Geographical location, works, charges, neighbours and green spaces... Let's list the criteria to take into account before deciding on a house or a flat.

Accessibility 

Determining the living environment you need will help to establish an initial trend. To do this, list your needs in terms of local shops, leisure activities or easy access to transport, or conversely your desire for space and greenery. In most cases, if you want to live in the city centre, your choice of accommodation should be a flat.

Works and developments

Do you want a veranda? A swimming pool or an organic garden? If you own your own home, you are the boss! When it comes to improving or embellishing your home, the constraints are much less than in a shared residence. Unless you own the whole building, you will always need to rely on the authorisation of the other co-owners to undertake work outside the flat.

The cost

In a flat, we think "collective": heating, various works... In a house, it's different because we assume all the energy expenses or the embellishment of the habitat alone. We also take into account protection devices, which are much more expensive when it comes to protecting an individual space.

The environment

Do you prefer a garden or neighbouring view? Here again, this is a decisive criterion in the choice. Noise is the main cause of neighbourhood conflicts. Living in a flat means being constantly aware of the most trivial gestures (running a washing machine at 11pm or practising walking on the floor with your new heels). Living in a house is not an absolute guarantee of peace and quiet, but it does protect you from the daily nuisances of communal living. And then ... a garden is good for the dog!

Security

Living in an apartment building in the city is a first step towards protection against burglary, even if burglary is far from non-existent. However, access is generally more complicated than in a house, thanks to 'obstacles' such as a coded front door, a guard or the presence of neighbours.

What to remember :

• The choice of a house or a flat is inextricably linked to the area in which you wish to buy.
• Maintenance of a house is generally more expensive, so think about it beforehand
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation according to your life plan.