When selecting a floor in a high-rise apartment, consider factors like views, noise level, and convenience. Higher floors offer better views and a quieter environment, while lower floors provide easier access and convenience. Your personal preferences and lifestyle will guide your choice.
When it comes to buying a home in a city like Bangalore or any other metro city, the first preference for most homebuyers is often high-rise apartments. There are many reasons people choose to live in apartments – convenience, safety, community living, etc. But the question many people find a bit perplexing is which floor to choose while buying a home in a high-rise apartment? Indeed, the answer depends on various factors. Let’s examine the various floor options available in high-rise apartments.
Critical factors that influence the choice of floor in a high-rise apartment include the type of family, members, their preferences, etc. For instance, individuals with elderly parents often choose lower floors whereas, young couples without children choose to live in middle or higher floors. Also, if there is a physically challenged member in the family, opting for lower floors would be ideal.
Table of Contents
Life on the Ground Floor of a High-rise Apartment – Advantages & Disadvantages
Living on the ground floor of a high-rise apartment allows you the convenience of not having to climb the stairs or waiting for the elevator – particularly beneficial if you have elderly parents or a physically challenged member in the family. Other features include the following:
- Easy access to the outdoor space.
- If you stay on rent, you’ll find it easy to move house.
- Pleasant climate, especially during summer, allows you to limit the usage of A/C, resulting in savings on electricity bill.
- Easy to evacuate in case of emergencies.
When it comes to disadvantages, there are quite a few. Let’s take a look at them.
- You’ll be compromising on privacy as people will be moving around all the time.
- High level of noise either from the playground or other activities at the outdoor area.
- Lack of light and ventilation.
- Security concerns, as a ground floor home is easily accessible.
- Water seepage and dampness during the monsoon season, causing health problems.
- Vulnerable to various insects and pests – from mosquitoes to rodents.
Life on the Lower Floors of a High-rise Apartment – Advantages & Disadvantages
In a high-rise apartment, floors 1 to 3 can be considered as the lower floor. While lower floors have many advantages, which are similar to the ground floor, they come with unique benefits as well.
- Better light and ventilation.
- Likely to fetch higher rentals as a lot of people prefer to stay on lower floors.
- In case of non-availability of lifts, residents can choose stairs.
- Always easy for children to access playground and easy for parents to monitor them.
Now, let’s analyse the disadvantages of lower floors in a high-rise apartment.
- Increased noise levels.
- Limited view of the outdoors in comparison to higher floors.
- Lack of privacy.
- More prone to insects and bugs.
Life on the Middle Floors of a High-rise Apartment– Advantages & Disadvantages
Having analysed the pros and cons of living on the lower floors of a high-rise apartment, let’s now check the advantages and disadvantages of living on the middle floors, starting with the advantages.
- Low on noise.
- Better views, which are on par with top floors, along with light and ventilation.
- Decreased presence of insects and bugs.
- Moderate temperatures round the year, resulting in lower electricity consumption.
While there are advantages of choosing to live on the middle floor of a high-rise apartment, they are not devoid of disadvantages. Let’s have a look at the most important ones among them.
- Dependency on elevators, resulting in restricted mobility especially for senior citizens.
- Not easy for children to access playground.
- People staying on rent will find it difficult while moving house.
- In case of emergency, evacuation would be quite a task.
Life on the Higher Floors of a High-rise Apartment – Advantages & Disadvantages
Imagine living on the 20th, 30th or 40th floor of a high-rise apartment! Well, a lot of people, especially young couples, prefer to live on the top floors of high-rise buildings. There are multiple advantages of living in a home that is on the top floor of a high-rise apartment. Let’s check out the benefits of living on the higher floors first.
- Absolute peace and privacy, as they are way above ground level.
- Out of reach of insects, particularly mosquitoes.
- Spectacular view of the surroundings.
- Exposure to fresh air, sunlight, and better ventilation.
- Easy access to the terrace – quite a benefit if there are amenities on the terrace.
Having seen the advantages, let’s now move on to the disadvantages of living on the higher floors of a high-rise apartment. They are as follows:
- Increased dependency on elevators – if they go out of order, it restricts mobility completely.
- Difficulty of moving around things, especially heavy items like furniture.
- Direct sunlight, especially in summer, makes the interiors warm, resulting in constant use of A/C and a significant increase in the electricity bill.
- Difficult for senior citizens and the differently abled.
- Difficulty for children to access playground.
- Extremely challenging to evacuate in case of emergencies such as a fire breakout.
How to Choose a Floor in a High-rise Apartment Based on Your Lifestyle and Preferences
As we have seen the potential advantages and disadvantages of various types of floors – lower, middle, and top in a high-rise apartment – let’s now focus on how to choose a floor based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Familial Dynamics
Family comes first. If yours is a nuclear family, comprising just husband and wife, with or without children, you may choose a higher floor in a high-rise apartment. This will ensure privacy, great views, and an undisturbed life.
Health and Mobility Concerns
Are you living with your elderly parents, or do you have a physically challenged member in the family? If so, lower floors of a high-rise building are ideal for you, as it will be easy for your parents to move around or go outdoors.
Work From Home
If you work from home or have hybrid model, you will require your home to be less noisy and peaceful. Naturally, an ideal choice for you would be the higher floors or at least middle floors in a high-rise building that will ensure that you can do your work in peace.
Psychological and Emotional Aspects
If you have aged parents, they may want to go down ‘to feel the earth’ quite often. In that case lower floors are what you ought to choose. If you or your spouse is afraid of heights, again, choosing a lower floor would be helpful. But if there’s a constant fear and concern about pests and noise, higher floors in a high-rise building will be suitable for you.
Read More – Benefits of Living in An Apartment Complex
Choosing the Right Floor from the Investment Point of View
Resale Value and Rental Demand
While there is demand for higher floors in a high-rise apartment, when you purchase an apartment as an investment, it is better to opt for one on the lower floor. As per realtors, apartments on the higher floors have less resale value than the ones on lower floors.
Rental Returns and Demand from Tenants
When it comes to renting a home, people in India often prefer lower floors in a high-rise apartment. Naturally, if you are purchasing an apartment to get steady rental returns, it’s ideal to choose one that is on the lower floor.
Budget Concerns and Market Trends
When you purchase an apartment in a high-rise building, you shell out more if the one you’ve chosen is on the higher floor. But as already seen, resale value as well as rental returns are more for apartments on lower floors. Consider these factors while you choose the floor.
Consider Future Trends and Technological Advancements
Smart Buil dings and High-Tech Amenities
There is a growing demand for smart buildings that feature high-end amenities. Investing in apartments in a high-rise building that makes use of technology will help you gain more during the time of resale. It will also fetch you significant rental returns.
Eco Consciousness and Sustainable Practices
Builders the world over have recognised the importance of sustainable homes. In India, SOBHA Ltd., is one of the pioneers of sustainable practices. Investing in an apartment that makes use of sustainable measures such as solar energy, water recycling etc., will be beneficial in the long run.
Make up Your Mind Before the Purchase
When you plan to purchase an apartment, proper research and due diligence are of critical importance. Sticking to the basics will ensure that you make the right decision.
Create a Priority List
The first task is to identify the location. Once that is done, based on the size of your family, you choose the configuration, whether it’s a 2 BHK you want or a 3/4 BHK. The next task is to choose the right builder. SOBHA Ltd., a name synonymous with superior quality standards, has a track record of creating architectural marvels for almost 30 years.
Seek Expert Advice
Always ask around. After all, you are making a high-value purchase. Ask friends or colleagues who have already purchased a home and you’ll get a fair idea how to go about it. And when you are ready for purchase, make sure that you hire a legal professional to scrutinise all the relevant documents.
Visit the Model Flat
Only when you see a real-size model of the apartment you are intending to buy, you get an idea about your future home. This is quite critical before you go ahead with the decision to purchase a home.
Read More – 8 Things To Know Before Buying An Apartment in Bangalore
Final Thoughts
Before concluding, let’s summarise what we’ve discussed so far. When choosing a floor in a high-rise apartment complex, consider the members of your family, their needs, etc. Also, ensure that the floor you choose is right for you. For instance, if you prefer easy access to the playground, choosing lower floors, or even the ground floor would be ideal. This is the same if you have elderly parents or a physically challenged member in the family. On the contrary, if yours is a nuclear family and you are working from home, the top floor or middle floor of a high-rise building would be the right choice for you.
One of the most important things you must keep in mind while purchasing a home is making an informed decision. Remember, buying a home, whether it’s to live in or as an investment is an extremely important decision that will cost you a major chunk of your savings. Do thorough research to ensure that you go error-free about your decision to purchase a home.
FAQs –
1. Which floor of an apartment is best to live on?
Choosing the right floor in a high-rise apartment is of utmost importance. If you are living with your aged parents or have a physically challenged member in the family, the ground floor or lower floors are ideal as it will help them move around easily. For young couples and those who work from home, top floors are better because they ensure more privacy and less noise.
2. Which floor is the best in a 5-storey building?
Depending on multiple factors including your lifestyle, requirements, the size of your family, etc., the concept of ‘the best floor will’ change. A 5-storey building is not a high rise. Based on your requirements you can choose the ground floor or the top floor. If you don’t prefer the ground floor or the top floor, you can opt for floor 1, 2, 3 or 4.
3. Why is the top floor more expensive?
There are various factors that make an apartment on the top floor more expensive. Apartments on top floors are considered premium. The reasons for these are as follows: They provide better ventilation, less polluted air, and great views. In addition to these, they are safer, compared with a ground floor apartment where thieves can break in. Also, top floor apartments are devoid of bugs and insects, particularly mosquitoes, and offer a noise-free environment and superior privacy.
4. Which floor is best in a high-rise building?
A high-rise building offers a range of options for a homebuyer. If you enjoy scenic views, the best option for you would be the first floor. But if you are not comfortable living on higher floors, you can choose middle or lower floors. If easy accessibility to the ground floor is the family’s requirement, a ground-floor apartment is an ideal option.
5. Are Higher floor apartments more expensive?
Normally, developers charge more for apartments on higher floors. There are quite a few reasons for this. Quality of life is better in a high-rise apartment. There will be better ventilation, better quality air, excellent views, zero noise, and superior privacy in an apartment which is on the higher floor. As a result, higher-floor apartments are expensive.
6. Which floor is best in a 14-floor apartment?
The definition of ‘best floor’ depends on an array of factors. For instance, a joint family living with parents or grandparents may find ground floor as ‘the best’, thanks to the comfort of easy access it offers. For a young couple, the 14-the floor would be perfect, as it offers more privacy and better views of the surroundings.
7. Which floor is the best in a 5-floor apartment?
A 5-floor apartment is not a high rise. Based on your preferences, your definition of ‘best’ would change. For instance, if your parents are keen on staying close to the ground, the best option you can choose is the ground floor. If yours is a nuclear family and you prefer quietude and privacy, you can opt for the 5th floor.
8. Which floor is best according to vastu?
Many homebuyers pay attention to vastu. In accordance, developers offer vastu-compliant homes. As per vastu, it is best to stay near water elements. Hence, vastu suggests ground floor, floor 1, 2, 3 and 4 as ideal.
9. Which floor is best in a 30-floor building?
Individuals or families that prefer breathtaking views, maximum privacy, and fresh air should choose the topmost floor – in this case, the 30th. For those who stay with parents, the ideal choice is ground floor or floors up to 4. Those who want to stay away from the noisy activities on the ground but are not keen on staying on the higher floors, may choose to live from floors 4 to 10.
10. Which floor is best in a flat?
There are quite a few factors that make a floor ‘the best’ for a family. Lifestyle is one, for instance. For young couple, working from home, higher floors are best. But for joint families with parents and grandparents, lower floors are ideal. Consider all these before you choose a floor for you.
11. Which floor is best in an 18-floor apartment?
As per vastu, floors up to four are ideal for living. Also, if you are living with your parents, lower floors are good in terms of easy accessibility, mobility, etc. For young couples who prefer to enjoy great views, prefer privacy, etc., 18th floor is ideal to choose.
12. High Floor vs. Low Floor - Which one to Choose?
High floors have many advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include fresh air, better ventilation, great views, etc. On the flipside, it comes with hefty electricity bills, especially in summer due to heat that results in constant use of air conditioners. Other disadvantages include higher dependency on elevation, and difficulty in case of emergency evacuation. Low floors have increased accessibility to the ground and are convenient for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The disadvantages, however, include dampness in monsoon, leakage, limited ventilation, lack of privacy, etc.
13. Which floor is best in a 10-floor apartment?
Choosing the best floor based on your lifestyle and family preferences is quite easy. If you and your spouse work from home, choosing the 10th floor would be right for you. In case if you live with your parents or you have a physically challenged member in the family, lower floors are good for you.
