A HOUSE OR AN APARTMENT?
What would be best for me?
This choice seems as eternal as the debate about what is better: cats or dogs, tea or coffee, jeep or convertible. But jokes aside, it’s important to consider the issue from all sides and try to reach a verdict, even if subjective. Each option has its own unique characteristics, and what suits one may be completely unacceptable to another.
Mónica Tesouro
Uruguay Smart Estate Expert
Living in a private house
PROS
Spaciousness and privacy
Private homes usually have more living space, both inside and out. You have your own yard or garden, which is especially valuable for families with children or those who love nature. You’re sure to have your own grill, and perhaps a pool.
Freedom and autonomy
You’re free to make changes to the home and grounds, such as growing plants, installing a pool, or making renovations as you see fit.
Peace of mind and privacy
Private homes have less noise from neighbors, and having land around the house creates a sense of privacy and quiet.
Parking
Private homes usually have their own garages or parking spaces, making it easy to store your car.
CONS
Cost
Private houses tend to be more expensive, especially if they are located in prestigious areas or have large plots of land. This is only partly compensated for by the absence of utility bills (gastos comunes).
Maintenance
The maintenance of the house and grounds requires more time, resources and even specific skills. This includes gardening, repairs and maintaining the exterior. The humid climate is conducive to mold and mildew growth and requires additional ventilation and seasonal heating.
Distance from infrastructure
Private houses can be located at a considerable distance from stores, schools and other infrastructure, which can be inconvenient for everyday life. How much time are you willing to spend driving your child to school? How long will it take for your plumber or electrician to arrive to fix a breakdown?
Safety
Private homes can be more likely to attract the attention of intruders, especially when you are away for long periods of time, for example when you decide to spend a couple of weeks on the beaches in another country. It is therefore necessary to invest in a security system such as an alarm system, secure window shutters and so on.
Spaciousness and privacy
Private homes usually have more living space, both inside and out. You have your own yard or garden, which is especially valuable for families with children or those who love nature. You’re sure to have your own grill, and perhaps a pool.
Freedom and autonomy
You’re free to make changes to the home and grounds, such as growing plants, installing a pool, or making renovations as you see fit.
Peace of mind and privacy
Private homes have less noise from neighbors, and having land around the house creates a sense of privacy and quiet.
Parking
Private homes usually have their own garages or parking spaces, making it easy to store your car.
CONS
Cost
Private houses tend to be more expensive, especially if they are located in prestigious areas or have large plots of land. This is only partly compensated for by the absence of utility bills (gastos comunes).
Maintenance
The maintenance of the house and grounds requires more time, resources and even specific skills. This includes gardening, repairs and maintaining the exterior. The humid climate is conducive to mold and mildew growth and requires additional ventilation and seasonal heating.
Distance from infrastructure
Private houses can be located at a considerable distance from stores, schools and other infrastructure, which can be inconvenient for everyday life. How much time are you willing to spend driving your child to school? How long will it take for your plumber or electrician to arrive to fix a breakdown?
Safety
Private homes can be more likely to attract the attention of intruders, especially when you are away for long periods of time, for example when you decide to spend a couple of weeks on the beaches in another country. It is therefore necessary to invest in a security system such as an alarm system, secure window shutters and so on.
Accommodation in apartments
PROS
Infrastructure
Apartments are often located closer to city centers, providing easy access to shopping, restaurants, schools and transportation.
Security
Modern apartment complexes in Uruguay usually have security systems including security guards, video surveillance and gated areas.
Lower maintenance costs
Unlike a private home, apartment maintenance (such as repairs or cleaning of common areas) is often included in utility bills and is overseen by a management company.
Social life
All your friends are always close by and you can go out more often, go to restaurants, movies and theater. You have access to all the entertainment the capital city has to offer.
CONS
Limited privacy
In an apartment, you are closer to your neighbors, which can lead to noise or the inconvenience of limited space. Also, upstairs neighbors may flood you.
Less space
Apartments are usually smaller than private homes, which can be inconvenient for large families or lovers of spacious rooms.
Limited freedom to make changes
Even in your own apartment, there are restrictions on remodeling or renovations, as you are dependent on the management company and apartment complex rules. Even moving house has to be coordinated sometimes.
Lack of a private yard or garden
Most apartments do not have a private area, which can be a disadvantage for those who appreciate green spaces or want to have their own garden. Social spaces need to be booked in advance.
Depending on your preferences and priorities, each of these options has its pros and cons in the Uruguayan context.
Infrastructure
Apartments are often located closer to city centers, providing easy access to shopping, restaurants, schools and transportation.
Security
Modern apartment complexes in Uruguay usually have security systems including security guards, video surveillance and gated areas.
Lower maintenance costs
Unlike a private home, apartment maintenance (such as repairs or cleaning of common areas) is often included in utility bills and is overseen by a management company.
Social life
All your friends are always close by and you can go out more often, go to restaurants, movies and theater. You have access to all the entertainment the capital city has to offer.
CONS
Limited privacy
In an apartment, you are closer to your neighbors, which can lead to noise or the inconvenience of limited space. Also, upstairs neighbors may flood you.
Less space
Apartments are usually smaller than private homes, which can be inconvenient for large families or lovers of spacious rooms.
Limited freedom to make changes
Even in your own apartment, there are restrictions on remodeling or renovations, as you are dependent on the management company and apartment complex rules. Even moving house has to be coordinated sometimes.
Lack of a private yard or garden
Most apartments do not have a private area, which can be a disadvantage for those who appreciate green spaces or want to have their own garden. Social spaces need to be booked in advance.
Depending on your preferences and priorities, each of these options has its pros and cons in the Uruguayan context.
What do you think of this review?