UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Most young people eventually leave home and strike it out on their own. As they embark on this new phase of their life, finding a place to stay is usually one of their top priorities. For many, an apartment is an ideal solution to their housing needs.
Deciding to have your space and become independent is one of the most important steps you will ever take in your life. Whether you stay in an apartment complex or a standalone house, the decision is entirely up to you.
Here are some reasons why living in an apartment has more advantages than other options and considerations you should checklist when choosing one.
Security
Apartments often come with several security options, especially gated apartments which is an advantage. Aside from the fencing and gate, they usually have added security such as CCTV cameras or security guards, while others have a code for getting into the building.
While having the luxury of security as an advantage, it is an essential factor to consider if the neighbourhood you’re going to rent in is safe and what the security is like.
Ensure to have knowledge of the neighbourhood’s criminal history, if any. These are important before committing. Besides security, also look into demographics. Walk around the neighbourhood and access the general age of people in the area. All this information will help you make informed decisions.
Accessibility
Standalone homes are rare in areas that are easily accessible, while apartments are mostly close to business districts, shopping centres, malls, playing grounds, etc., enabling convenience and accessibility to things that support your ideal lifestyle.
Consider the features of your new apartment, such as security, gyms, distance to your commute, restaurants and shops. Ensure they fit in with your lifestyle and budget. Ask yourself, will you be able to live comfortably in that apartment and area?
Amenities
Ideally, you want to live in a place with uninterrupted access to facilities like water and electricity. While there’s no guarantee that electricity or power will always be on, some apartment complexes have backup water and power supply. This helps eliminate issues that would arise from water scarcity or power outages.
Not to mention, in case of scarcity, it would be cheaper to access these facilities as a community in an apartment building than if you were living in a standalone. For example, if water were scarce, paying for a water tank to fill the residential tanks would be cheaper if contributions were made by more than one person.
Planned Community
Because apartment complexes support many residents, they come with neighbours and a planned community. Some have shared spaces like gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants, where you can interact with your neighbours, make friends, and build relationships. This comes in handy if you are new to a city and don’t have any friends or family nearby.
Affordable Cost with Much to Offer
Some apartments are affordable to many middle-income earners considering they have much to offer. Determine if the apartment fits your budget.
Consider all your expenses, such as utilities, and food, among others. After deducting your recurring expenses from your net earnings, your balance should give you an idea of how much you are willing to spend on apartment rent.
In addition to rent, you will probably have to pay utility costs like garbage collection, water, electricity, etc. the lease should clearly state what utilities are your responsibility and what utilities are part of the rent. In case, you have questions about utility costs, ask the landlord to clarify before signing the lease.
Before signing a lease, endeavour to understand what it entails. Read the lease so that there won’t be any surprises. Pay particular attention to these sections of your lease pet policy, rent due date, deposit required, is the deposit refundable, lease term one-year, six-month or month to month.
Your budget will help you determine if you will have the apartment of your dreams. Search for an apartment that fits your budget. Don t waste your time on apartments that cost more than you can afford. Renting an apartment outside the budget can cause frustration and lead to financial disaster.
No Compromise on Quality
Most apartments are well kept and have house management services to keep them top-notch. But once you decide on a particular apartment, do an inspection tour before you commit to a lease.
During your inspection, ask about added amenities such as wi-fi. Also, check for health and safety issues like water damage, leaky faucets, bug problems, broken windows, rust, electrical problems, etc.
Apartments and standalone houses both have their pros and cons. Choosing one over the other depends on your individual needs. If you’re searching for an apartment to move into, the features above could have given you which type would work including the location. Once you’ve answered all these questions, you are one step closer to finding your dream apartment.
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