When buying a flat, evaluating the options in a balanced manner is crucial. For this, it is essential to understand the nuances involved in home buying. Although buyers can choose between the lower floor and higher floor living, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both these options. Keep your preconceived notions aside and delve into pragmatic details to make a prudent decision.
Higher floor living
As per the Indian understanding, buildings up to five floors are generally considered low-rises; hence the floors above the fifth constitute the higher floors until the terrace.
Advantages of higher floor living
- The higher floors are less likely to witness a theft or pest attack
- Vertical living leads to lesser noise pollution, which is quite common in cities
- Higher floors result in low heating costs in winters as the hot air rises
- These floors also provide better views from the balcony
- As some buildings let the top floor owner have unregulated access to the roof, the residents get a chance to indulge in gardening
- The higher floors have better access to sunlight, resulting in reduced dependence on artificial lights
- Exposure to dust is low on a higher floor causing less air pollution
Disadvantages of higher floor living
- Movement of furniture, luggage or new items while shifting can be a massive challenge in higher floors
- Electricity bill in summers is likely to be high due to increased sunlight exposure during the day
- In the event of a fire or earthquake, higher-floor living can be worrisome as elevators may be out of use
- Higher floors are not recommended for families with elderly members. Any instance of non-operational lifts would leave them using the staircase, which will be an uphill task
Lower floor living
Traditionally preferred by homebuyers, lower floor living has experienced a significant decline, courtesy of rising pollution, increased supply of tall structures and more security concerns.
Advantages of lower floor living
- Ground floor residents have better access to the common spaces like parks, swimming pool and clubhouse, to name a few.
- Heavy items can be moved around easily on the lower floors
- Lower-floor apartments stay cooler during the summers, which helps reduce the electricity bill
- Flats on lower levels, especially on the ground floor often come with a backyard or garden. This attracts many homebuyers
- Lower floors are more suited for elderly residents
Disadvantages of lower floor living
- Lower floors are more prone to bugs, insects and burglary attack
- High noise levels can also be disturbing if the property is near a busy street
- Lower floors may result in higher heating costs during winters as such apartments usually stay cold
- Residents often complain of a lack of privacy
- These floors suffer from less access to natural light during day time, and dwellers have to rely on artificial lights, which may take the electricity bill up
Things to check while buying a flat on a lower floor or a higher floor
When it comes to buying a flat on a lower or higher floor, it’s all about personal preferences. But, to help you make an informed decision, here are some expert tips to consider for each option:
| Higher Floors | Lower Floors |
|---|---|
| 1) One must check the fire-fighting systems reliability, including the renewal frequency of the extinguishers. | 1) For lower floors, one must check the investment and resale value of the flat |
| 2) It is also essential to verify the condition of lifts. They should have adequate power backup for continuous working | 2) Ensure that the flat on the lower floor has a sound-controlling system to avoid outside noises hampering your privacy |
| 3) In case of a top floor, observe if there is seepage during monsoons | 3) Make sure safety and security are in place, as the risk of break-ins is relatively higher |
As is evident from the above discussion, both lower and higher-floor living comes with their own pros and cons. Therefore, when choosing any floor level, think of factors such as privacy needs, noise tolerance, personal preference and accessibility. Since the living situation of every individual is different, consider the pros and cons depending on your circumstances and requirements.
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