Some people will say that an apartment on the ground floor is a very dubious purchase. It is believed that low-lying rooms are damp, cold, dangerous and constantly noisy from the street, but many will disagree with this opinion. What are the pros and cons? buying an apartment on the first floor - let's find out in this article.
What are the disadvantages of an apartment on the first floor
The stereotype about the first floors has been formed since Soviet times, which is not surprising. In buildings of the 60s-80s of the last century, such apartments were considered illiquid, and in new buildings they were rented out as office space. Therefore, even today, apartments on the first floor are cheaper than housing located higher. And this is explained by a number of disadvantages.
Noise from the street
The screams of children from the playground, the lively conversations of residents on benches near the entrance - all this brings discomfort and does not allow you to fully ventilate the house. And if the windows overlook a busy highway, then loud music and the sound of car engines are added to all the noise. However, the noise problem is easily solved with high-quality double-glazed windows. And you can ventilate the rooms during quiet times, for example, late in the evening or early in the morning.
Risk of robbery
It is easy to climb into a room on the first floor, which attracts petty thieves. A few decades ago, when thinking about buying an apartment on the first floor, it was necessary to find out whether there were bars on the windows. They protected against burglars, but at the same time greatly spoiled the appearance of the house. Today, the situation has changed, since most often the owners or developers themselves order bars from experienced craftsmen according to a unique project. Such protection easily turns into a sophisticated design element. In addition, today there is a large selection of impact-resistant glass and alarms.
Dirt and dust
Exhaust from cars, dust on the windows - unpleasant minuses of an apartment on the 1st floor, since all this inevitably gets into the room, so you have to do cleaning often. If smokers live in the house, an unpleasant smell and smoke will definitely end up on the first floor. However, this minus can be dealt with if you install a supply ventilation system that will clean the incoming air.
Basement
Due to the proximity to the basement, the floor can be practically icy for six months, so many homeowners organize the installation of underfloor heating. In addition, unwanted odors can penetrate the apartment, as well as rats, cockroaches or other "guests". But this usually threatens in old houses. Before purchasing an apartment in such a fund, you should ask your neighbors whether there are any inconveniences due to the basement. In new buildings, all communications are in good condition, and the cleanliness of the basement is usually monitored by the staff of the service company.
Openness of the apartment on the first floor
Everything that happens in the room can be exposed to the view of neighbors and citizens passing by. You can protect yourself from curiosity with the help of curtains or window film, which creates a mirror effect: you see what is happening outside, but nothing is visible from the street. By the way, the low location of apartments is observed only in old buildings. In relatively modern buildings, the first floor is located significantly higher.
Lower lighting in rooms
The ground floors receive less natural light due to trees or suspended structures. The rooms can be semi-dark, especially in winter, and this affects not only the atmosphere, but also the mood of the residents. This problem can be solved with the help of light finishing materials, mirrors and properly selected artificial lighting. And of course, a few candles will add coziness to your home.
Higher humidity
Proximity to the basement also means poorer air circulation and increased humidity. In winter, condensation and mold can appear on the walls, especially in corner apartments. To avoid this, it is worth investing in high-quality waterproofing, regular ventilation and a dehumidifier - then the ground floor will remain comfortable for living.
What are the advantages of an apartment on the first floor
When considering whether to rent a ground floor apartment, it is important to consider not only the risks but also the benefits. This type of housing is often underestimated, although it has a number of practical advantages. Accessibility, lower price, the possibility of commercial use, etc. - all this makes the ground floor an attractive option
Quick availability
This advantage will be especially appreciated by parents of small children. In the event that the elevator breaks down, carrying a stroller up the stairs is difficult and time-consuming. The first floor will also be convenient for the elderly, because you don't have to spend a lot of effort climbing the stairs. And during blackouts, when the elevators are turned off, the residents of the first floors do not feel any inconvenience at all - they have left the apartment and are already on the street.
No neighbors below
Those who don't know whether to buy an apartment on the 1st floor will like the fact that there are no neighbors, as they don't have to fear a threatening knock on the door due to children's footsteps late at night or a sudden burst sewer pipe.
Possibility of commercial use of premises
The first floor is perfect for creating a small shop or office. To do this, you need to transfer the apartment to a non-residential building, and then it can be rented out for a long-term lease at a considerable price.
Lower price
In addition, regarding the price, it is worth noting that in the real estate market, first floors are traditionally sold cheaper. For an investor, this is a chance to buy square meters at a more favorable price and continue to receive a stable income from renting out the house. It is also a great option to consider when you have a limited budget.
Security in wartime
An important advantage of apartments in wartime is safety. In addition to the fact that a ground-floor apartment is generally safer than those located on higher floors, it is also about the ability to leave the house in case of danger and to go down to shelter more quickly during alarms. This is a particularly compelling argument for families with children and the elderly.
Better water pressure
And again, to the advantages in military realities. When during power outages, water disappears on the upper floors due to low pressure, it usually remains on the lower floors. This is a small but tangible advantage.
Who is a first floor apartment suitable for?
Given that a ground floor apartment has its pros and cons, there is also an audience for whom convenience, accessibility, and practicality are more important than a panoramic view from the window.
- Families with young children. Strollers, bicycles, or sleds can be easily taken outside without waiting for the elevator. Plus, your children are always nearby — you can even keep an eye on them from the window.
- Pet owners. For those who often walk their dogs or have active cats, the first floor is about comfort and time not wasted on going up and down stairs.
- People with motor function disorders. The first floor is the most convenient option for people who use wheelchairs, have prosthetics, or have limited mobility. There is no need to climb stairs or rely on the elevator, which is especially important during blackouts.
- Elderly people. Less traffic, easier access to the street, pharmacies and shops. For older people, this is not only a matter of convenience, but also of daily safety.
- Those who put safety first. During air raids, residents of the first floors can reach shelter more quickly. This is especially important in wartime, as threats cannot be ignored.
- Those who value affordability and savings. Lower price, more stable water pressure, easier maintenance — the ground floor allows you to save money without losing comfort.
- Entrepreneurs and investors. The ground floor space can easily be adapted for business - an office, salon, café or shop. This is a stable source of income, especially in areas with good foot traffic.
Should I buy an apartment on the first floor?
Considering the advantages and disadvantages, a ground floor apartment can be both a smart investment and a practical solution for life. It opens up more opportunities than it seems at first glance: from the convenience of everyday life to the prospect of a stable passive income. With the right approach, most of the disadvantages - noise, humidity or less light - are easily eliminated with modern technologies and thoughtful repairs. In any case, the final decision remains with the buyer.
Visnovok
An apartment on the ground floor is an option that evokes conflicting emotions among buyers. Some consider such apartments inconvenient, while others, on the contrary, see in them practicality, accessibility and benefit. In fact, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Such housing has its own characteristics, but most of them can be controlled. Modern double-glazed windows, waterproofing, thoughtful lighting and high-quality repairs turn the first floor into a comfortable space that is not much inferior to other levels of the house. Moreover, in certain cases it even wins. For example, when barrier-free, stable water pressure or safety during air alarms are important.
For an investor, an apartment on the first floor is an opportunity to earn income: rent it out, convert it into an office or small business. For a family or the elderly, it is convenience and peace of mind. For a young couple, it is a chance to buy a house cheaper and equip it for themselves. So the first floor is neither worse nor better - it is simply different. And if you weigh all the nuances soberly, without stereotypes, then such an apartment can become a profitable and comfortable solution for many years. When choosing a home, soberly assess all its advantages and disadvantages and think in advance about whether you will be able to fix what does not satisfy you.
