b'apartment livingTheyneedmaintenanceandbumpupthepriceofthebody corp fees.In demand The economic recession has definitely dampened developer appetites forbuildingnewapartments.Butwhiletherearefewunder construction, apartment living is in strong demand and real estate agents are anticipating a shortage in the future. More people are looking to swap their big house in the suburbs to a high-quality, purpose-built city apartment, says Jan McLeod of City Livin. She herself lives in a luxurious 200sq m apartment thats one street back from Queen Street in Auckland city. And she has no desire to go back to a house. I love the security, the warmth, the convenience. Its awesome. Living in an apartment is definitely becoming more popular. As we get older, we want a life. We are so into working, we dont have time to look after a house. People in this complex are aged from their early 30s up. Theyre buying for lifestyle.Her company recently undertook a survey to find out what buyers want and top priorities were: great location near amenities; quality fit-outs; nice materials; bigger balconies and higher ceilings. wordsVicki Holder picturesMark Heaslip and supplied top tipsChoose a location with neighbourhood amenities that suit you.Consider where your visitors will parkif theres no parking, they wont visit.Makesurethecomplexhasagood body corporate committee. L ook for versatile spaces.Remember,thehigherupyougo, themorevulnerableyouaretothe weather.Youmayneedscreenson balconies and the windows may need sun filters.Look for good storage. Dont be fooled by clever home-staging when buyingthe furniture may be under-sized (ie a double bed instead of a queen-sized) to make the rooms look bigger. Before buying, get hold of the floor plantoworkoutyourfurniture layout. Beruthlessaboutthefurniturethat you take with you. Choose sofas that can be moved in sections. Consider a smalldiningtablewhichcanextend when needed. Put a sofa bed in the Top Natural materials like stone and glass anchor many of the more sophisticatedsecondbedroom.Iftheresonlyainteriors today, says Shannon Joe of Warren and Mahoney Architects.smallliftornarrowstairsforaccess, Above Waters Edge Ferry Road Apartments in Christchurch designed by buy king-sized beds with a split base Warren & Mahoney Architects. which are much easier to move than queen beds.ReseneStreetwise36'