Apartment Living: The Dominant Residence of Urban Centers
Apartment living is the most common way of life in large urban centers. An apartment is an autonomous residence, a horizontal property, located in an apartment building and consisting of a set of rooms, usually with a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and one or more bedrooms. Apartment residents share common facilities, such as the building entrance, stairs, elevator, heating, and storage or parking areas.
This type of residence dominates a large part of the population today because it makes it easier for people regarding the distance from their workplace and from city centers. An apartment, regardless of size, can start from a basement/semi-basement and reach up to the top floor of an apartment building, which in Athens is usually the 4th to 6th floor.
Subcategories and Advantages: Economy and Accessibility
We can distinguish some subcategories of apartments, such as the whole-floor apartment (which occupies an entire floor by itself) and the studio / bedsit (a small space consisting of an open-plan area where the living room, kitchen, and bedroom are located). Living in an apartment has several significant advantages.
One of the main ones is the reduced cost compared to a detached house. This means you can live in a more central location with less money than if you had bought a detached house. Also, apartments do not require the same maintenance as an independent house, as residents share expenses, such as the building and elevator maintenance. Finally, accessibility is crucial: apartments are usually located in more central locations with easy access to markets, schools, public transport, and other services.
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Disadvantages: Coexistence, Noise, and Privacy
Although apartments have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that must be considered. The main one is the lack of space, as apartments are usually smaller in size than a detached house or maisonette, though this does not mean that there are no large apartments exceeding 200 m2.
Coexistence with other people in the same building means that life can be noisier and requires more attention to lifestyle (e.g., respect for quiet hours). The lack of privacy is a significant disadvantage for many, as you share common areas and the activities of your neighbors can sometimes be heard next door. Furthermore, old apartments often lack parking space, which creates a problem in densely populated areas.
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Conclusion: The Modern Solution and Investment Value
If you live in a large urban center, chances are it is much easier and more economical to find an apartment that meets your basic needs than any other type of residence. The dominance of the apartment in the city is undeniable due to the concentration of services and jobs.
Modern constructions eliminate most of the disadvantages of apartments, offering better sound insulation and parking spaces. Therefore, an apartment in a good location is always a very good investment option, combining the practicality of urban life with stable value.
If you are looking for the ideal apartment, it is useful to compare its advantages against a detached house or a maisonette. For properties that suit an urban style and require the right lighting, consult our specialists.