In addition, no apparent trend of such surcharges for similar units sold on the secondary market has been observed.
This is because other considerations like the property's condition, renovations completed, neighbours, and a buyer's taste come into play.
The quality of management in these high-rise residential properties is also a consideration. For example, if the elevators are frequently broken, the lower-floor condos would be preferable because people may have to use the stairs.
2. Accessibility
If you live in a high-rise, you may waste a lot of time waiting for the elevator. Because most car parks are underground, higher floors are known to have longer wait times and lengthier trips down.
Remember to factor in peak hour traffic as well. Imagine being late for work and having the elevator open on every floor on your way down.
There's also a chance that you'll encounter a full elevator from time to time.
Lower floors, on the other hand, are unquestionably more practical. Groceries and bulky items are easier to transport, as is returning to your unit if you forget something important.
3. Air Quality and Ventilation
Because you're further away from road pollution, higher floors benefit from a cooler breeze (particularly at night), stronger breezes, and cleaner air.
Being higher up and away from the roadways, with generally clear airflow, has its advantages, but these same elements could also be a problem.
Strong winds can make howling noises, smash doors and windows shut, and cause leaks if there are holes during severe weather or exceptionally windy days. It isn't an enjoyable experience.
4. Light and Temperature
Higher floors have more natural light, especially if your building is largely unimpeded by surrounding projects, providing for a far more pleasant living environment.
Units on the lower floor, on the other hand, are shaded by the floors above them, as well as the surrounding trees and other neighbouring structures.
As a result, the tradeoff is rather obvious: higher floor units benefit from more natural light but may experience warmer temperatures during the day.
Lower-floor units may have less natural light, but they also have cooler ambient temperatures.
5. Consumption of Energy
As previously stated, higher floor units are more exposed to the sun and wind. This is useful if you're drying your clothes on the balcony and don't want to use a dryer.
On the other hand, greater unimpeded sun exposure warms the unit faster, which may prompt you to reach for the air-conditioning remote more frequently, particularly if you work from home. Remember, hot air rises quickly as well.
During the rainy season, however, the cool breeze and cold winds on the upper levels can mean you rarely need to use the air conditioner, let alone the fan.
6. Noise
Although higher-floor condo homes are frequently described as quiet and noise-free, this is not necessarily the case. It all depends on what floor your building's facilities are on.
Because of the higher footfall, the lower floors of ground-floor facilities are more susceptible to noise.
However, keep in mind that some facilities are located in the middle, while most BBQ decks and "sky-anything" are usually found on the rooftop.
Before renting or buying, double-check which floors have the facilities.
7. Privacy
Lower-floor units, in general, have less privacy than higher-level units, especially if you live on the ground floor.
Consider choosing a unit on a somewhat higher floor if your development is located in a congested neighbourhood or near a busy road.
However, if your block faces straight onto the block opposite, you won't be able to avoid your neighbour's sight, even if you're on the top floor.
8. Family-friendly
Lower floors are often more family and disabled-friendly due to their ease of access.
For families with younger children, elderly grandparents, or handicapped family members, lower elevator wait times and easier access to the parking garage can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
9. Litter and Pests
Because you're effectively closer to the waste collection location on the lower floors, you may be more vulnerable to pests like cockroaches and rats.
Furthermore, there are fewer mosquitoes on the higher floors. While this does not guarantee that your condo unit will be mosquito-free, it does imply that they will be less of a nuisance.
Remember to include the urban phenomena of high-rise littering as well. Cigarette stubs, spit, and stray pieces of cloth — you name it, it'll find its way into your home at some point.
10. Safety
Fire safety can be a concern for top-floor residents in the event of a fire. You not only have a long distance to go in terms of evacuating to the lowest floor, but smoke rises as well.
If you have your heart set on a higher floor, make sure you're familiar with the escape routes and that fire extinguishers and fire exits are available.
However, fire isn't the only danger; units on the lower floors are also more prone to burglary and devastating floods.
In a Nutshell
While the general perception is that "the higher, the better," this may not always be the case.
Lower-floor condo units are occasionally more desirable and in demand.
It all comes down to the individual structure, its surroundings, and how effectively it is managed by the
property company.
For more information about properties in Malaysia, including new housing development in Penang, feel free to
get in touch with our friendly and helpful property consultants.
