Would you buy or rent an apt without a balcony?

Spanish Eyes

One thing I'd like to see on the property portals (Daft and MyHome), is a filter allowing one to narrow down choice to apartments with a balcony.

I am weary of looking at pages and pages, peering at the photos to see if there is one!

(maybe there is a filter, and I missed it doh).

Must contact them and say my piece....

the_syco

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

(maybe there is a filter, and I missed it doh).

Click "Advanced Search" and in the "keywords" box, enter in; balcony

Spanish Eyes

the_syco wrote: »

Click "Advanced Search" and in the "keywords" box, enter in; balcony

Thanks so much.

I needed lessons there!

Makes it so much easier to find what I am looking for. But I need a slap for not putting it in Key Words.

It is not intuitive though just the same!

Spanish Eyes

This is an example of an Estate Agent not pushing a BIG advantage of a balcony./outside space to an apartment virtually in the city centre.

http://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/citygate-christchurch-dublin-8/3117638

OK, I am not familiar with the area, but it sounds OK to me.

Why no pics of the fabulous balcony overlooking the courtyard?

Mad. I had to peer at the pics to half see it.

Maybe no one cares about outside space in an apt. But I do!

Michael D Not Higgins

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

This is an example of an Estate Agent not pushing a BIG advantage of a balcony./outside space to an apartment virtually in the city centre.

http://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/citygate-christchurch-dublin-8/3117638

OK, I am not familiar with the area, but it sounds OK to me.

Why no pics of the fabulous balcony overlooking the courtyard?

Mad. I had to peer at the pics to half see it.

Maybe no one cares about outside space in an apt. But I do!

Judging by the pictures the balconies are about 10 square feet, barely room to stand on let alone have any extended benefit beyond sticking a few potted plants on it.

riclad

Some buildings have balconys that are very small,
just enough room for 2 people to stand on ,
i presume its more like a safety feature ,
in case of Fire,
where they are 4ft long. , by 2ft wide.
i think people look more at price ,location of apartment,
size of apartment,
than whether theres a balcony .

Michael D Not Higgins

Many apartment buildings my friends have lived in (in Dublin) have had communal outdoor areas such as on the roof or a large communal balcony which they have used for parties or barbecues. Two of these places had tiny balconies for the individual apartments but was made up for by the communal space, especially considering the prevailing weather for most of the year.

the_syco

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

This is an example of an Estate Agent not pushing a BIG advantage of a balcony./outside space to an apartment virtually in the city centre.

http://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/citygate-christchurch-dublin-8/3117638

The balconies are probably outside, with absolutely no wind cover, and traffic below.

riclad

Most balconys ,i see in the city centre , are maybe big enough for 1 or 2 small chairs,
or for 2 people to stand on in case of emergency,
most people would not consider them a reason to buy ,
as they are so small .
Maybe a case of you get what you pay for.

CIARAN_BOYLE

they are smokers balcony, just big enough for two people to go outside and smoke

MouseTail

It depends on where you are in your life cycle. First place I bought was a tiny central London flat with no balcony, but a great park nearby. I think most London apartments wouldn't have a balcony, and a big premium is paid for garden flats.
As I got older, private safe outside space became more important particularly when kids came along. Now again I find the outside space less important. I'm ready to swap the large garden for a small space large enough for a few pots to grow flowers and a couple of chairs to catch the evening sun. I don't believe in a 'forever' home, so often lauded on here. Life changes, and our property needs change with it.

fear_factory84

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Judging by the pictures the balconies are about 10 square feet, barely room to stand on let alone have any extended benefit beyond sticking a few potted plants on it.

I rented an apartment in that complex during April, it's not bad, quiet, but balconies are very, very small, almost useless. My girlfriend used it just to smoke. It was useless also for drying clothes, because of rain.

ps: if I'd buy that apartment I'll replace all carpets with wooden floors at least. Beware of condensation, I had windows always wet inside.

Spanish Eyes

fear_factory84 wrote: »

I rented an apartment in that complex during April, it's not bad, quiet, but balconies are very, very small, almost useless. My girlfriend used it just to smoke. It was useless also for drying clothes, because of rain.

ps: if I'd buy that apartment I'll replace all carpets with wooden floors at least. Beware of condensation, I had windows always wet inside.

I don't think wooden floors are recommended in apartments. NOISE from above!

But I may be wrong about that.

I am considering a move from my semi to an apartment. There are so many things I have to consider re apartment living though.

I think I'd better think it out again, and maybe get a gardener in. Might be a good thing, and save me all the hassle of moving!

Still, as I get a bit more "mature", a big enough house and a very large garden are maintenance eaters! I know I will have to pay a management fee in an apartment. But a balcony is a must for me, if I ever move from my house.

athtrasna

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I don't think wooden floors are recommended in apartments. NOISE from above!.

It's not just that they are not recommended but they are banned in the lease agreements in upper floor units in a large number if not the majority of apartment developments.

Spanish Eyes

athtrasna wrote: »

It's not just that they are not recommended but they are banned in the lease agreements in upper floor units in a large number if not the majority of apartment developments.

Good to know that they are banned in upper floors. Rightly so.

Can you imagine living below someone who wears high heels, or is moving furniture around or just "living" there and the footfalls.

I'm relieved to hear this. Thanks.

athtrasna

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Good to know that they are banned in upper floors. Rightly so.

Can you imagine living below someone who wears high heels, or is moving furniture around or just "living" there and the footfalls.

I'm relieved to hear this. Thanks.

Doesn't mean people don't ignore that though. There's a big thread on here where the op is being put through hell by noise from their upstairs neighbours.

fear_factory84

That's because in Ireland houses are made of very light materials.. (wood?)
In my country houses are heavy, made of 100% concrete and floor are mostly covered with ceramic.
When I searched an apartment to rent I was dreaming about something made like this...
Materials used in most of houses/apartments/flats that you can find to rent in Dublin are crappy, probably to save money.

I hate carpets because when you rent an house they are always dirty, and probably if you want some hygiene you have to pay by yourself a professional cleaning service (landlords will tell that you are mad and the property was already "professionally" cleaned like my apartment)..

Obviously that's my point of view.

If you hate noise from neighbours a semi detached house is the minimum you have to get and maybe it's better you get a detached house!

athtrasna

Mod Note: Back to balcony talk now please

Spanish Eyes

athtrasna wrote: »

Doesn't mean people don't ignore that though. There's a big thread on here where the op is being put through hell by noise from their upstairs neighbours.

That is worrying too isn't it?

But then again, there has to be live and let live in an apartment block. There will be some noise, that is inevitable.

But I would absolutely detest having to tolerate (through gritted teeth and rage) an inconsiderate totally noisy neighbour. Why do people do this?

(I should probably visit the thread you mention now!)

Spanish Eyes

I know the weather here can be unpredictable.

But say there is a lovely evening, sun shining (orientation of apt means sun shines when you get home in the evening) who would not like to be able to open a door and sit down outside?

I could not see myself living in an apartment without access to private outside space at all.

I do realise that this is probably an age thing. Younger people can be studying or go out mainly to socialise.

At this stage of my life, my friends come over to have a meal, and we eat outdoors on the back patio when the weather is good.

Ah.... the weather!

But having the option to eat, sit, drink, think outside is very important to me.

fear_factory84

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I do realise that this is probably an age thing. Younger people can be studying or go out mainly to socialise.

You are right! My apartment in Italy have 50 sq meters balcony and I barely used that, my cat enjoyed it!

Probably if and when I'll come back I'll appreciate it a lot more..

Spanish Eyes

fear_factory84 wrote: »

You are right! My apartment in Italy have 50 sq meters balcony and I barely used that, my cat enjoyed it!

Probably if and when I'll come back I'll appreciate it a lot more..

Are you joking me?

50sqm is a bigger balcony than many apartment's floor areas in Dublin anyway.

fear_factory84

It is! It was larger than apartment itself... I'm not joking, see attachment.

I'm used to a whole different standard of buildings.. and I need to adapt to this change..

Perhaps there are also problems also there.. neighbours always complained when I used BBQ, because they were envy!

Spanish Eyes

fear_factory84 wrote: »

It is! It was larger than apartment itself... I'm not joking, see attachment.

I'm used to a whole different standard of buildings.. and I need to adapt to this change..

Perhaps there are also problems also there.. neighbours always complained when I used BBQ, because they were envy!

That is what I would really love. No maintenance and a big outside space also. Dream for me.

But balconies/terraces that size are never built here. I have seen them in sunny countries like your own, Italy, Spain, Portugal etc. But never here. Many are "solariums" like a roof terrace, very big and wonderful.

I would definitely need some outside space though. But 50sq M? That is seriously large! Great though, if I could get it here.

fear_factory84

I was so mad, that I left it (and a lot of other things) only for work and career...
On the negative side, the only time it snowed a lot it was very but very difficult to get rid of it!

I never seen anything like this in Dublin, maybe you can find something on very expensive penthouse apartments.

InvisibleWoman

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

That is worrying too isn't it?

But then again, there has to be live and let live in an apartment block. There will be some noise, that is inevitable.

But I would absolutely detest having to tolerate (through gritted teeth and rage) an inconsiderate totally noisy neighbour. Why do people do this?

(I should probably visit the thread you mention now!)

We are the subject of the thread. We chose our apartment as it included a small private courtyard, and we understood from our 'Head Lease' (ie the rules) that we have responsibilities and rights on behaviour, materials etc Unfortunately the apartment above us was brought by a social housing provider who ignored the floor covering rules and rented it to a family who behave like a herd of elephants until 2am most nights. The icing on the cake was being told we shouldn't have brought a three bedroom home as we are 'only a couple'. We are dragging our way through the processes but as the housing crisis is a bit of a hot potato politically, it's hard to get any action or even support.

I can see the appeal of an apartment, and aside from the <insert curse word of your choice here> upstairs, we do love our home. However, we would never, ever buy an apartment again unless we were the top floor occupiers.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057401723&page=29

Spanish Eyes

InvisibleWoman wrote: »

We are the subject of the thread. We chose our apartment as it included a small private courtyard, and we understood from our 'Head Lease' (ie the rules) that we have responsibilities and rights on behaviour, materials etc Unfortunately the apartment above us was brought by a social housing provider who ignored the floor covering rules and rented it to a family who behave like a herd of elephants until 2am most nights. The icing on the cake was being told we shouldn't have brought a three bedroom home as we are 'only a couple'. We are dragging our way through the processes but as the housing crisis is a bit of a hot potato politically, it's hard to get any action or even support.

I can see the appeal of an apartment, and aside from the <insert curse word of your choice here> upstairs, we do love our home. However, we would never, ever buy an apartment again unless we were the top floor occupiers.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057401723&page=29

Thanks for the link. I may have posted on it before, it sounds a bit familiar, but anyway I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavours to have peaceful enjoyment of your home.

And yes, if I do decide to move to an apartment it will be the top floor without a doubt!

Good luck and hope it works out. Must be so annoying and soul destroying for you right now.

Chloris

I live a five minute walk from Patrick St in Cork. We have a ground floor of a newly renovated house with a garden about twenty by fifty feet. We keep nice garden furniture, a rabbit mansion and a big barrel barbecue outside. The best thing about it is the thigh-height planting box along the width at the top of it. I've had about three different lots of flowers in it but I've just started growing vegetables. It's among the most enjoyable hobbies I've ever had.

We reckon we'll stay here for at least a decade. We couldn't possibly find anywhere this convenient to the city and right next to the Link road too, so cheaply and with a garden. It's so great.