Do you know that feeling when you browse property listings and come across two offers – one with a large balcony or terrace, the other with its own garden. And suddenly… you stop. Because both have their advantages. Except that you are buying this place for years to come – you do not want to get it wrong.
On the one hand you think a garden sounds good: a sun lounger and your own vegetables, maybe even a barbecue at the weekend? But right afterwards the thought hits you: and what about winter? At that point a terrace seems easier to maintain. But won't you feel restricted?
The advantages and disadvantages of a home with a balcony or terrace
A balcony or terrace is an extension of your living room – a place where you can drink your morning coffee, read a book in the summer or simply catch your breath after work. But before you fall in love with catalogue photos, it is worth looking at this solution without rose-tinted glasses.
Advantages of a balcony or terrace
- Less maintenance work
- Enough for everyday needs
- More privacy
You do not have to mow the lawn, water the plants or worry about raking leaves in autumn. A balcony is a space that is easy to keep clean and tidy. On a well-designed balcony or terrace you can easily fit a small table, chairs and even a few plants. That is enough to have breakfast in the fresh air or create a mini relaxation zone.
Disadvantages of a balcony or terrace
- Limited space
- Dependence on the floor and orientation
- No possibility of hosting picnics or a barbecue
- Less potential for arrangement
Let us be honest – you will not plant trees on a balcony or a standard terrace, you will not build a sandpit for the children and you will not let the dog run around. If the balcony faces north or is next to a noisy street, you may use it less often. The higher up you are, the more wind there is and the less of a sense of contact with nature.
You can of course invest in furniture, plants and decorations, but it is still a limited space. It is hard to make anything more of it than a cosy corner.
The advantages and disadvantages of a home with a garden
For many people a garden is a dream come true – your own green space, a taste of a house with a plot, and even a symbol of "adult life". But like everything that looks romantic in a catalogue, in practice it can have its catches. See what is worth knowing before you fall in love with a garden.
Advantages of a home with a garden
- More space, more possibilities
- A great solution for families with children or pets
- Contact with nature without leaving home
- A greater sense of privacy and independence
A garden gives you far more freedom than a balcony. You can have a swing for the children, space for a barbecue, a trampoline, a relaxation zone and even a small vegetable patch or herbs for your own use.
You can step out barefoot into the garden, drink your coffee surrounded by greenery, plant something yourself. It is a great escape from remote work and the everyday rush. Psychologically, it has a soothing effect. If the garden is well fenced, you can really feel "at home". You do not hear neighbours above your head, you do not share the space with anyone. And nobody looks over at your plate.
Disadvantages of a home with a garden
- More work and responsibilities
- Seasonality
- Higher maintenance costs
A garden needs looking after – mowing the lawn, watering the plants, pruning shrubs, raking leaves. If you do not have the time (or the inclination) for that, it can quickly become a burden. More space means not only more joy but also potential extra costs – for watering, plant upkeep, gardening equipment or fencing.
Lifestyle and the choice of outdoor space
Whether a balcony, a terrace or a garden suits you better does not depend only on the floor area or the price. What matters most is how you live day to day.
Do you have a family with children?
A garden can be a huge plus. Children need space to move, and a garden gives them that without leaving home. You can put up a little playhouse, a sandpit or a pool! You can easily fit all of that in gardens like those in Góraszka or Bobrowiec.
Do you have a dog (or are you planning to get one)?
A dog in a home with a garden is a convenience a balcony cannot give you. Even a small patch of grass means you do not have to go out for every single walk. Especially in the rain at 6:00 in the morning.
Do you work remotely?
If you spend 8–10 hours a day at home, contact with nature can genuinely affect your well-being. A garden gives you the chance to take a break from work with a mug of tea in hand, and even the option of working outdoors in the summer.
On the other hand – if you do not want to be drawn away from your duties by watering the lawn, a terrace may be enough for you, as it is easier to "switch off" from mentally.
Do you like planning but do not want to commit?
A garden is a mini project for years. You have to think about plants, garden furniture and the time needed to look after it all. A terrace means fewer commitments, although for residents of modern homes who love greenery it may be too unambitious.
A home with a terrace or a garden?
Before you decide, ask yourself: Will I actually use it? Think about the long-term nature of this solution and consider whether it also fits the future you are planning. Most importantly – look at it realistically: will you have the time and energy to look after the space you choose?
Sometimes it is better to choose a smaller space that you will use every day than a bigger garden that will be nothing more than a decoration outside the window. And sometimes that garden will become your favourite part of the home. Only you can know!
