider when buying unless you have decided to go private.

He is already in our chosen school, he has just started , we waited until his place was secure , so school is sorted . To school , the apartment is one train stop away (3 mins) , house is a 20 minute bus journey

The fact that the train is only 3 mins is amazing. Much more reliable than a bus. The apartment sounds ideal

Thanks - apartment it is I think!

Service charge of £95 sounds reasonable. Shame about the lack of garden but it's great to be so close to the train!