A flat with a garden or a large balcony? Which is better for everyday life?

Choosing between a garden and a large balcony often only looks straightforward in photos. The greenery next to the living room is tempting, a balcony with a view seems more comfortable, and a terrace can combine the best of both worlds. However, the most important question is: what will everyday use of this space actually be like?

From my perspective and based on my work with Radomski Nieruchomości’s clients, I can see that a flat with a garden They are most often chosen by people looking for a home away from home, a place for their children and dog, and a private space to relax. On the other hand, a flat with a balcony It is more popular with customers who want an outdoor space but without the responsibilities associated with maintaining greenery.

In the Tri-City property market, such details really do matter. According to data from the National Bank of Poland (NBP) for the first quarter of 2026, the average transaction price for new flats was 14,647 zł/m² in Gdańsk and 13,320 zł/m² in Gdynia, so every extra metre of usable space is worth assessing sensibly, not just emotionally. Please read on for the rest of the article.

Table of contents

• A flat with a garden or a balcony – what determines the best choice?
  • Who would benefit most from a flat with a garden?
• The advantages and limitations of a flat with a garden and a large balcony
• What works best in the Tri-City property market?
• A flat with a garden or a large balcony – a comparison
• How can you make the right decision before buying a flat?
• FAQ - Frequently asked questions

A flat with a garden or a balcony – What determines the best choice?

There is no single correct answer to the question: a flat with a garden or a balcony? It all depends on your lifestyle, the ages of the people living in the house, whether you have pets, your working arrangements, and how much time you actually spend at home. A garden offers more freedom, but requires commitment. A balcony is easier to maintain, but usually offers less space.

A flat with a garden It’s ideal for families with children, dog owners and people who work from home. You can set up a table, a small paddling pool, sun loungers, plant pots or toys, or create a peaceful relaxation area. This is particularly important in densely built-up areas, where having your own patch of greenery can be a real asset.

A flat with a large balcony It will be better for people who want to enjoy a coffee outdoors, relax after work or have space for plants, but without having to mow, water or look after a lawn. A large balcony or loggia often offers more privacy than a garden on the ground floor.

Who would benefit most from a flat with a garden?

It is the people who will actually use the garden who benefit most from it. A family with a young child, a dog owner or someone working from home can treat a small garden as an extra room during the spring and summer months. It isn’t a full-fledged garden attached to the house, but it can make a big difference to everyday comfort.

It is worth checking, however, whether the garden is actually private. If it is situated next to a pavement, a car park, a playground or beneath neighbours’ balconies, it may not be as pleasant as the photos in the listing suggest.

The advantages and limitations of a flat with a garden and a large balcony

The largest the advantages of a flat with a garden It offers a space to relax, a place for children, convenience for dog owners and a greater sense of independence. A property like this could be very attractive in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, especially if it is situated in a quiet residential area, away from busy pedestrian thoroughfares.

However, it is important to bear in mind the responsibilities involved. A garden requires watering, tidying up, lawn maintenance, occasional pruning of plants and compliance with the housing association’s rules and regulations. There is also the issue of safety, privacy and more dirt being brought into the flat.

A large balcony comes with fewer responsibilities. It’s easier to keep clean, and is usually safer and more predictable. A well-designed balcony can accommodate a table, two chairs, plant pots and a clothes horse, and if it’s larger, a small sofa or sun lounger too.

On the other hand, a balcony rarely offers as much freedom as a garden. It won’t work quite as well as a place for a dog, a play area for children or a private green space next to the living room. Choosing between them is a classic „trade-off” – the property equivalent of the question: coffee from the machine or coffee on the terrace.

What works best in the Tri-City property market?

In the Tri-City property market, well-located properties with outdoor space tend to attract buyers’ attention more quickly. This applies to both properties flats with gardens in Gdańsk and Gdynia, particularly in newer developments and quiet, family-friendly neighbourhoods.

However, this does not mean that every garden automatically increases a property’s appeal. A small, shaded patch of greenery by the pavement may be less practical than a large, spacious balcony with good exposure. When selling a property, it is not just the mere fact of having a garden that counts, but its layout, privacy, amount of sunlight and how it is used.

As real estate office in Gdansk From our experience in Gdynia and Sopot, we can see that buyers are increasingly asking about the functionality of outdoor spaces, rather than just their floor area. At Radomski Nieruchomości, we handle sales, lettings, purchases and tenancy management in the Tri-City, with offices in Letnica, Gdańsk, and Gdynia city centre.

A flat with a garden or a large balcony – a comparison

Criterion	A flat with a garden	A flat with a large balcony
Everyday comfort	Very high, provided the garden is easy to lay out and private	High, particularly when well exposed
Children	A great place to play outdoors	Safer, but less free
Dog	Convenient, though it’s no substitute for a walk	Less practical for a dog
Privacy	Depends on its position in relation to neighbouring properties and pavements	It’s often better on the upper floors
Responsibilities	Lawn mowing, watering, cleaning, community rules	Mainly cleaning and looking after plants
Security	Greater risk of entry from the garden side	Usually a greater sense of security
Noise	Possible noise from the patio, playground or pavement	Depends on the floor and the surroundings
Value on sale	High, if the garden is functional	A high-ceilinged flat with a large, spacious balcony
Cost of living	It could be higher	Usually lower
Best for	Families, dog owners, people who appreciate green spaces	Singles, couples, frequent travellers
The risk of disappointment	Lack of privacy, damp, mud, insects	Small floor area or poor layout
Design potential	Large: furniture, grass, plants, relaxation area	Medium or high, depending on the floor area

How can you make the right decision before buying a flat?

Before buying, it’s worth viewing the property not just from the buyer’s perspective, but also from that of the future occupant. Please check whether the garden or balcony will be used on a daily basis, or whether they just look good in the advert. It’s also worth assessing the amount of sunlight, the view from neighbouring flats, noise levels and the practical possibilities for interior design.

At Radomski Nieruchomości, we draw our clients’ attention to a few things:

• Is the outdoor space suitable for setting up,
• does it ensure privacy,
• What do the community rules look like?,
• Who is responsible for looking after the garden,
• Does the flat get plenty of sunlight,
• Does the garden not border on a footpath,
• Does the balcony have a usable width,
• how this feature will affect future sales.

If anyone asks me, Is it worth buying a flat with a garden?, I’d say: yes, but only if that little garden suits their lifestyle. If the buyer travels a lot, doesn’t want to look after plants and values their privacy, a large balcony or terrace might be a better option. If, on the other hand, they have children, a dog or dream of a morning coffee surrounded by greenery, a small garden could be one of the best choices.

Radomski Nieruchomości helps clients buy, sell and let properties in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot. If you are considering a flat with a terrace, a garden or a large balcony, and you want to assess what will actually work in everyday life, it’s worth seeking advice before signing the contract.

+48 783 187 968 (Gdańsk)
+48 884 843 118 (Gdynia)
biuro@radomskinieruchomosci.pl

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. Is it worth buying a flat with a garden?

Yes, provided the garden is easy to maintain, private and will actually be used. Families with children, dog owners and people who want their own space to relax outdoors stand to benefit the most.

2. A balcony or a garden – which is more practical for everyday life?

A balcony is more convenient for people who want fewer responsibilities. A garden offers greater freedom, but requires maintenance, tidying up and compliance with the residents’ association’s rules.

3. Is a flat with a garden more expensive?

This is often the case, especially if it’s in a good location and the garden is practical. However, simply having a garden isn’t enough to justify a higher price – what matters is privacy, sunlight, floor area and layout.

4. Is it easier to sell a flat with a large balcony?

A large, practical balcony can be a major selling point, especially in flats on higher floors. Buyers value outdoor space, but only if it is practical rather than merely symbolic.

5. Which is better for a family with children?

For families with children, a flat with a garden is usually the better option, provided the space is safe and well separated from the communal areas. If greater privacy and fewer responsibilities are a priority, a large balcony or terrace could be a good compromise.