Would you buy or rent an apt without a balcony?

Spanish Eyes

I am amazed at the number of apartments around the place that have zero outside space.

I am in the early stages of thinking of downsizing from a house to an apartment for security and maintenance reasons. But honestly, there are very very few apartments in my price range that have a balcony.

Does anyone know why this is the case in Dublin?

I really could not live in a place where I could not have a cup of coffee at a little table (I know balconies can be small) outside any time of the year.

How do people dry their clothes, dare I say it - let off internal wind, or have a smoke?

Does not having a balcony work for you?

athtrasna

In most apartment developments you are not allowed to dry clothes on balconies, or hang anything off them. Some development even restrict what you can have in terms of furniture and plans on them too.

Personally I couldn't live without all three of mine. Tiny two person one off the sitting room, ideal for smokers. Bigger one off the main bedroom with room for a bistro set, well two if you actually needed two tables and four chairs...and a massive one off the kitchen that is bigger than some sitting rooms, perfect for entertaining outdoors.

I'd feel totally claustrophobic without the balconies, wouldn't give any of them up.

dudara

I used to live in an apartment without any outdoor space. After that, some form of outdoor space is now an absolute must. When moving recently, we viewed a lot of apartments, but rejected all that we saw. There are a lot out there that aren't really built for long term living.

Spanish Eyes

athtrasna wrote: »

In most apartment developments you are not allowed to dry clothes on balconies, or hang anything off them. Some development even restrict what you can have in terms of furniture and plans on them too.

Personally I couldn't live without all three of mine. Tiny two person one off the sitting room, ideal for smokers. Bigger one off the main bedroom with room for a bistro set, well two if you actually needed two tables and four chairs...and a massive one off the kitchen that is bigger than some sitting rooms, perfect for entertaining outdoors.

I'd feel totally claustrophobic without the balconies, wouldn't give any of them up.

That sounds exactly what I would like. Are you in Dublin?

Outside space is so important. Especially on long sunny evenings, having your dinner al fresco, surely is one of life's pleasures. Even if it is on a small balcony... every little helps!

Re the drying of clothes on balconies, I understand that in apartments it is verboten, but surely, like on the continent, as long as the clothes airer thing is not visible to others, i.e. is below, or flush with the balcony wall, that should be ok surely.

athtrasna

Yes, Waterville in D15

Our balconies have railings not walls so there's no hiding stuff on them.

Spanish Eyes

athtrasna wrote: »

Yes, Waterville in D15

Our balconies have railings not walls so there's no hiding stuff on them.

Ah, I get you re the clothes drying. If visible, it's verboten!

No offence, but if I was anyway overlooked (another of my criteria!) I would prefer a solid wall on the balcony.

Yours sounds great though, three outside spaces, wow!

Anyway, I am just looking and thinking at the moment. But I know what I want, and coming from a house with a big back SW facing back garden, I know what outside space means.

Thanks for the info.

Spanish Eyes

dudara wrote: »

I used to live in an apartment without any outdoor space. After that, some form of outdoor space is now an absolute must. When moving recently, we viewed a lot of apartments, but rejected all that we saw. There are a lot out there that aren't really built for long term living.

I would agree. Imagine not being able to go outside your own home in privacy at all! I think it would be very claustrophobic. But each to their own and all that.

It baffles me the number of apartments that have been built in Dublin that do not have ANY outside space at all. Strange, or maybe the developers built them that way to save money or something!

athtrasna

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

No offence, but if I was anyway overlooked (another of my criteria!) I would prefer a solid wall on the balcony.

Not found very often alas...drainage issues

Spanish Eyes

athtrasna wrote: »

Not found very often alas...drainage issues

That's interesting, how so?

They seem to be able to build them that way abroad, no bother!

Ipro

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

That's interesting, how so?

They seem to be able to build them that way abroad, no bother!

Have you seen the weather abroad ? :-)

Spanish Eyes

Ipro wrote: »

Have you seen the weather abroad ? :-)

Ah yes, of course.

But I was referring to the actual construction of the balcony surrounds/walls here.

riclad

Maybe 2 months a year it might be possible to sit on a balcony ,without being cold,
or rained on,

People buy apartments cos they are cheaper ,more secure,
for a single person it makes no sense to buy a 3bed house .
IF you really want to sit outside,
buy a 1/2 bed house with a back yard .
IT maybe easier to get a loan on a 7 year old apartment than a 30 year old house .
OR buy a ground level apartment with a small space for table, chairs ,
at the back, acessed by a back door .with a small fence around it .

I know someone bought 2 apartments ,
ground level,
there,s a large green space ,common areas ,
at the back,and the front .
in 5 years i have never seen 1 person sitting outside on a chair .
even in the height of summer .
That block has no balconys at all ,3-4 storey units .

Every building is designed differently ,
if you want to pay for it you,ll get a unit with a large balcony .

awec

Apartments also tend to be surrounded by taller buildings than housing developments, there is a fair chance that the balcony on most apartments will only see the sun for an hour or two a day at most, while some may not see any at all.

We have a balcony that runs the entire length of our living room, but we only get the sun in the summer from about 3pm -> 7pm. Before and after that it's covered by buildings, while apartments lower down than us would get it for much less time.

As mentioned earlier, most private apartment buildings don't let you hang clothes on the balconies. In ours you aren't allowed to use them for storage either.

DivingDuck

Ownership of outside space holds no appeal for me, so yes, I would. I would never use it enough to justify the costs in terms of cleaning, painting, etc.

Then again, I've never much liked sitting or lying outside. I'd enjoy a walk on a bright day, but just sitting around outside is something I'm not terribly interested in.

MarkAnthony

If I want outside space I'd walk into the Phoenix Park rather than sit on a 6x4ft plank staring at one of my neighbours. It pisses me off when one of them is smoking out of the window, let alone half a dozen standing there creating a cloud of stink and noise.

I've never really understood apartments in Dublin, where there's space to do nice ones, you'd easily buy a house. Where space is at a premium we don't build high enough to make them decent. As for balconies specifically, great for eating breakfast for 30 minutes 3 days a year, the rest of the time they're just getting rained on.

ec18

What bothers me more than outside space is not having some sotrage facilities for bulky items

Teyla Emmagan

Stayed in a hostel once for 2 weeks that had no outside space. I nearly lost my mind. Even on a little balcony you can have a pot garden haven, or just somewhere to leave the door open to in the evenings. Windows are not the same. Think outdoor space very important for us as human beings.

MrWalsh

I live in a ground floor apartment and my patio doors open onto a small concrete section that is "mine", beyond that there are communal gardens. Im not hugely comfortable sitting out there tbh, its just too public, people walking by with dogs off leash who come running over interested in your dinner (I like dogs but I like my dinner uninterrupted!). Id love a private outdoor space to call my own.

jayjay2010

To me it comes down to compromise. It depends where the apartment is. I really liked a ground floor apartment in Smithfield that had no outdoor space, but the city centre lifestyle appealed to me so I didn't mind.

The apartment that I am hoping get has a large balcony, which can be accessed from the living room and the 2 bedrooms. Its quite long but a bit narrow so only space for a small table and 2 chairs. Its also overlooking a busy road so I don't imagine that I'll be using it often, but just having the option appeals to me.

Depending on where you'd like to buy -my friend lives in Carrigmore Court in City West D24, I really like his balcony, nice views and enough space for a table, chairs and a few outdoor plants. I love having a cup of coffee in the (albeit freezing) mornings, and the apartment above keeps the rain from getting in too much.

miezekatze

For me, no outside space would be a deal breaker. A lot of people aren't really bothered though I think. I used to live in an apartment with a big balcony, I grew veggies in pots and we had patio furniture up.. but most other apartments had completely bare balconies without even any chairs on it, they never seemed to use them.

tHE vAGGABOND

When I bought my apartment nearly 6 years ago, having a balcony was a must have in my eyes. It was among the collection of things which I would not compromise on.

Now nearly 6 years later, I reflect that I have used it in a meaningful manner about 4 times [where using it to store crap is not counted as meaningful!]

riclad

The further you go from the city centre , the more space you get .
And you,ll probably get free parking ,
Some places have balconys, some have a small space for each unit, at the back,
i would have no desire to sit on a balcony ,
i,ll go to a park, or for a walk , .
IF You want lots of storage space buy a large apartment ,
or a house with a garden/ yard.

I Know a woman lived in a large 3bed house,
with 2 front rooms, large garden,
now she lives in an 2 bed apartment .its very nice,
she maybe has 1/3 rd of the space he used to have .
but she,s happy to live there .

Spanish Eyes

riclad wrote: »

The further you go from the city centre , the more space you get .
And you,ll probably get free parking ,
Some places have balconys, some have a small space for each unit, at the back,
i would have no desire to sit on a balcony ,
i,ll go to a park, or for a walk , .
IF You want lots of storage space buy a large apartment ,
or a house with a garden/ yard.

I Know a woman lived in a large 3bed house,
with 2 front rooms, large garden,
now she lives in an 2 bed apartment .its very nice,
she maybe has 1/3 rd of the space he used to have .
but she,s happy to live there .

At the moment I have a 3 bed semi in a nice area close to the city. But in time, I think I would like the low, or NO maintenance of an apartment.

I have a big garden now that is high maintenance, but I love the fact that I can go outside and be in a private space in the fresh air.

All I need is a bit of outside space and privacy aswell!

I have time to think about it, which is good.

riclad

i Think balcony ,are mainly used ,for storage, to hold a satellite dish,
most of the time its too cold to sit outside,
also sometimes used as a place to smoke,
like some people are told to smoke in the garden,
at least if its not dark.
Some people don,t wont smokers in the kitchen,front room .

eg if you have to smoke ,go outside.

worded

Id like a swimming pool balcony :-)

check these out:

https://www.google.ie/search?q=creative+balconies&biw=1280&bih=604&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SbpbVdi4I4i17AaX7IGQAQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

Spanish Eyes

worded wrote: »

Id like a swimming pool balcony :-)

check these out:

https://www.google.ie/search?q=creative+balconies&biw=1280&bih=604&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SbpbVdi4I4i17AaX7IGQAQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

This would be my fave,,,, (garden 22)

https://www.google.ie/search?q=creative+balconies&biw=1280&bih=604&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SbpbVdi4I4i17AaX7IGQAQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgrc=wtxFUn3DRkG9DM%253A%3Bd778nv_i4jeX9M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fbeacont.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F08%252FCreative-Balcony-Ideas.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fbeacont.com%252F22-balcony-ideas-enjoy-the-fresh-air-in-spring%252F%3B570%3B380

miezekatze

A lot of people here seem to assume that balconies are too cold. My former balcony had a few glass panels at the side for protection and it was west facing. It was really hot out there during the summer in the evenings, warmer than on the street. You just have to look around and find the right place for you.

worded

Build your own Balcony?

A few discarded pallets, an angle grinder a hammer and a few nails and you will be flying!

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-build-a-balcony#b

Michael D Not Higgins

worded wrote: »

Build your own Balcony?

A few discarded pallets, an angle grinder a hammer and a few nails and you will be flying!

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-build-a-balcony#b

the_syco

Have always rented a house, but wouldn't rent an apartment without a balcony. Also, it couldn't be on the ground floor; has to be on the first floor or above, just so I have the option to open the balcony door on the hot days.

worded

Some more ideas ....




BBQ anyone?

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnqt9UApTQg/Ueb3jkgNCsI/AAAAAAAAK8A/TkOfS8oJTFQ/s1600/neighborfire.jpg&imgrefurl=http://shadowsteve.blogspot.com/2013_07_01_archive.html&h=853&w=1280&tbnid=qw33I77awJ0jaM:&zoom=1&docid=FFT5NLq0M39lqM&ei=OpdcVca0HOmd7gatu4HwDQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CCoQMygmMCY4yAE


http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1203453/thumbs/o-BALCONY-GRILL-570.jpg%253F16&imgrefurl=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/21/balcony-grill_n_3474719.html&h=570&w=570&tbnid=Jl47QOEMMa7MvM:&zoom=1&docid=HGmwQU-hEAvygM&ei=zJZcVfL6L-re7Abtz4GICA&tbm=isch&ved=0CC8QMygQMBA


Alt design

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/thumb/msid-45610870,width-300,resizemode-4/10-01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/civic/Jer-Mahals-dangerous-balconies-dismantled/articleshow/45610868.cms&h=356&w=300&tbnid=G2eXc4-NamVo_M:&zoom=1&docid=dNQ2yS3vxbarRM&ei=zJZcVfL6L-re7Abtz4GICA&tbm=isch&ved=0CCYQMygHMAc

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.