The short answer is that apartments are generally safer compared to houses. Whether it is actually safer or not depends on various factors such as location, security measures, and if your apartment is on a ground or lower floor vs a higher floor apartment.
Security advantages of an apartment
In some cases, an apartment on the ground floor in the same suburb as a house may be safer than a house due to:
- Security features: Apartments are often designed with security features in mind, such features can help deter would-be thieves looking for an issue target such as security cameras, controlled access points, and in more luxury and serviced apartments; a reception concierge or even security personnel.
- Neighbours: Living in an apartment means having neighbours who are in close proximity. This can create a sense of community and help residents look out for one another. In case of an emergency or suspicious activity, neighbours can alert the authorities or help one another.
- Lower risk of break-ins: Apartments on the ground floor are less likely to be broken into compared to houses. Burglars tend to target homes that are not visible from the street, or that have easy access points such as windows and doors. Apartments on the ground floor, on the other hand, are often more visible and have more secure access points.
- No yard maintenance: One advantage of living in an apartment on the ground floor is that you don’t have to worry about maintaining a yard. This means that you won’t have to be outside at night or early in the morning, which can reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
Security disadvantages of an apartment
- Higher population density: Apartments tend to be located in densely populated areas, which means there are more people around. This can lead to a higher risk of crime, such as theft or vandalism.
- Shared entrances: Many apartments have shared entrances, which can make it easier for unauthorized individuals to enter the building. Additionally, shared entrances can make it more difficult to control access to the building. In particular, car parks with storage cages are generally a popular target for thieves
- Common areas: Common areas in apartments, such as laundry rooms or hallways, may be less secure than individual units. These areas may be accessible to anyone in the building and may not be monitored by security cameras or staff.
- Limited control over security features: In many cases, apartment tenants have limited control over the security features of their unit, such as locks or security cameras. This can make it more difficult to customize security features to meet individual needs. You will likely need strata approval to make any unique modifications.
- Above ground: If your apartment is elevated above ground, it is one extra obstacle for thieves as it may be more difficult to assess items you have in your apartment. It may also mean for apartments with lifts, you are likely to have security features such as a key fob that allows only access to your residential floor.
