Dear all, as usual, i'm relying on your informed opinions. My sister decided that its the right time for her to buy her first property. However, she's not sure whether she should invest into a house or apartment. Our parents insist that she should be looking for a house, but she has her doubts about it. What are your views?

I'd say it depens on what her long-term plans are. If she needs somewhere to live while she is studying or working, for example, and does not have a family, apartment would probably be a better and maybe even easier option (my view of course) as common areas will be maintained by the managing agents.

As a young single professional person who likes going out (gee, is this a dating site or a property forum (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ?), I love my little flat in the city centre. I don't have a car either and not really into gardening and country views, but find it very convenient to get to work, go shopping, go out w/t worrying how to get back home, etc. So, I'd say for me getting my apartment was a far better option then buying a house!

I like going out too, but prefer to come home to somewhere where it's quiet! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) So, I'd say house is definitely better. Your sister, harry s, would need to look what sort of bargains are available, whether she's thinking of smth long-term, short-term, her personal preferences, etc and then make her own choice.

I also believe that your sister's choice depends on her preferences and long-term plans. If she's single and does not plan to create a family any time soon, she might be better off with a flat, as it is generally cheaper to maintain than a house. However, if she does have a family a house is a better choice from all the perspectives, in my humble opinion.

I would personally go for the house. What if economy (and housing market in particular) takes longer than it's anticipated? Then your sister will be stuck with a flat she cannot sell? And with UK land shrinking (mean erosion) and population growing, land and houses with gardens will be more and more in demand.

On the other hand, if you are thinking of your purchase as an investment (ie future 'to let' property), flat may be a better option. Especially that the apartment prices seem to fall quicker. There will always be students and young professionals wanting low maintenance rental accommodation.

Long term plans should definitely be taken into consideration. Does she want to have just an apartment or a rental property for income? If not then I would say she should look for a house as currently the prices are insanely low.

Thank you for all your views so far! But please keep them rolling as, knowing me sister, she's gonna take a looong time to decide! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I, myself, not sure of what would be the best bet. She's not thinking of the house where she'd want to live for the rest of her life, so flat or smaller house, in theory, would be a good choice. But, of course, there are worries, that she may be stuck with her choice for some time if she cannot sell it at the right price in a few years time.

As many people have pointed it is a matter of personal preference, there are pluses and minuses to both. Flat in a nice location, can be just as expensive as a house. House maintenance costs could be higher, but don’t forget that service charges for posh apartments are not cheap either. I think it is also important to study the area, check plans for future developments and transport links. She may like a flat and like the area, but she also needs to think about resale value and demand for one or another type of property. As a rule families with children, tend to look for houses, young people or young couples quite like flats in nice convenient locations. However be careful as some areas were overdeveloped and have far too many apartments in some areas of Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff and etc. and they are not that easy to sell as supply exceeds current demand. On the other hand, apartments in London are probably more common than houses.

In my view, if you have or planning to have children, house is the definite 'yes' as it will give you extra play area. I was going to say smth in apartments favour, but then thought of our promised 'barbecue summer' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) , pretty flowers in me garden... I'v decided now: houses have my thumbs up!

I am agree with others opinion. Either she has planning for long term living then she can invest on best apartment/house or she is planning for temporary apartment then she can invest on low apartment

I'm sorry, Harry, but my curiousity got the better of me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I wonder if your sister has started looking for the place to buy?