Hi, there,

When buying a low-rise condo (no elevator), what are things to take note?

1) Should one buy the unit located at the highest floor (5th floor)?
2) In terms of value, the higher floor unit is cheaper or the lower floor unit is cheaper? Or the price varies depending on size?
3) What if the same residential have both high rise and low rise condos, will the high rise units have any effects on low rise units?

Thank you.

i've been staying in non elavator condo's.... I only stay at the 3rd floor and it's killing me already. the shoping bags and stuff...wah...dang suffering really. value, normal value is the higher the floor, the cheaper it is.

@wealthdaddy,
For low-rise apartments/condos with NO elevators, the more staircases U need to climb the lower the value of the apartment. On the other hand, you might want to be a lil cautious about security if U opt for the Ground Floor units.

Prices would vary depending on size but for apartments/condos of this nature, the higher level floors are usually cheaper.

It's hard to say if the high rise units would have effect on the low rise units - generally, people prefer low rise condos because it usually means lower density but this might not be the case for you. It really depends on the entirety of the project.

I personally wouldn't get the unit located on the 5th floor. Instead, I would get 1st floor or perhaps 2nd floor - depending again on where the car park area is.

1st floor is the best for convenience/safety.

I am currently renting a walk-up apartment 1st floor, which is ideal to me.

Choice of unit on each level /each block/high vs low rise will depend on combination of various factors. Some of them are:

1) View...generally, the higher it goes, the more expensive it is. Hwwever, in low rises, this does not apply. Local conditions will determine the view. Look around the site for clues. Ask to see the earh-work and elevation plans .

2) Feng Shui....in this part of the world this plays an aimportant role....units facing some sharp huge objects, units with numbers 4 or combination of it are usually discounted..units facing favoured direction like south are also more expensive

3) Practical reasons.....for walk-up unit, the units with the shortest route from car-park/lobby usually command better price, for obvious reasons.
Another reason, avoid the top floor units ...they are hotter as the roof retains heat..depending on the roof design and materials used, security is also an issue to be considered. And the most pening kepala reason, roof leaks...altho paid for from the common fund, the inconveniences of having a leak into your unit is very real.

4) Cost factor...maintenance/service fees. Unless you have special reasons to buy into a project...Buying a unit in all low-rise blocks will be more value for money as you don't have to share cost of maintaining and replacing the M&E installations in high rise blocks...these costs can make up a big portion of the service charges.


Aiyoh...so confusing right?...Don't worry, One general rule of thumb ot use.
ASk the sales person for price loading factor in each unit. There's always a reason why certains attributes are priced in/out.
Make an informed decision from there.

Happy Apartment Hunting!

This post has been edited by ??!!: Aug 7 2008, 10:35 AM

if you buy the 5th floor unit, you will have trouble selling it. a lot of people will not walk up 5 flights of stairs.

plus, you will have to worry about leakage.

top floor is always a no-no as a rule of thumb personally for me, even in high-rise condos. have my own reasons though.

This post has been edited by livingmonolith: Aug 7 2008, 07:52 PM

Also top floor unit might be hot cause of the afternoon sun as well.

It seems like we're all giving U disadvantages here. If U need some convincing to get that 5th level unit, well... consider it forcing U to exercise daily *grins*

which reminds me of another thing, a big no if any of your family members have difficulty climbing stairs, say old folks with slight walking disabilities etc.

even though its good exercise, i seriously advise you against getting the 5th floor unit.

Hi all,

Thanks for all the kind inputs.

@??!!,
Thanks for sharing with us and the detailed post.


@tinkerbel
Haha... In fact, that's what most of us keen to know...
Frankly speaking, I personally couldn't tell much of the advantages of buying the highest floor unit besides being cheaper, better air circulation (maybe), cleaner and... not stepped by others...

Thanks.

1. My advise to you is not to buy the highest floor, not even 3rd or 4th floor. Very inconvenient is the main reason. It's often hot in the afternoon, roof-leaking problem, hard to sell, etc.

2. Higher floor in a low-rise apartment is definitely cheaper (without lift). Those with lift are generally cheaper by a bit. Imagine the lift is out of order, you will not want to climb up the stairs. Unless is a penthouse, the price is more expensive it would be larger, you might have a private roof-top, etc.

3. I personally think it has no effect because it depends on the individual. Some people will choose to stay in high-rise condo for better view, low-rise for convenience.

@wealthdaddy,
You're absolutely right! *grins* If U read my earlier post, I oredi said I wouldn't get the L5 unit.

How bout 3-stry high? Say you want to buy the top floor unit but without lift? Any comments?

3rd floor is reasonable i think..especially for young ppl..
anyway still depend on the apartment itself..
me also going to buy low rise aprtment 2nd floor..
its just tough when u buy heavy furniture..

Ya, imagine you need to carry a piano up the stairs. hahahaha

That's where good neighbor come in handy..heheh

Remember oso not to buy the bottom flr cos thats where most blocked plumbing & overflow problems occur.

Airwell will also be wet & mould grows, also rubbish thrown from upstairs will end up here, unless its accessible & management has superb maintenance reputation.

This will also leads to lots of cockroaches and rats. 1st Floor would be better and more privacy.