Should I rent an Apartment / Townhouse or House?

The first thing that you need to consider is whether you want to rent a house or an apartment / town-home. Generally speaking, a house is going to be more expensive than an apartment but there are currently some good deals around. A house is normally more suitable for a family than an apartment or town-home, often with more privacy and more room for children to play. On the other hand, houses do sometimes tend to be a bit further out, more isolated and away from bus routes, so if one parent is staying at home it can mean the need for an extra car. House living can incur extra expenses such as yard / garden and pool maintenance which are usually, but not always, paid by the landlord so make sure to check.

Living in an apartment or townhouse complex is an easy way to meet people. They are usually within walking distance of some shops, and they are more likely to have extra amenities such as a shared pool and gym or tennis courts and are generally more readily available.