Brick or concrete

Hi guys, this is a very general question. I've read through all the FAQ stuff but I want to ask you all directly anyway as due to house prices in London I'm only going to have one shot at this and I don't want to blow it because I've not read the material correctly. I am buying a house with my family Greater London. I haven't bought anything yet so I can look according to your recommendations. Having tried all different sorts of setups of various sizes and prices I have finally decided that MY ideal setup is a sort of overdub/post-production/mixing/writing facility in my home. I work very long hours and if I'm in a 'dedicated' studio which I have been before I'll only see the family when they're asleep AND I absolutely love working 'from home'. I even tried the 'add-on building in the garden' and I prefer to be in the house/flat. May sound weird to you but it's true. I will have to be able to track vocals, acoustic and electric guitars but nothing as loud as drums and never a full band. Now my question is actually quite simple: As a GENERAL rule where will I get the most problem in relation to noise spillage from neighbours (upstairs, downstais whatever) - in a concrete late sixties aparment building or in a brick built 'flats above shops' scenario? I am fully aware that I will have to do a lot of sound proofing etc but what gives me the best starting point? And are there other general factors I should look at when going house-hunting? Thanks a lot - I really appreciate your time and knowledge. Preben

Depends. I lived as a student in an appartment building where the central heating led from appartment to appartment. So bad sound isolation. With older buildings you can have leaks in walls, flanking, etc. I don't think you can generalize this, you have to consider each case individual.