Flat with a Terrace, Balcony or Front Garden: What Is Worth It

Outdoor space in a new-build flat is worth paying for mainly if you will actually use it. It raises the price of the flat, but it also brings further obligations, such as maintenance, insurance or the rules of the owners' association. Before deciding, compare not only the price per square metre, but also the orientation, size and terms of use.

Balcony, loggia, terrace and front garden: how they differ

Developers use these terms in different ways, so always check the project documentation and the contract, not just the advertisement.

• Balcony is a cantilevered area projecting beyond the outline of the building. It tends to be smaller and exposed to wind and rain.
• Loggia is recessed into the building and protected by walls at the sides. It is more private and more usable outside the summer months.
• Terrace is usually a larger area, often on the roof of a lower floor or on a set-back top floor. It may be covered or uncovered.
• Front garden is a plot of land next to a ground-floor flat. Legally it often differs from the flat itself, so it is important to find out whether it is part of the ownership or whether it is designated for your exclusive use.

The stated floor area of a flat usually does not include outdoor spaces, or counts them only partly. Ask how the price is determined: whether the outdoor area is included in the price of the flat or paid for separately.

What is worth it for you

Outdoor space pays off best where you will really use it every day. When choosing, consider a few things.

• Orientation. The south and west sides get plenty of sun, but can also overheat in summer. The east side is pleasant in the morning. The north side tends to be shaded, but often quieter.
• Size and shape. A narrow balcony too slim for a table with two chairs works more as storage space. Check the actual dimensions on the floor plan.
• Privacy. Check whether anyone can see you from neighbouring balconies, the pavement or surrounding buildings.
• Surroundings. Street noise, or a nearby playground or restaurant, will be more noticeable on a terrace than inside the flat. Visit the area at different times of day; there is more in the overview of locations.
• Access. It is practical if the balcony is reached by a door from the living room, and possibly also from the kitchen.

A front garden is convenient for families with children or dog owners, because it lets you step outside without using a lift. On the other hand, on the ground floor expect less privacy and people walking past.

What costs extra

A flat with outdoor space is usually more expensive, but that is not the only cost. When planning your budget, remember the following items.

• Furnishing. Paving or wooden decking, a railing, shading, an awning, lighting, garden furniture. In developer flats the floor is usually finished, but the scope of the standard varies.
• Greenery and watering. Planters, plants and possibly irrigation. For a terrace with a deeper layer of soil, load-bearing capacity and waterproofing need to be checked.
• Maintenance. Cleaning drains, treating wooden elements and any repairs. Part of the maintenance may fall to the owners' association and part to you.
• Energy. A large glazed area facing south may increase cooling needs in summer. Conversely, a terrace above a lower floor tends to be more demanding in terms of detailing for heat loss.
• Insurance and fees. Check whether outdoor spaces are covered by the property and household insurance, and whether a contribution to the repair fund or another fee is payable for them.

When financing the purchase, bear in mind that a higher price means a higher mortgage. You can get an indicative idea of the repayments in the mortgage calculator. Always discuss the specific financing terms with a mortgage specialist.

What to ask before buying

Outdoor space is the source of the most frequent uncertainties. Before you sign a reservation or purchase contract, clarify the following points.

1. Is the terrace or front garden part of the flat, or is it a common part of the building with a special right of use?
2. What exactly do the statutes and house rules say: may you barbecue, install an awning, pergola or blinds, grow taller greenery, or have a small pool?
3. Who is responsible for insulation, drainage and repairs of the floor and railing?
4. What is the standard of finish: paving, lighting, a water or electricity connection?
5. How is the outdoor area recorded in the land registry and in the sale price?

Discuss legal questions, especially the difference between ownership and designated use, with a lawyer. The buying guide, which summarises the whole process from reservation to handover of the flat, can also help.

How to approach your choice

Start with what you expect from the outdoor space: sitting out, growing plants, children playing, or just ventilation and a view. Then decide whether a balcony is enough or whether you need a terrace or front garden.

Next, compare offers in the catalogue of projects and find out how individual developers handle outdoor spaces. If you have a clear idea but cannot find a suitable flat, you can use the housing inquiry form.

Always go and see the site, ideally when the sun is on your side of the building. Photographs in visualisations may not match the real size or the view.

Frequently asked questions

Is a terrace better than a balcony?

It depends on how you use it. A terrace offers more space and allows, for example, larger seating areas or raised beds, but it requires more care and tends to be more expensive. For everyday sitting out and ventilation, a well-oriented balcony or loggia is usually enough.

Do you pay for outdoor space at the same rate as for the flat?

How the price is determined varies between developers. Sometimes the area is included in the price of the flat; in other cases it is listed separately and taken at a lower coefficient when converted to a price per square metre. Check this in the price offer and in the contract.

Can I do whatever I want on the terrace or front garden?

Not always. Alterations such as a roof, fence or awning may be subject to the statutes, the house rules and sometimes also building permit proceedings. Before any change, check the conditions with the property manager or the owners' association and, if in doubt, with a specialist.