Security tops apartment wish list

The added security of apartment living, including measures such as underground parking, gated access and videophone entry systems, ranked higher than a balcony or communal gym on the homebuyer’s wish list.

The research, studying the most desirable features of apartments, revealed that 42 per cent rated security at the top, with outside space following as the second priority for homebuyers.

A total of 21 per cent ranked a terrace in second place, followed by a balcony and communal gardens, suggesting buyers are keen to make up for not having access to a private garden.

At the other end of the scale, views were considered less important, despite the fantastic city centre vistas available from many apartments. En-suite bathrooms were also not high up on the list – as they are now standard specification in most apartment developments, they are possibly taken for granted by buyers.

When asked which group of buyers apartments were most suitable for, 42 per cent of respondents considered retirees to be the ideal purchaser. They often wish to downsize and release cash for holiday homes abroad or to finance retirement, as well as being attracted to a more manageable property with less maintenance than a larger house.

Childless couples followed with 25 per cent, due to the fact that lift access, open plan layouts and a lack of outdoor space can make apartments unsuitable for children.

Philip Davies, Chief Executive of Linden Home, said: “With more and more people living alone, and with the breakdown of traditional community spirit, it is not surprising that security is now so essential. Gated access, underground parking and videophone entry systems all contribute towards making people feel safe in their homes, which is rated as more important than luxury attributes such as gyms and terraces.

“Retirees in particular, who make up a large proportion of apartment buyers, often wish to leave their property for longer periods of time to holiday abroad or visit second homes elsewhere. They want the peace of mind of knowing they can simply ‘lock up and leave’”.