How to Choose The Right Floor In A Residential Apartment

November 16, 2021

residential apartments

Choosing the right floor in an apartment is necessary for various reasons. While both top and ground floors have their own pros and cons, it is better to dig out all the information possible to make a better decision.

Here in this article, we will point out factors to consider before choosing the right floor in a residential apartment. So, without beating around the bush let’s dive in.

#1. Security and privacy concerns

Lower floors are traditionally thought to be riskier than apartments on higher floors. This is most likely due to their accessibility. Examine the security arrangements in the society/housing complex if you want to stay on a lower floor.

Lower floors, according to property experts, don't provide much privacy, especially if your building is near a busy road. A higher floor is likely to be quieter and more peaceful if the housing complex is in a congested area.

#2. Fire safety

Fire safety can be a concern when purchasing a flat on a higher floor. You should be aware that the fitness for occupancy of any apartment can be determined by whether or not it has been granted an occupancy certificate (OC) by the local authorities.

With the help of an OC, you can verify that the building was built according to the approved plans and in accordance with local laws. The municipal corporation of the area issues this document to the builder after ensuring that all local laws were followed. When purchasing a flat, buyers should request a copy of the OC.

Also, especially on higher floors, check for the presence/availability of fire safety in the form of fire exits and extinguishers.

#3. Number of lifts and staircases

Each tower should ideally have two or more lifts so that at least one is operational in the event that the other fails. If you have elders and children in your family, this is an important consideration.

Because lifts don't work in an emergency, it's also important to check the staircases, which should be convenient to walk and use. Because lifts do not function in an emergency, it is also necessary to inspect the staircases, which should allow you to walk and access floors quickly.

#4. Floor deviations

Illegal deviations from construction plans are frequently found on the building's top floor. If you're buying a top-floor apartment, make sure there aren't any deviations from the norm. It is a good idea to inspect the floor and make sure that the property has all of the necessary clearances.

#5. Vantage point

If the view from your apartment is important to you, consider moving to a higher floor, as they often have the best views. The view is important in apartments near the sea or in scenic areas, and higher floors are your best bet.

However, there is one thing you must remember. The higher you go in a high-rise apartment, the more expensive it is to buy. Floor rise charges will apply in an under-construction apartment, making living on higher floors slightly more expensive.

You should also be aware that builders may charge you more for a north or east-facing flat-cum-floor, which is considered to be superior to a west or south-facing flat-cum-floor.

#6. Mobile network

In several metro cities, the construction of high-rise apartments with up to 40 floors has become commonplace. A high-rise in Mumbai can have more than 40 floors, while buildings in Delhi-NCR have an average of 25 floors. As a result, if you choose a higher floor, make sure the flat has adequate network coverage.

#7. Power consumption

Lower floors are generally cooler than higher ones and thereby the energy consumption is low. But in the case of higher floors, you may need more HVAC appliances and thereby more power consumption. This will ultimately lead to an increased power consumption bill. Hence, do consider this factor before choosing the floor.

#8. Light and ventilation

When compared to those on the ground and lower floors, you get better views of your neighborhood, better light, and ventilation, as well as a lower impact of street-level disturbances. Mosquitoes and rodents are usually not a problem on higher floors.

#9. Rental returns

If you're looking to buy an apartment as an investment, look for one on the lower floors, as they offer better rental returns. Climate change, on the other hand, has an impact on this issue. Upper floors are preferred in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, whereas lower floors are preferred in Delhi-NCR and Chennai for rental purposes.

#10. Connection, service-related factors

Before purchasing a property, make certain that the floor is equipped with security cameras. Also, when you buy a flat on any floor, check the corridor space, which is the only available area outside your flat. As a result, you should double-check that you have enough space outside of your flat, as corridor sizes differ between housing complexes.

Additional things to keep in mind while buying housing properties

1. Choose the right builder

Make sure you choose a reputable/well-known builder with a good reputation and track record before deciding on the right project and floor to buy a flat on. It is your right and responsibility as a home buyer to check with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority(RERA) to see if the developer has registered the project.

2. Connectivity

Ascertain that the project is easily accessible from major parts of the city and that public and private transportation are well connected. Calculate distances from the city's major landmarks. You can do some research on the area and see what public transportation options are available, such as metro, bus, and cabs. Keep an eye out for future connectivity plans in the area, such as a proposed metro line or an expressway.

3. Proximity to offices and social infrastructure

While looking for a new property, keep an eye out for options near commercial centers, IT parks, and corporate offices. In addition, keep an eye out for nearby grocery stores, hospitals, schools, colleges, malls, parks, theaters, and other entertainment options.

4. Local infrastructure around the society

In determining a residential property's current and future value, the infrastructure in and around it is critical. Roads connecting to the society and in-roads within the society, for example, should be well-built and maintained.

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