GARDEN STYLE APARTMENTS: Types, Benefits & Drawbacks

Apartment seeking may be a stressful affair. It not only necessitates a substantial amount of effort, but it also necessitates a thorough examination of numerous alternatives. Garden-style apartments are one of the various apartment possibilities.

What is a Garden-Style Apartment?

A garden-style apartment is a type of apartment building that is an outdoor-style (garden) complex that can be one, two, or three stories tall (low rise).

The complex is also distinguished by its garden-like surroundings, which are surrounded by grass, trees, bushes, and gardens.

Elevators may or may not be present in buildings. Surface parking is common in buildings.

Fundamentals of a Garden-style Apartment

It is regarded as a pleasure to have access to a garden area within a metropolis, especially if you are continually surrounded by a concrete jungle. The term “garden-style” apartment is rarely used in large cities such as New York, but they are common in townhouses or brownstone structures. The size of the garden that surrounds the complex may vary in terms of square footage and the amount of vegetation. In listings, these flats will be advertised as having access to a garden rather than as garden-style apartments. Keep in mind, though, that the “garden” could simply be a patch of grass, or it could simply mean that you would have access to a balcony. In general, true garden-style apartments are more likely to be found on the fringes of cities such as New York and Washington, DC.

A walk-up apartment is a style of garden apartment with an external stairway. The unit may be built on top of a parking garage, and you will almost certainly have an allocated parking space. Because the garden-style apartment may be on the basement level in some situations, it is critical to see the unit before signing the lease so that you know what you are getting.

Read Also: SPLIT LEVEL HOUSE: Meaning, Remodeling, and Buying Guide

To help put this into context, here’s a quick reference guide to the four primary types of apartment complexes, as defined by mortgage industry behemoth Freddie Mac:

High-rise — A building with at least nine stories and elevators is considered a high-rise.

Mid-rise — A mid-rise building has eight or fewer storeys and usually (but not always) an elevator.

A walk-up is a four to six-story apartment building without an elevator. These are often older apartment complexes in urban locations.

Garden — One- to three-story apartment complexes with or without elevators.

It’s also worth noting that, while not very common, the term “garden apartment” might refer to a ground floor or basement apartment with direct access to a garden. A first-floor apartment in a high-rise structure, for example, may be referred to as a garden apartment if it has a private patio or garden space.

Basement Apartments vs. Garden-Style Apartments

But first, what’s the difference between a garden apartment and a basement apartment? Many people, naturally, confuse these two because they are both partially below street level.

A true basement apartment, according to StreetEasy, has the following characteristics: Half of the apartment’s height must be above street level, each room must have a window, ceilings must be at least seven feet high, and walls must be damp and water proofed.

Garden-level apartments, on the other hand, have less stringent requirements: they’re typically found on the ground floor of a single-family townhouse or brownstone, anywhere between the parlor level and the basement level. Garden apartments, as the name implies, provide access to a backyard patio or garden, making them ideal for families with children or pets, as well as those with green thumbs.

According to StreetEasy, garden apartments are often one-bedroom homes on the ground floor or partially below grade. They are also frequently situated back from the street, providing residents with a little front patio. The garden apartment is accessed via a modest wrought-iron gate, which opens to a few stairs leading to the recessed entryway, as shown in the photo below.

Garden-style vs Midrise Apartment?

In a downtown or more densely populated metropolitan area, there are typically more “mid-rise” or “high-rise” buildings. A mid-rise is typically defined as an internal structure that resembles a high-rise but is not as ‘tall’ in height. Mid-rise structures are often five floors or more, whereas garden-style apartments are typically three stories or fewer.

Advantages of Living in a Garden-style Apartment

The benefits of living in a garden-style apartment include the following:

#1. Use of a garden and any other amenities that may be available

The ability to enjoy the surrounding greenery, flowers, and landscaping is one of the primary advantages of living in a garden-style apartment. One of the most appealing aspects of a garden-style apartment is the “outside” element. A garden is a good place to unwind and catch up on your favorite weekend vacation or simply rest after a long day at work. Many garden-style apartment complexes provide facilities such as a swimming pool and a grilling area.

#2. There is no need to be concerned about stairwells.

You don’t have to worry about endless steps because you’re on the lowest level of an apartment building. You will be able to transport stuff from your car to your flat more easily than someone who lives on a higher floor.

#3. The cost of cooling is reduced in a garden-style apartment.

Because hot air rises, apartments on lower levels will often have cooler indoor temperatures. This is especially useful during the hotter months when the temperatures are a little uncomfortable. You won’t need the air conditioner as much as someone living on the top floor.

#4. They are often less expensive than higher-level apartments.

Aside from a lower electric bill in the summer, garden-style apartments have lower rents than above-grade units.

#5. You don’t have to be concerned about your downstairs neighbors.

This is particularly true if you are on the bottom floor or in the basement. You won’t have to worry about being too loud in your unit and bothering your neighbor below you, who is usually a tenant who lives on a higher floor.

#6. Quicker exit

In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or flood, you are more likely to escape quickly than someone who lives on the top floor. You will be able to flee quickly because you are on the ground floor, considerably lowering the risk of harm.

Similarly, if you’re in a hurry in the morning, you’ll be able to get out of the apartment building faster and save some time.

#7. Excellent for pet owners

Because a garden-style apartment has access to the street, it is easy to take your pet buddy for a walk when it wants to do its business. This may sound insignificant, but if your dog needs to go outdoors multiple times during the day, living so near to the ground is very helpful because you don’t have to struggle with stairs.

#8. They are especially useful if you work at night.

If you work at night, garden apartments are great. This is due to the fact that they are often dark even during the day, allowing you to sleep. Furthermore, because you live on the ground floor, you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors if you arrive home at strange hours owing to work commitments.

The disadvantages of living in this type of apartment

There are certain drawbacks you should be aware of as well:

#1. You might not get enough natural light.

Garden-style apartments typically do not receive as much natural light. This may make your apartment appear boring and drab. Furthermore, you may have to rely on artificial light during the day, which may raise your electric bill.

#2. Noise exposure

You’ll have to adjust to sounds from your neighbors above you as well as foot traffic outside your flat. You will also have to deal with street noise, especially if you reside in a congested neighborhood.

#3. Your security may be jeopardized.

When you live in a garden apartment, you are more prone to burglaries. Because they are on the ground floor, they are easier for burglars to get entry to than apartments on higher floors. If you are thinking about residing in a garden-style apartment, you should take precautionary security precautions.

#4. Keep an eye out for pests.

Because you are on the ground floor, you are more likely to meet insects and other pests on your property. The fact that you are so close to a garden simply serves to boost your odds.

#5. Consider the expense of heating.

While cooling your apartment may be less expensive in the summer, your unit will most likely be cooler in the winter due to rising temperatures. As a result, you may have to pay a higher heating bill.

#6. Susceptible to humidity

So, if you reside in a humid climate, your garden style unit will absorb moisture, resulting in dampness.

#7. If your unit is in the basement, your views may be limited.

If your garden apartment is on the ground floor, your view will be dominated by street activities. Seeing folks pass by on a regular basis is not the ideal perspective.

Are Garden Style Apartments Appealing?

Yes, Garden Style Apartments can be quite lovely. In fact, garden-style apartments can be created with equivalent (if not greater) amenity packages to mid-and high-rise buildings. What constitutes a nice apartment building is a better question to ask.

Are Garden Style Apartments Less Expensive?

Garden-style apartments are not always less expensive, although they can be. You should think about the location, the size of the apartments, the amenities provided, the quality of maintenance, and so on. Garden-style apartments, on average, offer lower rentals than central urban cores because they are located on the fringes of suburbs or big cities.

Is there an elevator in Garden Style Apartments?

While elevators are possible in garden-style apartments, they are extremely unusual. The majority of garden-style apartments are walk-ups with outside stairwells. These stairwells are normally exposed to the elements; however, some are partially covered.

What Is Apt Syndication?

An apartment syndication is the pooling of funds from a diverse collection of potential investors or investors to purchase an apartment building and carry out the project’s business strategy.

Conclusion

Renting a garden apartment is one thing, but buying a garden apartment as an investment property should be avoided. They don’t draw many consumers, and you’d have to lower the sales price to entice them.

Obviously, there is no such thing as a perfect living type for everyone. They can be wonderful choices for people who prefer things to be spread out, who want to park their car close to their house, and who want to enjoy the outdoors. Garden apartments, on the other hand, are typically located outside of cities’ busiest sections, so if you want to be in the heart of the action, a high-rise may be a better option.

Garden Style Apartments FAQs

What is the smallest type of apartment?

Micro apartments are the tiniest of tiny apartments. They are living rooms with open sleeping and sitting areas, built-in storage, a kitchenette, and a separate bathroom.

What do you call an apartment without kitchen?

Efficiency apartments, often known as bachelor apartments, are typically compact and have a combined living and sleeping area. The majority of efficiency apartments consist of one room with a separate bathroom. Efficiencies include a kitchenette space that is connected to the living area.

What kind of apartments are most popular?

One and two-bedroom apartments are among the most common types of apartments.