At this time of year, and when I have the time, I like to sit out there, coffee cup in hand, reading the paper and enjoying the open air. Then, at around two o'clock in the afternoon, shadows start to lengthen and the sun begins to disappear behind the four-storey structure. The balcony was a consideration I kept in mind when choosing my apartment.

I'd lived previously in a unit with a balcony on which the sun seemed never to shine. Relaxing out there, even in the warmest weather, I was usually aware of a slight chill in the air. The apartment itself also suffered from a dearth of sunshine. Even in the height of summer it was necessary to turn the lights on early in the evening.

This time I thought I'd got it right. I studied the block plans carefully. The two-bed unit I chose was advantageously positioned to benefit from lots of light. Some three-bed units and many of the two beds in the development had shorter balconies than the particular one I opted for. They look attractive too, with their metal railings and timber decking.

One big drawback I didn't anticipate though, and couldn't calculate from examining the plans, is that because of the way the building is constructed my balcony is overlooked by the one directly above. I soon discovered that it's impossible to relax out there without the uncomfortable feeling that I'm being observed by someone on the balcony of the three-bed unit overhead.

These days some residents are utilising their balconies in a new way. Very often now they've been designated as the smoking areas of peoples' homes. Even in inhospitable weather you're likely to see folk crouched uncomfortably on outdoor furniture while they smoke their cigarettes. Late at night you can hear the sound of whispered conversations and here and there spot the brightening glow of a cigarette someone's inhaling.

The gentlemen who occupy the unit over mine . . . all three of them are smokers . . . aren't inclined to sit around on outdoor chairs carefully tapping ash into ashtrays. Instead, after lighting up they rest their elbows on the balustrade, drop ash unconcernedly into the air and then flick their butts in the general direction of the shrubbery down below.

One unacceptable consequence of their poor sense of direction is that my balcony is regularly littered with spent matches and discarded butts. My numerous complaints always elicit profuse apologies. But still it happens.

The side walls of each balcony are a type of heavy mesh grille with a rust resistant green paint finish. The transparent nature of the walls means you can see directly into all the balconies on any particular level.

To negate any possible invasion of privacy many occupiers have fabulously large, evergreen pot plants strategically positioned to effectively block the view of any prying eyes.

Unsurprisingly it's usually owner/occupiers . . . and rarely tenants . . . who take care to furnish their balconies elaborately.

Colourful window boxes, hanging baskets, climbing plants and even barbecue units decorate the terraced areas of many owners' apartments. Tenants on the other hand are rarely interested in prettifying the exterior aspect of their landlord's property.

The occasional sight of a bicycle chained to the balcony railings is a breach of house rules . . . and a sure indication that the culprit is renting the property.