House or apartment as investment property?

I am currently thinking through the possibility of buying an investment property for residential letting in Dublin. Would be interested in the views of anyone who is a residential landlord as to what the advantages and disadvantages are in choosing a house over an apartment (or vice versa!) and the optimum number of bedrooms. Main reason for buying would be as a long term investment rather than an immedaite cashflow.

I would go for a house. The appartment would have to be very nice and in a great location for me to opt for the appartment. I also hate the idea of paying quite large management fees for an appartment.

+1, definitely a house rather than an apartment. No management fees, less hassle.
Location is always key, try for a 2/3 bed house in an established area with good transport links and make sure you don't pay over the odds for it!
Good luck!

If you can a house, personally I think it is more apartments that are in oversupply.

Also, management fees etc. are very expensive.

aristotle said:

I would go for a house. The appartment would have to be very nice and in a great location for me to opt for the appartment. I also hate the idea of paying quite large management fees for an appartment.

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Management fees are tax deductible if you are a landlord so it's not quite as big a deal as you might think.

The pluses with an apartment are the lack of external maintenance issues, painting, gardens etc.

If I was choosing in the same area, I would pick a house but if I could get better value on an apartment in a better area then I'd take that. Just research the state of the management company's finances before you sign anything.

Thanks for the replies, lots of food for thought there. Area I am looking at is Dublin 8 (around Coombe, Blackpitts, Cork St). Apartments seem to be a lot better value - lots of significant discounts coming onto the market, although some of the developments are clearly not being maintained particularly well. Shesells, presume by research of mgt companies finances, you mean via CRO documentation? My concern re management companies is not so much fees because of the tax deductability but how you can predict whether they are likely to do a decent job over the medium term or whether you a buying into a potential minefield.

Why not become a director of the management company then? I am, best way to protect our investment. We have 4 directors and its 50/50 landlord/owner occupier.

Works well and doesn't actually take that much time!