Accra’s vibrant energy is attracting residents from all walks of life. But with such a diverse city, choosing a place to call home can be tricky.
One of the first decisions: apartments or houses? Both offer distinct advantages, and the ideal choice hinges on your lifestyle, family size and priorities.
The Allure of Apartments:
Affordability: Apartments in Accra, particularly those located outside of the city’s core, are typically less expensive than homes. This makes them an excellent choice for young professionals, students, and those on a low budget. It’s no surprise that the majority of young people who decide to leave their parents’ home and live on their own opt for apartments.
Convenience: Location is a huge advantage. Apartments are generally located in the midst of the action, near stores, restaurants, and entertainment. However, they have a target audience in terms of pricing, so if you like to live in town and can afford it, many have amenities such as gyms, pools, and security, decreasing workload, which is quite beneficial.
Lower Maintenance: Landlords often handle maintenance and repairs, which saves you time and energy. You will be forced to pay monthly costs, primarily for maintenance upkeep; yet, if you just pay and the work is completed for you, isn’t that a weight relieved from you?
However, apartment life does come with some compromises:
Limited Space: Apartments are often smaller than houses, with less square footage and possibly fewer storage space.
Privacy Concerns: Sharing walls and floors with neighbors can result in less privacy and more noise. You might have your neighbors listening in on your ‘private discussion’ and characterizing you accordingly.
Restrictions: Some apartments include restrictions on pets, renovations, and activities such as loud music. As a result, while you may enjoy the space, there is little you can do to make it seem more like home.
The House Advantage:
Space and Freedom: Houses provide additional square footage, private outside amenities (such as yards), and the freedom to customize your space without limits. This is perfect for families, pet owners, and people seeking a sense of freedom.
Peace and Quiet: Detached houses generally offer more privacy and control over noise levels compared to apartments.
Owning a house, however, comes with its own set of responsibilities:
Higher Costs: Houses are often more expensive to purchase and maintain. You will be responsible for repairs, property taxes, and possibly yard maintenance.
Location Considerations: Finding inexpensive houses in good Accra locations might be difficult because the majority of land is owned. You might need to look into quieter suburbs for more housing possibilities. These places, however, do not help the city’s traffic issue, which may be stressful at times.
Less Security: Detached residences typically necessitate more security measures than protected apartment buildings.
Consider your lifestyle and priorities. Do you seek a lively, central location with amenities? Prioritize affordability and manageable living space. Apartments might be suitable. If you value privacy, personal space, and a designated outside area, a house may be a better option.
