Flats in a tower block – what are the pros and cons?
Text from 2019. Laws, rates and prices may have changed since then. Ask an agent
Is it worth investing in flats in tower blocks? This seemingly easy question is not that simple at all. It turns out that living in a tall building has both its advantages and its drawbacks. If you know them, it is easier to present the property in a favourable light when looking for tenants.
The road to the top
Many people consider the main problem of tower blocks to be the relatively long way from the entrance to the stairwell to the door of their own flat. Admittedly, this can be quite tiring. On the other hand, tower blocks have a lift, which cannot be said of the vast majority of low-rise blocks of flats. For young and healthy people it will not make much difference (or at least it should not), but for older people a lift can be a considerable help.
A lift can also be very helpful for families with a child – it saves them carrying the pushchair up several floors every time.
Privacy
An important feature in favour of the upper floors of tower blocks is greater privacy. The matter is simple – if there are no windows opposite, no one looks into the flat. So there is no need to draw curtains or blinds, which immediately translates into a brighter interior.
READ ALSO – EVICTION FROM A FLAT WITH DEBTS
Water pressure
For balance, we must also mention the problems typical of the upper storeys. In summer, when the water pressure in the pipes is often lower, this is felt most strongly there. In low-rise blocks (or on the lower floors of a tower block) this problem is far less noticeable.
Aesthetic value
Since we have mentioned a drawback, it is time to cite an advantage. Flats located on the higher storeys of a tower block have one more advantage: the views from the windows. Provided, of course, that the block does not stand on an estate made up entirely of tower blocks.
More peace and quiet
Speaking of the advantages of tall buildings, it is worth mentioning that the higher the floor, the less street noise reaches the flat. In this respect flats in a tower block are the clear winners.
Temperature differences
Finally, there is one more issue, often overlooked at the time of purchase. Flats located in the middle parts of a building generally have a fairly stable temperature. Things are worse for those in its corners and those on the top floor – especially in really tall buildings – where it will be exceptionally warm in summer and very cold in winter.
