Ground floor flat noise

nickyg2000

My girlfriend and I are in the process of buying a purpose built ground floor flat build in the 1950's. We have some friends renting a new build ground floor flat and tell us the noise from above is awful. They say they can hear everything despite a change in neighbours. We are starting to get worried now.

Anyone have any experience of living in a 50's flat and the potential noise issues? Thanks...

Tancred

nickyg2000 wrote: »

My girlfriend and I are in the process of buying a purpose built ground floor flat build in the 1950's. We have some friends renting a new build ground floor flat and tell us the noise from above is awful. They say they can hear everything despite a change in neighbours. We are starting to get worried now.

Anyone have any experience of living in a 50's flat and the potential noise issues? Thanks...

As always this depends on how considerate your neighbours are. If they are not, it doesn't matter whether you live in a ground floor, middle floor or top floor flat.

I lived in a ground floor flat in a modern (1980s) low rise block for three years and it wasn't any worse or any better than any other place I've lived in.

yoyoegg

With fashionable laminate flooring, you'll hear a beetle scuttling about.

Davesnave

It partly depends on the construction, as well as the consideration of those above. Presumably your surveyor would be able to advise regarding any problems inherent in the type of build you are considering.

morphy_richards

Check their lease (you can ask the freeholder for a copy). There is probably a requirement for the floors to be carpeted or sound insulated.

bodmil

Personally I wouldn't risk buying anything other than a top floor flat which mine is, and even the noise from the neighbours at the sides annoys me.

Lizling

I have a 1950s purpose-built ground floor flat. From one end of it I never hear anything from above and at the other end, some noise can travel down the stairwell, but I don't find it a problem. It's a young family above me, too.

I've had far worse living in 90s flats and Victorian conversions.

kBHX

I live in a new build ground floor flat. I don't have any issues with noise at all thankfully. As highlighted above some leases do specify no laminate or wooden flooring. My lease does but I know of at least three flats in my block who have laminate flooring.

ILW

There were no regulations regarding sound insulation between flats in the 50s. If noise is an issue I would suggest getting it tested before committing.

jee

victorian conversions are the worst. if they were done in the 70s or 80s it's just a huse split in two with a thin floor between.
is this an ex local authority?

Danni-R

Hey, I live in a purpose built 1980s GFF. and I have to admit I hear very little. I have an old lady up stairs and sometimes I might hear the racing on a sunday I cant hear anything. She has carpets (wood floor would be different I guess) and I have no issues about it.

I wouldnt buy a flat again but thats for a different reason!