Is An Apartment Balcony Worth It?
Are you wondering if an apartment with a balcony is worth the effort? Buying or renting an apartment is a big financial decision; adding the extra cost and maintenance of a balcony only makes the decision harder. But is an apartment with a balcony worth the extra money and upkeep?
Most people agree that an apartment with a balcony is absolutely worth the extra money and effort. There are a few disadvantages to having an apartment with a balcony and many advantages. A balcony enlarges your space and makes you feel like you have a spot to relax and unwind.
If you’re stuck between two apartments, and it comes down to one with a balcony and one without, you may consider the pros and cons of the balcony. We’ll help you choose the best apartment by discussing whether an apartment with a balcony is worth it.
Is An Apartment With A Balcony Worth It?
There are many things to consider when looking for a new apartment, like the location, the cost, and the ease of transportation to and from work. However, some people have an added decision to make. That is, if they want an apartment with a balcony or not.
Suppose you’ve never had a say in whether you get an apartment with a balcony. In that case, you may feel slightly overwhelmed or confused by the decision. So, let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of having an apartment with a balcony to see if it is worthwhile.
We found out that an apartment balcony may add 10 to 20% of value to a home or apartment and you can read more about that in our article.
We have a Pros and Cons of Balconies infographic for you to share and sue if you need below.
We also have an article on apartments with no balconies here on the site to check out as well.
The Advantages Of An Apartment With A Balcony
There are a few advantages of living in an apartment with a balcony. The first advantage is that the balcony gives you some additional space. This means that your apartment will feel bigger, even if it is the size of a matchbox.
A balcony adds a sense of openness and freedom to an apartment that you won’t get without it. If you have a balcony, you have a place where you can escape after a long day at the office. Adding a table and chairs to the balcony suddenly gives you a place to sit and enjoy some coffee, a glass of wine, or a meal outside. A balcony adds another dimension to your apartment.
Balconies are also great for socializing, as many people like to sit outside and breathe fresh air while chatting. You can add some plants to your balcony to make it feel more like nature. Being in an open space with plants can make you feel refreshed and relaxed, even if you are simply sitting outside your apartment.
Having a balcony also gives you the option of having extra storage space. You can leave your bike on the balcony or anything else you don’t have space for inside. So a balcony is an excellent addition to an apartment, especially if you don’t live on the ground floor. But are there any disadvantages of having a balcony?
If you do have one and enclose it it can add to the floor space of your home, and add value. We have an article here on enclosed balcoies.
The Disadvantages Of An Apartment With A Balcony
Of course, we cannot only discuss the positives. If you choose between an apartment with or without a balcony, you need a complete view of what you are getting. While an apartment with a balcony is great for giving you extra space and freedom, it does come at a cost.
Apartments with balconies are usually more expensive than ones without. Furthermore, the balcony may not look out over a nice view. In fact, the balcony may be looking out toward an alley or dumpster, making you think twice about the pleasant atmosphere.
In addition to costing more, a balcony also means that you will have more cleaning to do. An apartment usually doesn’t have a big balcony that will take hours to clean. However, if you don’t like cleaning, you must consider the extra responsibility of cleaning the balcony.
Furthermore, having a balcony might also pose a safety risk. If you have small children or a pet, they may be at risk when the door to the balcony is ajar. A balcony also gives intruders another way to get into your apartment, which may make you feel insecure about opening the balcony door and allowing the fresh air inside.
Should You Buy An Apartment With Or Without A Balcony?
When deciding between an apartment with or without a balcony, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages discussed above. You can charge more rent for an apartment with a balcony. In fact, you can charge significantly more for an apartment with a balcony if it has a nice view.
Unfortunately, you will also have more maintenance by purchasing an apartment with a balcony. Therefore, you must consider the type and location of the balcony before deciding if it is worth it. For example, if the balcony overlooks a decent backyard, the balcony will undoubtedly lead to more rent down the road.
However, suppose your apartment is in a less fortunate neighborhood with safety concerns about balconies. In that case, you may have difficulty finding renters. Therefore, a big part of your decision depends on where the apartment is located and the environment. But what kind of balcony should you look for when choosing an apartment with a balcony?
We have a more in depth article on The importance of balconies here on the site, you can follow the link if needed.
What Kind Of Balcony Should You Look For?
If you’re considering an apartment with a balcony, you should look for a balcony with at least enough room to fit a small table and chairs. This will allow you to sit outside and utilize the balcony. Furthermore, if there is space for a bike hook, you can use the balcony for storage.
You must also consider a secure balcony if you have small children or pets, as open balconies may lead to accidents. However, if the balcony is safe and big enough, you will undoubtedly benefit from having an apartment with a balcony. If you are looking for more space it may be worth looking out for an enclosed balcony.
However, you must also consider the location of the balcony. For example, if the balcony overlooks a dumpster, you probably won’t utilize it. It will be a waste of space and money. On the contrary, if the balcony overlooks the city or some form of nature, you are more likely to use and benefit from it.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when looking for an apartment with a balcony. Deciding whether the balcony is worth it is ultimately up to you. However, most people would agree that having a balcony is excellent, as it gives you space to escape.
You can check out more balcony articles here on the site in the list below.
Conclusion
There are several advantages of having an apartment with a balcony, like having a place to sit outside and additional storage space in your apartment. Therefore, an apartment with a balcony can be worth the extra money if you intend to use it.
However, as an apartment with a balcony costs more, and it also means more space to take care of and clean, it might not be worth it if you don’t intend to use the balcony.
