Moving into an apartment after living in a house is a big change.

In Campbelltown, most apartment living is concentrated in and around the CBD, which is often one of the main attractions for people looking to make the move. One of the best features of living in or close to the CBD is the benefit of having most amenities and services within walking distance – major shopping centres, hospitals, medical specialists, restaurants, pubs, clubs, theatres etc. There is also less need for a car to get around, as public transport from the CBD to other major centres and around the Macarthur is excellent.

If you are looking to move out of home and into an apartment as a first home buyer, please visit the NSW Government’s website http://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/first-home-buyers for information on current financial assistance available to you.

If you are a first home buyer, benefits of apartment living include a smaller mortgage, greater home security, no yard maintenance, proximity to work or public transport, as well as the social benefits of being within walking distance to everything.

Or if you are looking to downsize as your circumstances have changed, or your children have moved out of the family home, this change from house to apartment can simplify your life with less cleaning and no garden maintenance – allowing you to the time to pursue other interests.

Regardless of your reasons for wanting to make the change from house to apartment, it is a massive adjustment and all benefits and issues should be considered.

There are practical issues such as the size of the apartment, the location of the complex, what furniture you can fit in the new premises and car parking.

And then there’s the fact that you’ll be living in close proximity to others. You need to be more considerate of others when, for example, it comes to having a party or you wish to play loud music in your apartment.

Then there are the other rules of the apartment complex such as what you can put on your balcony, what pets you’re allowed, and what you can and can’t do to your apartment. You also need to consider the sharing of common facilities such as the swimming pool, barbeque area, and outdoor leisure areas. Before purchasing an apartment, you should carefully read the owner’s corporation rules to see if there are any issues there.

It would also be wise to find out the percentage of owner-occupiers living there. With more owner-occupiers there is generally greater care taken in looking after the facilities, and the upkeep of the apartment complex.

And then there’s the “community feel” between residing residents. Have a chat with the owner’s corporation manager and future neighbours to gain a feel for what it’s like to live there.

Additionally, walk around the area and observe the people who reside there. It might be predominately young professionals, retired or semi-retired people, or “empty nesters”. Depending on what you are looking for, this might influence your decision.

At Harcourts we currently have many new and existing apartments for sale. In Campbelltown CBD we are selling many new off-the-plan apartments.

Please visit the “Special Projects” tab on our website www.propertypeople.net.au for more information, or call us on 4628 7444.