A flat with a balcony: how to choose well

Meals together and blissful relaxation on the balcony on warm summer days are the dream of many people living in the centres of big cities. When deciding to buy a flat boasting a spacious terrace or balcony, however, we need to pay attention to a few important matters, so that our balcony meets all expectations.

A large balcony is a luxury, but what about a small one?

One might think that a large, spacious terrace is the best option in absolutely every case. And indeed, it brings plenty of benefits. A balcony with a large area will be the ideal choice when we want it to be above all a place for relaxation, meeting friends or sharing meals. A large space lets you furnish the balcony generously, with armchairs or a table; it also leaves room to brighten it up with attractive plants. A larger terrace is a great choice for families with children, for instance: little ones will certainly get a lot of joy from being able to spend summer days playing outdoors.

Of course, we cannot always (or everywhere) afford the luxury of such a balcony. Flats in city centres often have smaller balconies than those in blocks on suburban estates. Properties in Katowice are a good example of this. A small, narrow balcony will not let us, for instance, set out outdoor furniture and eat a summer breakfast on it. Even so, it will still give us a chance to take a moment's rest and catch a breath of fresh air; and, among its more practical advantages, it will be a great place to hang out the washing.

The balcony's location matters enormously

When choosing a flat, let us be sure to pay attention to what our balcony overlooks. It can be an unpleasant surprise for people seeking respite when the terrace overlooks a busy big-city street. On the other hand, some will certainly appreciate the chance to admire the illuminated city, buzzing with nightlife. Peace and quiet can be provided by a balcony overlooking an estate garden or park, but we must reckon with the noise of children playing in summer.

Estate agencies stress that many people wanting to buy a flat ask about... the compass direction the balcony they are interested in faces. Quite rightly, because that determines how much sun our relaxation space gets. So a balcony facing south will catch by far the most sunlight. For some that is an advantage, for others a big problem, especially during summer heat waves. For them, a north-facing terrace will guarantee respite on the hottest days. An east-facing balcony, sunlit mainly in the morning hours, will also work well then: in the afternoon it will provide plenty of shade. A west-facing balcony, in turn, is the ideal choice for those who love admiring the sunset and spending long evening hours on the terrace.