What Is A Garden Apartment & Should You Invest In One?

If you’ve been house hunting — or even just scrolling through rental listings — you’ve probably come across something called a garden apartment. But what is a garden apartment, exactly? Are they a smart choice for investors? In this article, we’ll explain what a garden apartment really is, why many investors see them as hidden gems, and what challenges to expect. Read below to learn more.

Main Takeaways

• Garden apartments offer a peaceful, green environment in low-rise buildings, typically found in suburban and semi-urban areas where tenants seek affordability and tranquility over high-rise city living.
• Investors favor garden apartments for their stability and lower maintenance costs, attracting long-term tenants and offering appreciation potential in growing neighborhoods.
• Challenges include the lack of elevators, surface parking, and higher exposure to pests, requiring thoughtful management to balance their benefits with practical concerns.

What is a Garden Apartment?

A garden apartment is a low-rise building, usually two to four stories tall, often set within green, open surroundings. Think peaceful courtyards, tree-lined walkways, and a calmer atmosphere than what you’d find in a typical high-rise building. That’s what a garden apartment is. 

Where Are Garden Apartments Most Common?

Garden apartments pop up in all kinds of places, but they’re especially popular in suburban and semi-urban areas — spots with just enough room to mix low-rise buildings with greenery. If you’re exploring these types of properties, consider working with experienced property managers in Northern Virginia. They can help you spot opportunities in neighborhoods where demand is growing, especially in places like Leesburg, where this style of housing fits naturally into the landscape.

You’ll often find garden apartments in communities that strike a balance between city access and quiet living. Think of areas where tenants want to stay close to metro hubs — but without the noise (or price tag) of downtown high-rises.

Beyond Northern Virginia, garden apartments are also common in cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore, particularly in older, established neighborhoods with mid-century architecture and a bit more breathing room.

Many of these buildings were constructed before dense urban development took over, which means they often come with larger units, more open space, and a neighborhood feel that newer buildings rarely offer.

Why Investors Like Garden Apartments

So, why do people invest in garden apartments? Well, besides the fact that they’re calm and charming to look at, they’re also the kind of properties that just make sense for many landlords.

Here’s why:

• They’re Simply Beautiful: Let’s be honest—greenery makes everything better. Garden apartments usually come with trees, lawns, or courtyards that give them that peaceful, homey feel. That beauty isn’t just for show—it also helps attract and retain tenants. After all, in our experience, lush landscaping boosts your curb appeal. It makes the property feel inviting and well-maintained. Plus, natural surroundings can improve air quality and provide a tranquil atmosphere. It can help tenants feel more relaxed in their daily lives.
• Great for Long-Term Tenants: We’ve observed in our work that most people who choose garden apartments are making a long-term commitment. As such, these properties tend to attract tenants who want to stay for a while, like professionals seeking a quieter space with more room. This means you can potentially get stabler tenancies, reduced turnover costs, and fewer vacancy periods. Additionally, long-term tenants often take better care of their units. That translates to lower maintenance expenses and a stronger sense of community within the building.
• Easier to Manage Than High-Rises: With fewer floors and fewer units per building, garden apartments require less maintenance and simpler management. If you’re looking for an investment that’s a bit more hands-off, this could be it. Smaller buildings typically have fewer mechanical systems to maintain, reducing costs associated with elevator repairs, HVAC upkeep, and other infrastructure needs.
• They Fit Right into Growing Neighborhoods: Many garden apartments are tucked away in peaceful, suburban-like areas that are growing fast. That means you’re not just buying a property—you’re investing in a location with long-term potential. These areas often see increased demand as cities expand, leading to appreciation in property value over time.

Challenges and Risks of Garden Apartments

As much as garden apartments have their charm, they do come with a few trade-offs. Like any property type, they’re not perfect, but knowing what to expect can help you manage them better. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• No Elevators: Because garden apartments are low-rise, many don’t have elevators. This can be a negative in many ways. For one, carrying heavy groceries or furniture up multiple flights can be inconvenient, especially after a long day. In addition, this setup isn’t easily accessible for some people with disabilities. Plus, in case of an emergency, it may be harder for tenants to have quick access to and from upper floors without an elevator. So, all in all, you should consider getting an elevator installed. Or, if that’s not possible, you must provide legally required reasonable accommodations or modifications for people with disabilities.
• Surface Parking Only: These buildings often come with open, surface-level parking instead of covered or garage spaces. That might be a downside in areas with tough weather or high demand for secured parking. Without a covered parking space, vehicles are more exposed to elements like snow, ice, or extreme heat, which can lead to maintenance issues. Additionally, finding an available spot can be competitive in densely populated areas, especially when guest parking is limited.
• More Exposure to Pests: With all that greenery around, garden apartments can sometimes be plagued by more bugs or rodents, especially in ground-floor units. It just comes with the territory. In warmer months, tenants may deal with mosquitoes, ants, or other insects that thrive in lush outdoor environments. So, it’s essential to maintain pest control and seal your property’s entry points to ward off those unwelcome visitors.

Ready to Invest in a Garden Apartment?

Now that we’ve broken down what a garden apartment is, it’s clear that these properties come with plenty of appeal, from peaceful surroundings to steady, long-term tenants. Yes, they have a few setbacks. But none of the challenges are dealbreakers — especially if you’re prepared. With the right management, garden apartments can still offer great returns and a property you’re proud to own. 

At Bay Property Management Group, we help landlords every step of the way — from buying and managing to leasing and tenant retention. We’ve helped clients make the most of their long-term potential, and we’d be happy to help you too. Contact us today — let’s grow something good together.