Having tried living in one, I’ve decided living in an inner city apartment would suit me for the next four years or so. So now I’m looking to buy. Some of the things that I like are being handy to everything, being able to walk to work, being able to go on holiday and just leave the apartment and knowing it is secure, no gardens or lawns. The biggest drawback (after not being able to have a cat) is the noise from the street, but it’s not too bad, especially if you’re up high. I’ve heard the noise from neighbours can be very bad, though it isn’t a problem in my current apartment it is something I’m trying to avoid too.

There’s an apartment on Liverpool St near work which 90% matches my criteria, but I’m interested in looking around other places. I’ve contacted Kiwibank to arrange finding out about getting a mortgage.

What I’m looking for:
• separate bedroom (or 2, but doesn’t have to be 2)
• up high, 10th floor or higher
• quiet
• carpark (with locker would be good)
• inner city (<10mins walk to work @ the top of Queen St)
• tidy
• secure
• to live in – liveable

If you know of any inner-city apartments for sale, or you have experiences in living in them please add a comment.

Of course if I don’t buy I can just keep renting.

I have been crunching numbers to see if I can afford to buy a house.  If I was frugal I might just be able to afford a small house.  An apartment would be a lot more realistic, but probably wouldn’t allow my cat.  (I need to investigate that a bit more).  Last year I spent just under 25% of my income on accommodation, if I bought a house that’d rise to almost 70%. There would also be extra costs such as water, rates, and insurance. I’d also be without the income from the interest on the deposit … something which really knocked what were previously looking like quite reasonable numbers.  Now I need to start living as if I was on the budget and see just how hard it is.

Or I could buy a house truck.