© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
Security is the number one priority for homebuyers searching for an apartment, according to new research published by housebuilder, Linden Homes. The added security of apartment living, including measures such as underground parking, gated access and videophone entry systems, ranked higher than a balcony or communal gym on the homebuyer’s wish list.
The research, studying the most desirable features of apartments, revealed that 42% rated security at the top, with outside space following as the second priority for homebuyers. A total of 21% ranked a terrace in second place, followed by a balcony with 12% and communal gardens (10%).
At the other end of the scale, views were considered less important, despite the fantastic city centre vistas available from many apartments. En-suite bathrooms were also not high up on the list - as they are now standard specification in most apartment developments, they are possibly taken for granted by buyers.
When asked which group of buyers’ apartments were most suitable for, 42% of respondents considered retirees to be the ideal purchaser. They often wish to downsize and release cash for holiday homes abroad or to finance retirement, as well as being attracted to a more manageable property with less maintenance than a larger house. Childless couples followed with 25%, due to the fact that lift access, open plan layouts and a lack of outdoor space can make apartments unsuitable for children.
Philip Davies, Chief Executive of Linden Homes comments: “With more and more people living alone, and with the breakdown of traditional community spirit, it is not surprising that security is now so essential. Gated access, underground parking and videophone entry systems all contribute towards making people feel safe in their homes, which is rated as more important than luxury attributes such as a gym.”