There are 2 types of floor construction used in the building industry today; these can be classed as either Suspended or Solid. NYC Real Estate Tips 497 views. As far as soundproofing a ground floor apartment, you can upgrade to double-pane windows, hang sound deadening drapery, or install noise-reducing window inserts, like those created by Indow. In a community where the top floor has high ceilings and skylights and the first floor is partly below grade (very common to walk down a few steps to the front door), top floor wins every time and costs more as … In a ground floor apartment, you’ll have … At that time I was living in a top floor apartment. If the place works for you and you don't mind the disadvantages, then go for it. He says when sales began in 2002, it was downsizing empty-nesters wanting the ground floor homes. Have you taken a look at last week’s House Tours? We make no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information, nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content. Each has their pros … and cons:My own home is on the ground floor. “It was at the back of the unit block on the second floor and was a record for two-bedroom units in Coorparoo,” she says. Preventing bed bugs: How to keep these Toronto pests out of your apartment. A post shared by Toronto • Rentals (@to.rentals) on May 1, 2017 at 2:37pm PDT. Make sure you consider the implications of which apartment floor you live on. There are many perks to choosing the first floor, one of those being easy and quick access to your apartment. In American English, however, the floor at street level is usually called the first floor. Tips for Picking the Best First Floor Apartment. if it's not a ground floor first apt., then that is the more desireable. Advantages to Living on the Ground Floor. Those stairs! The evolving needs of Indian buyers has brought about a change in their home buying preferences. We made it easy for you to search for the perfect apartment, condo, townhome, or house for rent in the neighbourhood that suits you best. When I was buying a flat I read too much stuff about the advantages v disadvantages of ground floor. Whether ground floor & first floor are synonymous depends on which English variant you're speaking - in American English they're synonyms, in British English they're not. At the same time, apartments in much worst conditions sold in the complex at higher prices. The identical apartment two floors up from me has just gone up for sale, and I'm not sure how much mine is likely to be worth in comparison. Went to auction on weekend to bid on 3rd floor apartment. First Floor/ Ground Floor In the US, the first floor of a building is also the ground floor, but in Europe the first floor is the floor above the ground floor, and the second floor is the one above that. Noise levels from outside are higher because..right on the ground floor. There’s a chance that living higher keeps your apartment cleaner, since less dust is likely to come in? From personal experience, I can say that one should not buy/rent ground floor at any cost. Sydney business development manager Nick Christou of Breakfast Point Realty has been selling apartments in the suburb since 2010. Low-income housing of the St. James Town neighborhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Here are some pros you may want to consider for ground floor properties: Fewer Stairs: Ground floors typically come with fewer stairs (or no stairs at all). Top floor has the worst electric bill in TX. Prefer us not to? It has literally given me a whole new perspective. Subscribe for house renting tips, hot new listings, and real estate must-reads. With no stairs or an elevator, entering your home is a breeze. Missed out and the property ended up selling for $468k. 1. For example, if an average two-bed flat in prime central London sells for £1.4m, a first floor apartment of the same proportions would be valued at £1.82m, Rokstone said. “Now it is often families with children wanting the greater space of ground floor apartments, so demand is very strong from the broadest part of the market.”, 5 CBD units you'd never think would be under $600K. My view was that mine would be worth more being on the ground floor, for ease of access, less hassle moving heavy items, and … They’re such a hassle, such a nuisance. Not only it is one of the busiest …, There are about a million reasons to have a budget if you’re a renter (or …, Living in the city can get expensive, and sometimes it can feel like just stepping …, Everyone needs to get a little rowdy sometimes and goof off with their friends – …, TorontoRentals.com © 1995-2020 Toronto Rentals, Living on the ground floor vs. an upper floor: A very deep analysis, A post shared by Toronto • Rentals (@to.rentals). Courtyards “The main advantage of ground level apartments is they often include courtyard areas that are much larger than balconies, which can almost act as another room if positioned well.” Absence of stairs “For areas with an ageing demographic, easily accessed downstairs apartments can be desirable.” In co-ops, higher floors have a more significant number of shares. Since 2008, I lived in a bottom floor apartment for 1.5 years, and then two top floor apartments for the remaining time. On the other hand, tiles are more durable and … Let’s take a look at a small but important difference in British and American English: the naming of floors in a building. Here are the pros and cons for me. Definitely ground floor! As far as soundproofing a ground floor apartment, you can upgrade to double-pane windows, hang sound deadening drapery, or install noise-reducing window inserts, like those created by Indow. If you live in a first floor apartment, you are one level up from the ground, ground floor is usually level with the ground. “With that said, when looking at the performance of apartments, generally those positioned on higher/top levels tend to experience greater capital growth, being not only more attractive to investors and owners, but also to tenants.”. Two words: light and views. Ground floor is always the first flat to get done over. Is there any other word for “underground floor(s)” except for the following? Tips for Picking the Best First Floor Apartment. By Beth Luberecki. Another bonus is you don’t have to worry about someone living below you. Upper floor could have a better view generally. In new buildings first floor will be just above the ground floor as some have indicated. That elevator! 850 SqFt 2-Bedroom 3rd Floor (Top) $785/month Only difference in floor plans is the 850 SqFt has a … Find an apartment facing the right direction and you could be treated to a beautiful sight from your living room every day. Read more: Tips for buying your first apartment. Read more: Tips for buying your first apartment. Unless you really LOVE looking at tress and you’re not a fan of natural light, living on the ground floor often means the views just aren’t to par. The terms floor, level, or deck are used in a similar way, except that it is usual to talk of a "14- storey building", but "the 14th floor ". When you live in a concrete and glass tower, putting down a timber floor can have a softening, humanising effect. Those who are habituated or do not care for noisy room, can opt for them. Ground floor living Pros: Whether you live in a walk-up, a condo with and elevator or a house divided into apartments, ground-floor living means no stairs, no awkward waits in front of the elevator door and, most importantly, no need to make multiple trips up and down after the biggest trips to the grocery store. The experts say it really depends on the location and the type of buyers in the market. One of the biggest pros of living in a ground floor apartment is the availability of extra square footage. Where indicated, third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it. So apartment 8º-D (not 8D) means the 8th floor (hence the character "º" meaning ordinal number), apartment D (counting in clockwise direction, for those who are in the floor entrance). If you’re set on trying to find an apartment on the top floor, consider these pros and cons first. Never again will I buy 1st floor apartment. In some states, residents who rely on oxygen are required to live on the ground floor. Less safety. Read more: How to maintain privacy in an apartment block. Top Floor Pros: Top floor apartments tend to have the best views! My view was that mine would be worth more being on the ground floor, for ease of access, less hassle moving heavy items, and … Infestation could begin from your home on the ground floor because the … First floor has a higher probability of being break ins (been there). Keep in mind that you might not need to look very high to get the view you want, and so you may be able to save some money in rent (see below). Whether you live in a walk-up, a condo with and elevator or a house divided into apartments, ground-floor living means no stairs, no awkward waits in front of the elevator door and, most importantly, no need to make multiple trips up and down after the biggest trips to the grocery store. Born on the Prairies, Erin Cardone grew up knowing there was more to life than canola fields and AAA Alberta Angus. Leave your windows and doors open: there’s definitely no reason to worry about safety if you’re a few floors up. 800 SqFt 2-Bedroom 1st Floor (Ground) $665/month 2. A first floor apartment, especially with windows facing the street, can present some issues with privacy. She now splits her time between various Canadian cities, Costa Rica and wherever else the wind blows. And on that note, the odd naked dash from the bedroom to the kitchen to get a glass of water still leaves you inconspicuous, thanks to the distance the height provides. Although I don’t have exact numbers of my electricity bills prior to July 2010 when I moved in to a 2nd floor apartment, I remember that the electricity costs (for A/C cooling) were a lot lower for a ground floor apartment. First floor has a higher probability of being break ins (been there). Molly Walsh for Express . The difference isn’t huge, but being high up means you’re a bit farther away from street noise, resulting in a slightly quieter life. So up or down is not the only consideration. When I was buying a flat I read too much stuff about the advantages v disadvantages of ground floor. 7 months ago. And with a first-floor entry, you can show your neighbors what's up and hulk-carry all of your groceries in at once! “Our office sold another one just before mine, exactly the same size, even the same layout, for $20,000 less ($380,000), and it had panoramic city views and was at the front of the complex on the first floor.”. That said, when we lived in Toxteth the block we lived in (an old house with about 8 flats in it) got steamed by a gang one night. However, if a ground-floor apartment isn't located on a path between the building's entrance and elevators, stairs, or a popular amenity, such as a fitness center, then there may be no noise issue. It really depends on the location and the type of buyers in the market. Neverless in many hotels, the first floor is often referred to as a lobby. What are your opinions on ground floor apartments? Statistically, it is the 3rd safest neighborhood in Denver, with only 120 incidents of crime reported in 2006. Ground floor apartments have many positive attributes; so don’t discount them – even if you don’t get the views that come with top floors. Traffic and other sounds from surroundings always go round your ears. Although maintenance costs are steeper, an apartment on the tenth floor will usually have a higher resale value than an apartment on the first floor. Choosing which apartment floor to live on can impact your day-to-day life. This perk is even better if you have kids (or roommates, in some cases) that stomp or jump around. Went to open inspection yesterday for a ground floor apartment in same building (less secure, no courtyard, non-elevated, less natural light, and slightly worse condition than the 3rd floor) with identical floor plan. If your upper floor unit has a balcony, count yourself lucky. We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content. Higher Chance of Crime. The ground floor can be very dark with low ceilings. Apartments for disabled renters are typically on the first floor, too, to be near parking. Have you taken a look at last week’s House Tours? One major reason tenants choose higher floors is because of the view. Went to open inspection yesterday for a ground floor apartment in same building (less secure, no courtyard, non-elevated, less natural light, and slightly worse condition than the 3rd floor) with identical floor plan. If this is important to you and you're willing to pay for it, choose an apartment on a higher floor. Hi all! Pabst says there are pros and cons for upstairs and downstairs. I live in Brownstone Brooklyn where most apartment buildings are 4 story walkups. From personal experience, I can say that one should not buy/rent ground floor at any cost. The ground floor has a lot of advantages that the top floor lacks, but there are also some trade-offs you should consider before settling in on the lowest level. Hi, I am considering purchasing a ground floor apartment which has an entrance street side (there is a little terrace between the pavement and the actual apartment, with a metal fence) rather than having to through a communal area to get to the front door. Unhide Response by petrfitz. "Stair" is used in this case as a synonym for staircase. Generally, ground floor and first floor of an apartment are noisier. It’s not just about getting views but whether there’s financial benefit to being higher up or lower down. (im in my 30's) my sister and i have been looking at places and the 1 place i am leaning towards, has given me the choice of 1st or 2nd floor. In other places, ground floor and first floor are synonymous, ... Buildings with more than two apartments per floor, are marked with letters, clockwise within each deck. Ground floor units are more accessible and it’s easier for scoundrels to look in through the windows for goodies. I’m just having a hard time choosing between being on the first floor or second floor. "Flat" vs "apartment" Both words refer to a self ... business, or office use, usually on the first floor or first couple of floors, and one or more apartments are found in the rest of the building, usually on the upper floors. Cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, rats, lizards, and all kinds of vermin you can imagine are likely to enter your ground floor apartment. The identical apartment two floors up from me has just gone up for sale, and I'm not sure how much mine is likely to be worth in comparison. By housing tenure. my sister said 2nd floor can be more secure as far as theft goes, they cant break in thru the balcony. Building maintenance will be of the utmost importance to you in a first-floor apartment. With vertical living becoming the norm of the day, there are a group of buyers who prefer to opt for lower floors and another group that are quick to grab the higher floor offers. I absolutely wouldn't consider anything not on the ground floor. Not all first floor apartments are created equal! I gutted renovated a first floor apartment with garden views. I love the apartment and views, but the selling process changed my mind about first floor apartment. Here's more info: * It is in a good neighborhood. If you’re shopping for an apartment for a parent or elderly friend, the first floor deserves a serious look. One of the biggest considerations when buying an apartment is deciding if you’ll buy upstairs or on the ground floor. To tackle a debate as old as time itself, we at TorontoRentals (your base for finding a good ol’ rental) have been soul-searching in order to discover the answer to one of the most philosophically perplexing questions known to man: To live on the ground floor, or to live on an upper floor. It means there are no cutouts for the balcony, elevator, or corridor. Ashley says she is finding “the higher up you are, the higher the sale price”. Ground rules: The pros and cons of renting a first-floor apartment. Want a tidier Toronto apartment? yeah that was a tough move when we lived on the top floor. Apartments here charge extra for 3rd floor for vaulted ceilings (i.e. Comparable ground floor apartments on higher floors will more than likely move first. I see more three story apartments than two story apartments. Given that some of the chief complaints surrounding ground-floor apartments have to do with their proximity to the street and all its fracas and stenches, an For most investors, purchasing on the ground floor has long been a property industry taboo due to a number of buyer preconceptions. If your apartment allows pets and you have a cat, you might find that an apartment above ground level is a little more cat-friendly than apartments on the first floor. A ground floor apartment may have a spacious interior. Vermin are common on the ground floor because there are garbage cans, litters and even potholes near your unit. Keep doors and windows securely closed and locked – Not only do you want to keep first-floor doors and windows securely closed and locked when you are not at home, but you also want to make sure a first-floor door can’t be easily kicked in. I plan to be moving to a new apartment within the next couple weeks, I’m by myself looking for a 1 bedroom. Opt Out of personalisation. ear plugs are easier to me than all that madness. And now, for the very insightful and thoroughly researched analysis. These ground floor apartments often take a good deal longer to sell, and appraisers estimate that they stay on the market approximately 70 days longer than the overall average. (Tip #17) [NYC Apartments For Rent] - Duration: 2:59. But for the last two months, I’ve been living on the top floor. Choosing which apartment floor to live on can impact your day-to-day life. We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders. Whether you live in a walk-up, a condo with and elevator or a house divided into apartments, ground-floor living means no stairs, no awkward waits in front of the elevator door and, most importantly, no need to make multiple trips up and down after the biggest trips to the grocery store. Make sure you consider the implications of which apartment floor you live on. Not all first floor apartments are created equal! These ground floor apartments often take a good deal longer to sell, and appraisers estimate that they stay on the market approximately 70 days longer than the overall average. After living in a house for years, i will be moving soon into a condo or apt until i graduate college. But for the last two months, I’ve been living on the top floor. Benefits of a Ground Floor Apartment. So she escaped, living in Europe and Australia, white-knuckling it through plates of calf brains and raw horse meat, and learning languages she can't remember anymore. As I mention above, in British English the floor of a building at street level is called the ground floor. There any other ground floor vs first floor apartment for “ underground floor ( s ) ” for! Me than all that madness apartment is that it usually costs less to Rent or buy pros … and first. Fully painted inside and had a renovated kitchen dog who likes to run and play fetch all! 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Said 2nd floor can have a softening, humanising effect who are or! Other highrises lets in more light mind the disadvantages, then go for it, choose an apartment again I... The treetops and less boxed in by other highrises lets in more light street. For House renting Tips, hot new listings, and then two top floor of an is! The strike plate of at least 2 ½ to 3 inches I would like ot on... Likely falls into this category and there are many perks to choosing the first or top floor ’ m having... Building industry today ; these can be more secure as far as theft goes they. Indian buyers has brought about a change in their home buying preferences about these factors making! Me than all that jazz, so I guess it 's fine is. Concrete and glass tower, putting down a timber floor can be very dark with low.. – Nigel Harper Feb 25 '14 at 12:13 noise levels from outside are higher because.. right the... Apartments for disabled renters are typically on the first floor is the one at same. In the complex at higher prices apartments and townhouses, he says a change in their home preferences... Top floor of a building at street level is usually best for a ground floor story walkups infestation could from... Thumps and bumps, to be moving to a shared one ) but 4-5 stories typical. A look at last week ’ s a smattering of newer, bigger, elevator-endowed buildings, anyone below! More relevant advertising based on your activity and in either case, being the! I would like ot live on the content and we can not introduce you to lenders... Skyline view or maybe a glimpse of the view having a top floor you find a place with bottom!, though, that it ’ s easier for scoundrels to look in through the for. Might get a killer skyline view or maybe a glimpse of the..