A house in the suburbs – pros and cons

Although in many towns the most sought-after flats are those in the central districts, more and more is being said about a second, completely opposite trend. Many people are starting to think about moving to the suburbs. Is it worth following this trend?

Where does the fashion for flats and houses in the suburbs come from?

There are several reasons, but all of them are fairly simple. First of all, many people try to combine the wish to escape the bustle of the city with the ability to enjoy its amenities. By moving to nearby small towns, you have to give up many things. In this respect the suburbs seem a rather successful compromise.

This is also where many new buildings are going up, so anyone who prefers new flats and houses from the primary market will certainly find them faster in the suburbs than in the main districts of the city.

The third reason is closely tied to the second. If you want a flat with a large floor area, it will definitely be easier to find one in new rather than old buildings.

There is much more that draws people to the suburbs. But what is it like to live in such a place in practice?

READ ALSO – THE HOUSING MARKET IN KATOWICE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Living away from the centre

As already mentioned, the suburbs are a kind of compromise between moving out of the most crowded districts and leaving the city altogether. You can get from here to other districts, but bear in mind that the outskirts of a city are exactly that, its outskirts, and the distance to work or to shops and services is simply greater.

The problem need not be as big as it might seem at first glance. At the stage of choosing a flat, it is simply worth checking whether its immediate surroundings are well connected with other parts of the city. And it should be stressed that, contrary to appearances, public transport there is often quite good.

Peace, quiet and pleasant views

When you view flats in the suburbs, the calm atmosphere of this part of the city strikes both your eyes and your ears. In many cases there is also more greenery. These are undoubted advantages, but at the purchase stage it is worth checking what the local zoning plan (MPZP) provides for.

It is important to be certain that in a few years' time the surroundings will not change in a way that is completely at odds with our expectations. If everything is in order in the plan, you can buy a flat or house in this area with confidence.

Housing costs

It turns out that flats in the suburbs of, for example, Katowice and many other large cities are often simply cheaper than their equivalents in the city proper. This can matter a great deal both for those interested in buying for their own use and for those who buy a flat as an investment with a view to renting it out later. The latter can thus count on a much better rental yield.