Apartment buyers want security over good views

Good security is the most desirable quality for buyers looking for apartment properties, with the great views offered by high-rise builds hardly registering on apartment buyer's wish lists, according to a new survey.

The study, by new build specialists Linden Homes, reveals 42 per cent of buyers rate security as an apartment's most desirable feature, with 21 per cent putting a apartment with a terrace as their ideal, and 12 per cent making a balcony their top priority.

However, only two per cent ranked good views as their most desirable feature, with apartment buyers more attracted to features such as communal gardens, open-plan kitchen and living areas and a communal gym than seeing anything special from their home.

Philip Davies, Linden Homes chief executive, 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 gyms and terraces."

Mr Davies also highlighted that the type of buyer attracted to apartments was part of the reason for security being rated so highly.

He said: "Retirees in particular, who make up a large proportion of apartment buyers, often wish to leave their property for longer periods of time to holiday abroad or visit second homes elsewhere. They want the peace of mind of knowing they can simply 'lock up and leave'." XXX