Ground floor or attic: on the floors of a block of flats

Not all flats are equal, even in the same block. Units often differ in how attractive they look to buyers, if only because of the floor they are on. We readily choose flats on the middle floors; the ground floor and the attic seem to many people a somewhat less interesting option. Do they really deserve that reputation, and why is it worth taking a closer look at them after all?

A ground-floor flat: convenient, but is it safe?

Residents of ground-floor properties in Katowice can probably list a few of their drawbacks with ease. Above all, these concern security and privacy. Ground-floor flats are "on show" to everyone; as residents we may feel uncomfortable constantly hearing neighbours or their guests walking past our door. It is also awkward that anyone can easily look in through our windows; even without bad intentions, it is an unpleasant feeling. A ground-floor flat is also the most obvious target for burglars; it is worth remembering to secure the windows and the balcony. All of this means that an estate agent will probably find a cheaper flat on the ground floor than on the higher floors.

So what makes us choose such flats anyway? Above all, convenience: for families with children, elderly people or people with disabilities, such a flat can be a convenient option, especially in a block without a lift. In many blocks, ground-floor flats also have access to a small terrace or garden, which we will appreciate particularly in summer.

The attic: the cheapest flats and still many advantages

On the housing market, as a rule, we will pay the least for top-floor flats. What is the reason for this? It must be admitted that such units are by far the most exposed to the weather. Problems appear especially in the winter and summer months; in winter we may have trouble with heat escaping from the flat, while in summer the flat will heat up more than on the lower floors. Residents of attic flats also sometimes report problems with damp, which can collect if the roof leaks. And finally, if the block has no lift, climbing to the top floor every day can be a torment when we have several heavy shopping bags to carry up.

It is worth moving on to the advantages here, because attic flats have quite a few of those too. First of all, the price mentioned earlier, which is often the lowest of all the flats in the building. A top-floor flat also offers peace and privacy. Nobody will accidentally look in through the window, and we will not have to worry about noise from the flat above. An attic often means interesting design possibilities: making use of the light coming into the interior and the sloping ceilings can give our four walls a special charm. Finally, the view from the window: many such flats offer, as part of the price, a stunning panorama of the city or the surrounding countryside.