Why are ground-floor flats cheaper?
Text from 2019. Laws, rates and prices may have changed since then. Ask an agent
When choosing flats to invest in, we take various aspects into account, for example price, location, the condition of the building and the floor. The cost of a property also depends on these factors. Find out why ground-floor flats are cheaper.
• The bad reputation of ground-floor flats• Why ground-floor flats are cheaper – price comparison
The bad reputation of ground-floor flats
Many clients simply have negative associations with secondary-market flats located on the ground floor. Poles are reluctant to buy flats on the lowest storey for several reasons. In the past, the reason most often mentioned was security. Today the situation looks somewhat different. Ground-floor flats on gated estates are also less popular. Buyers pay attention to the question of limited privacy in such flats. Low windows are a problem for many people. It is also worth mentioning the risk of water getting into low-lying flats, for example during a flood. Other drawbacks of ground-floor flats that are pointed out include exposure to noise and to pollution from outside. Flats on higher floors also offer a more attractive view from the window. Such opinions affect the price of ground-floor flats. They are usually much cheaper than flats with comparable conditions on other floors.
Why ground-floor flats are cheaper – price comparison
Despite their drawbacks and lower price, ground-floor flats often have additional amenities. These include terraces, a separate area for a garden, and a parking space. One more factor affects the prices of ground-floor flats – the number of people interested. Because of their bad reputation, the cost of such properties is low. It is worth paying attention to the real cost of living in the flat. Ground-floor flats require more heating, because they are close to unheated utility rooms, namely cellars. The difference in price between ground-floor flats and flats on other floors can be as much as a dozen or so per cent. In practice the difference can amount to several dozen thousand PLN. Ground-floor flats are a convenient solution for elderly people. Remember not to focus only on the drawbacks of a listing. Despite appearances, flats on lower floors have their advantages too.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING OR RENTING A FLAT IN A TENEMENT HOUSE
Remember that the choice is yours. If you have a limited budget and the downsides of ground-floor flats are not crucial for you, you can opt for this floor. This solution will let you buy a flat with attractive living conditions at a much lower price.
