Ground floor flat or 2nd floor - which one?

Hannie2805

We have viewed two flats - exactly the same layout however torn between the two:

First floor flat - pro: 1.5m/1.5m private patio area, at the back of the flat so don't hear as much traffic (only the cars in the car park) bad points, the patio area backs onto the flat car park, have to keep blinds shut so not looked in at, security, sun sets there in the morning and in the afternoon, it's shady

2nd floor - pro: extremely bright in the afternoons (shows up the dust!), over looks fields, privacy - bad points, no private patio area and at the front of the flat so can hear a lil traffic.

Which one would you go for? The price is the same. Also is a lift.

Thanks

Bart1

Ground floor eaiser to access, get furniture in etc.

2nd floor much less likely to get burgled.

Personally I would go for 2nd floor.

-taff

Ground floor you can't leave your windows open during the night in the summer.
Second floor, no outside space.
I'd go second floor as well.


If it overlooks fields, where's the traffic coming from? Can you swap bedroom and living room space?

clarky_cat

You mention the 2nd floor is very bright. If its a new build, and south facing, it might get really hot in the summer. Mine does, have had to buy a good fan and always have windows open.

fairy_lights

2nd floor, 1.5 x 1.5 isn't a huge amount of outdoor space, and I'd much rather have the nice views and security of the 2nd floor.

martinsurrey

There is a reason penthouses are on the top.

I lived in a ground floor flat for a year, and wouldnt do it again. Mainly security and privacy.

Frogletina

martinsurrey wrote: »

There is a reason penthouses are on the top.

I lived in a ground floor flat for a year, and wouldn't do it again. Mainly security and privacy.

I'm in a penthouse and can leave my windows open all day if I want to - I'm on the third floor. It was for security reasons that I wanted an apartment but would not want to live on the ground floor.

Although there are only 8 apartments here, everyone has to pass through the main door, whether residents or visitors/workmen. I wouldn't want to leave my door open either if I was on the lower floors while popping to the bins or to collect my post.

However, there are only 2 apartments on the top floor, and final access to that is a staircase only - no one would be just passing by. Only one person has outside space accessed via the back of his apartment.

Mine doesn't get much sun at all, that I think is the only downside for me. Plus getting appliances in is difficult, but that won't affect the OP as there is a lift.

frogletina

theEnd

I'm on the ground floor and often leave the windows open all day/night without worry.

But the advantage of the top floor is having no-one above you. Most people are fine, but some pound around all day long.

Rosetinted

Second floor. I'd never buy a ground floor flat, personally. I don't like people being able to stare through the windows at me and it's nice to leave them open when it's hot out.

westv

You mention a g/f flat in the heading but talk about a 1st floor flat in the text. If you do mean g/f then I'd go for the 2nd floor place myself - unless the g/f had a garden.

Gordon_Hose

2nd floor for security, less noise and more privacy.

Had the same choice to make ourselves 6 years ago, we definitely made the right choice going with 2nd floor.