HOUSES

Advantages Disadvantages

A garden area is an asset and encourages a wider range of tenants to apply Garden maintenance will be an added cost and inconvenience when the property is empty.

Tenants attracted to houses tend to move less frequently than those in apartments, so rental periods are longer, which means less time and money is spent finding new tenants It is often more difficult to find suitable tenants for houses, which results in longer empty periods and greater advertising costs.

Unless situated on a recently built development, houses tend not to have a service charge associated with them Houses cost more to maintain, because they are larger and have more exterior surfaces and materials associated with them.

By avoiding service charge and management fees, the owner can tender for the most economical contracts for repairs, building insurance and other services Houses are more vulnerable to intruders and vandalism, particularly while they are empty.

Although the initial purchase price may be higher, capital growth is likely to be greater More space means more furnishings and more items requiring repair or replacement per tenancy.

Owners and tenants will be less disturbed by noise from neighbours above or below More furnishings also mean creating a more comprehensive inventory ... and more time to check it at the start and end of each tenancy.

With no other households residing above, there is no risk of damage resulting from leaking pipes, washing-machines, etc Council tax, gas, electric, water and buildings insurance are all likely to cost more. The landlord will be liable for these while the property is empty.

FLATS

Advantages Disadvantages

Generally, they cost less to buy They are susceptible to damage from burst pipes, leaking showers and washing-machines from properties above.

They are more secure and are perceived by tenants as safer to live in Tenants are more likely to leave rather than renew their tenancy, if they have suffered from noise or other adverse behaviour from neighbours living above or below them.

Less space means less carpets, appliances and furnishings to buy, repair or replace Apartments usually offer reduced living space and less storage compared with houses.

All on one level, so more suited for disabled or elderly tenants Some apartments do not have full gas central heating but have storage heaters instead - some tenants will perceive this as disadvantageous.

Apartments are more popular amongst renters than houses are and they attract young professionals, who are the most ideal group to rent to Apartments invariably have communal areas such as gardens, a stairway and hallway. This may mean tenants will have to 'put up with' other people's clutter, untidiness or unruly behaviour.

The hassle of dealing with most exterior maintenance is removed by virtue of a mandatory service charge and management agreement Apartment blocks are a more mobile population, so people living in them don't tend to develop neighbourly relationships.

Utility bills, insurance and council tax tend to be less expensive.

No garden upkeep to worry about.