Should I place much significance on having a balcony
or outdoor area?

Having a private outdoor space adds extra appeal for any apartment; if it has pleasant views and can accommodate an outdoor setting it will have an even more appeal.

The actual significance however is a personal issue, some apartment dwellers will say they rarely use their balconies but then many may not have set them up to be used effectively. If you have a small pet or love caring for plants a balcony should be a must.

Nothing is worse than the sight of bicycles, drying clothes and dead plants on a balcony. If you we're looking to buy an apartment that had a poorly presented balcony you may find it priced at a discount compared to one similar with a balcony that had a new outdoor setting of appropriate proportions, thriving plants and no clutter.

Balconies that lend themselves to becoming a genuine outdoor entertaining area can add significant value to the apartment itself. The emphasis on outdoor living options is a growth of interest in Australia and so one could consider that the dollar value component of a balcony will also grow. For example an extra $50,000 spent today to get an apartment with a 6 by 3 metre balcony, might be take an extra $75,000 (in today's money) in 5 years time.

Points to Note

To get best use of a balcony make sure you purchase outdoor furniture that fits the scale of the balcony.

Often a reasonable sized balcony will feel cluttered, uncomfortable and lacking space simply because the outdoor setting is too big for the space.

If it is a particularly large balcony and you plan to keep plants, look for a tap fitting or the ability to have one installed. Relying on a watering jug can become a nuisance and make caring for plants harder.

If the views are unattractive or non existent consider the use of plants, water features, artwork and privacy screens as permitted by the body corporate (you should check before buying) to create an attractive viewing aspect that keeps your focus within the balcony area.

Just because it has a balcony does not necessarily mean the building will permit pets.

Please avoid excess storage of bikes and hanging clothes over your balcony, your mindful neighbours will appreciate it and the building will look a better place overall.

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