Weighing up the relative values of particular types of locations – corner blocks, cul de sac living, apartments, town houses, or home-and-garden options - isn’t always easy.

The following discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different street frontage options and housing styles may help.

Cul de Sac Living
Many families like cul de sac living because there are fewer cars coming and going and the cul de sac provides a relatively safe streetscape for where children can play. In effect you end up with a free communal play area for the kids from the houses in the street. In an area where the demographic is young families, investment potential is excellent as cul de sac housing is likely to be popular when it comes on the market. (In other words, small supply, larger demand.) On the other hand, there is less privacy and neighbours tend to know more about you so if you don’t have an active outdoorsy family, you might prefer to live elsewhere.

Corner Blocks  
Some people dislike corner blocks. They feel ‘exposed’ and there is more fencing to pay for. There is usually more traffic noise and more chance of vehicles jumping the kerb. But some people like the fact that there is more visibility and at the same time, fewer neighbours. Often the land is slightly bigger too.

Townhouse, Apartment or Family Home  
While recent statistics indicate that Australians live in the largest houses in the world, there are increasing numbers of people who prefer the convenience of not being tied to larger properties. Apartments and town houses are less expensive and need fewer repairs and offer a ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle where burglary is less of an issue and there is more time for activities that don’t involve home maintenance and cleaning. On the other hand, apartments and town houses offer less privacy and are often noisier than single dwellings. There is no room for a vegetable garden or children’s play area either.