So many of the amenities of a place such as storage, layout, or kitchens can be changed or compenstated for--but you can't do anything about location other than move somewhere else.

The apartment I live in now on Capitol Hill in Seattle wasn't my first choice for some of the building details or amenities, but it's less than five minutes walk to the bus route that takes me to work every day, and all the coffee shops, restaurants, stores, etc. that support the kind of life that I choose to lead.

And I've been able to work around some of the features of my apartment that didn't thrill me originally.

LIGHT. My current apartment doesn't get as much light as I'd like, and other than hardwood floors it's at the top of my must-have list in my next apartment.

Graphxgrrl is right about location, too. I'm lucky enough to have that now, so I didn't think of it.

neighborhood and hardwood floors are the must-haves that i wont back down on.

since i rent (with no prospects of buying or renovating a place), the little charms will sell me on an apartment. for example, the place i live in now has a vintage stove, built-ins and original tilework in the bathroom.

and they have to allow pets!

I second the pets thing. I won't get rid of my Mr. Kittykins for any house.

Also, I have to have character. We've been looking for rental homes lately and I just about cried at the thought of ending up in a cookie-cutter, ultra modern, new-build apartment. Finally found a duplex bungalow-style place that totally suits me. It was worth the extra rent.

Yes, light, location, and architectural charm are definitely non-negotiables!

It's a very different question if you're asking about must-haves in a "dream home," versus actual must-haves. When I had less money, I really only HAD to have a bed and a way to get from the bed to work/school. Then I "had to" have a place that allowed cats. Then later I "had to" have my own room. Now I have lots of storage space, character, nice light, outdoor space, a nice neighborhood (Mount Pleasant, represent!) . . . but I try to keep in mind that I don't really HAVE TO those things; they're non-essentials that I'm lucky to have.

I think the answer is always a moving target. When looking for a new place we tend to insist on the one thing that is missing from our current home.

When we moved into our current place the one thing we would not compromise on was no shared walls. Now that we have no shared walls, I'm sure I'll forget about their importance when looking for the next apartment. Next time I'll be so focused on finding a place with a dining room that I'll forget to listen for arguing neighbors during the open house.

For me it's work space. As a designer/graphics/art director person, I need a big desk for a big computer monitor, scanner, tablet, etc. I'm willing to work for it (lofted bed with desk underneath, etc) but I can't function with just a laptop on a little corner desk.

Nevermore without a laundry or dishwasher.

Hardwood floors and pet allowances. Good light and top floor living!

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...

Is definately the character and feel of the home. The energy must be right and all of the things that make up a home give this feel. Although parking space and a yard are very nice. But i dont live where you dont normally get those things with your apartment. Most places have their own courtyards as we can't build up more than 3 Storey's due to cyclone risks.

Dishwasher!!!