Should You Buy a Lower or Upper Floor Apartment?

Buying a home is a significant life event, and everyone has different preferences and lifestyles. Therefore, it is not possible to generalise which type of unit is better. In the last issue, we discussed the differences between standalone buildings and large housing estates. This time, we will compare the pros and cons of lower and upper floor apartments.

Generally, Hong Kong residents prefer upper floor units, but these are often more expensive than lower floor units. Is it really true that the higher the floor, the better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? How should homebuyers choose the right unit?

First, let's talk about the advantages of upper floors. The higher the floor, the fewer the obstructions, making the view more open and less affected by surrounding buildings. Higher floors also receive better natural light. There are fewer insects on higher floors, and since the building’s sewage flows from top to bottom, upper floors are less affected by pipe blockages.

Additionally, there is a less obvious but significant benefit: while the usable area of the same unit in the same building is the same, the actual interior space varies. This is because the lower floors require a stronger structure, resulting in thicker walls and smaller interior spaces. 

As for the disadvantages, if the elevator breaks down or there is a fire, getting downstairs can be very difficult. According to fire safety regulations, buildings over 40 floors must have fireproof floors to prevent the spread of fire. So, in case of a fire, residents on higher floors can escape to these fireproof floors more directly and quickly.

On the other hand, buying a lower floor unit also has its advantages. The most obvious benefit is that lower floor units are usually priced lower, with prices generally increasing from bottom to top. There is also more room for negotiation, making them suitable for buyers with a limited budget.

Moreover, units facing west often have the issue of direct sunlight in the summer, causing the unit to be very warm. Lower floor units are typically shaded by other buildings, reducing this issue and making them relatively cooler.

However, the disadvantages include reduced natural light due to obstruction by other buildings. Lower floor units are also more likely to face noise, exhaust fumes, and insects. Residents might need to keep windows closed or install mosquito screens to mitigate these problems.

A significant drawback is the higher risk of sewage backflow. Since the entire building’s sewage flows downwards, any blockage or pipe burst can cause issues in lower floor units, leading to flooding and unpleasant odors. In the worst-case scenario, the flooring and furniture could be severely damaged.

Overall, higher floors are not necessarily better. Both lower and upper floor units have their pros and cons. When buying a home, it is crucial to consider your budget, financial capacity, and the surrounding environment, rather than blindly pursuing either lower or upper floors.

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