It is not uncommon for us, realtors to receive mails from prospective investors seeking an opinion as to what property choice to invest in. It is not an easy question to answer and it does depend on a number of factors. As an investor, keeping your portfolio balanced should be the right approach. When you’re considering what to look at, it is worth keeping in mind the following advantages and disadvantages of each. Remember to make sure that, whatever your purchase, it fits in with your overall property investment goals.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A HOUSE

Costs
There are many ongoing costs for apartments which you don’t incur when you own a house. The tenant is responsible for maintenance of the property, so you don’t have to pay. Furthermore, some houses have their own water, and/or electricity meters and therefore the tenant is also responsible for paying these bills. In contrast to this, if you own an apartment which does not have a separate meter (and therefore individual billing) then you are responsible for paying these bills.

Market
In many areas there is a greater market for houses, especially the “average” three-bedroom home in the “average” area. A simple internet search on properties sites like www.naijapropertiesonline.com and others, for affordable areas will bring up far more houses than apartments. We acknowledge that there are places where there is a majority of apartments (take FESTAC for example) but this is the exception rather than the rule for most areas.

Development
If you choose your houses wisely you can leave yourself the opportunity to further develop the block. Most State authorities will stipulate that blocks under a certain size may not be sub-divided or built upon. By buying properties over that given size you enable yourself to consider future developments on the same block. Of course, (if in Lagos) you need to get the Lagos State Building Control Agency's approval.

Renovation
Of course you can improve the buildings too! Renovating and extending are ways to increase the comfort and desirability, and the value, of your property. It’s far easier to improve a house than an apartment – sometimes even minor improvements to an apartment (especially if there is any effect on the external appearance of the building) need permission from the Body Corporate.

Stability
It is assumed that tenants in houses normally stay longer than those in apartments. This is because they are often families who don’t want to move regularly. They put down roots, send their kids to neighbouring schools and fill your store rooms with their belongings. They may even make minor improvements to your property. All this adds up to longer-term tenants.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING AN APARTMENT

Price
Generally apartments are cheaper than houses. Properties’ values are a total of their land value and the value of the actual building. The land value for apartments is generally very small because, unlike a house on its own block, the actual land ownership for a block of apartments is shared between several owners. Land is often worth more than the building anyway, hence apartments are cheaper.

Build a portfolio
The cheaper nature of apartments means that it’s easier to buy a larger number of properties if you buy apartments. A larger number of properties spreads your risk wider, enables you to buy in different places and reduces the impact if one of your properties is untenanted. Essentially, buying apartments is a faster way to get more people paying you rent. Remember, though, as you build your portfolio with a larger number of properties it might be wise to at least diversify into owning some houses too!

Buying apartment blocks
It is also possible to buy blocks of apartments (not that we’d recommend you do this until you’re very experienced and have a lot of properties under your belt). Owning a block of apartments means that you have a number of tenants all paying rent, and it’s easier to raise rents because all the tenants will have their rent raised at the same time and by the same proportion.
Raising the rents in many different locations is a much tougher proposition. Of course, by buying a block of apartments, you won’t spread your portfolio geographically and there are many other costs too (see the “costs” advantage of buying a house, and multiply this by however many apartments are in the block!).

Finally, as you can see, both property types have significant advantages and it’s up to you to decide what suits you best and what fits in best with your overall property strategy and goals. We, at www.naijapropertiesonline.com can help you make the right choice for your budget and investment plans. Good luck!

Source:
http://www.naijapropertiesonline.com/houses-vs-apartments-the-investment-debate

The truth is I didn't read it




I just want to say good morning to all my fellow Nairalanders,


And I wish all CHELSEA fans good luck for their FA cup finals against Arsenal today

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Love to have many of those someday.

Investing in properties is as serious as life itself. Many a time people spend their life savings to buy a property. Hear me, the least you can do for yourself is investing wisely. As a REAL ESTATE expert, I would rather have you invest in property with prospects than invest at all. These decisions are very important, especially for Nigerians living in the diaspora.

Enquiries
Engr. Daniel 07037629947

Ok

You have property concerns in Port Harcourt the Nigeria's garden city? You wono BUY, SALE or LEASE? Feel free to visit the link below:


http://nigerianpropertyforum.com/p/59/buy-lease-or-sell-your-property-in-port-harcourt


OR CALL:
07063249904; 08188573805

Ok

A house can be a liability or an asset

So please
What's the difference between a house and an apartment?

Amgreat70:
So please
What's the difference between a house and an apartment?

In this context, a house could be a detached bungalow or a detached storey building both of which comprise a single unit of accommodation.

An apartment (flat, condominium e.t.c) is a single accommodation unit which is always attached to one or more usually similar accommodation units, either vertically or horizontally. They usually come as a block of two or more apartments.

Of course, there are other more complex configurations and arrangements like terraced houses, maisonettes, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes e.t.c. However, I hope your question has been answered sir.

interesting..

A PARCEL OF DRY LAND MEASURING 1950sqm or THREE
(3) PLOTS OF LAND. FENCED AND GATED IN A SERENE
ENVIRONMENT.
Suitable for Schools, Hospital, Church or Other Religious
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ROXBURY HOMES Present:

Semi detached four (4) and two (2) bedroom duplexes
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Title: Governor's Consent

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ochid-hotel-road-eleganza/

A parcel of dry land measuring Two (2) plots is for up
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Title: Government Gazette.

Price: #25M (slightly negotiable)

Neighbouring attractions
1. Shoprite ( Lekki Mall)
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Call/WhatsApp: +2348075256644
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Informative i must confess