Ground floor flat

GwylimT

I live in a groundfloor flat, our neighbour recently had his kitchen replaced, we barely heard a sound.

The groundfloor of a house has more break in points, so I assume you wouldn't purchase a house either.

seven-day-weekend

Do people think bungalows are more prone to crime too? Or ground floors of houses?

Shmo

I've lived in 3 different ground floor flats during my time and they all suffer from noise to greater or lesser degrees. The new build block was probably the best for noise, while the worst was an 80s two-storey building that looks like terrace houses from the outside. Only way to gauge this is to view when the upstairs neighbour is home and bumping around.

Water is also an issue. Came home one day to find my computer desk covered in water coming from an overflow that was dripping down the external wall and finding its way inside somehow.

I suppose the plus side is that you get the benefits of living in a bungalow much more cheaply.

I've never, ever, been concerned about the security aspect however. Contents insurance would cover that anyway.

dimbo61

Don't forget about flood risk
People looking in your Windows as they walk past.
If it is a modern purpose build block of flats with good security and good sound/noise/insulation you might not have any issues.
The Windows might overlook an enclosed area !

anna42hmr

dimbo61 wrote: »

Don't forget about flood risk
People looking in your Windows as they walk past.
!

ground floor is not the only flat at risk of flood for above, any flats with neighbours above would have this risk whether 2nd 3rd 4th etc, it can even be argued that a top floor flat is also at risk - i.e. leak from roof etc.

Each property would need to be considered on its own merits.

My ground floor flat (purpose built three floor building) has no real issues with noise - I am set back a bit from the security doors due to the lay out of the communal area. As such I rarely hear any one coming in and out of communal area. Also I get no noise from tv etc from next door or above, and only time really hear neighbour at side or above is if they are having work done / diy etc.

As for people walking past windows it would also depend on where the flat is situated. I only have one window that has people going past it (on way to the garages) yet due to lay out (i.e grass etc in front) no one walks that close to my window and all I've done on that window is have this type of blind fitted http://www.dunelm.com/product/sheer-roller-blind-1000051289?cmCategoryId=34149

as it allows plenty of light in yet doesn't allow people to see in from outside. (you can also get privacy film fitted to a window if you don't want blinds such as http://www.windowfilm.co.uk/residential/privacy

I viewed a few flats (2 ground, 1 on second floor and 1 on top floor - which was actually only on 3rd floor) each had its own positives and negatives.

My main problem with the top floor one for instance was as had a lack of lift is all well and good going up and down stairs now (which was 4 flights in reality as the car garages / ports were actually on ground floor and then 3 flights of flats above) but concerned if for instance i should ever have an accident (i.e. break a leg etc and no way would i manage to get in and out) plus was not practical for visiting relatives who are less mobile. Not to mention traipsing up the flights of stairs with bags of shopping That said would've loved to have the view from the top floor flat.

The other ground floor flat i viewed was a no for me as the block it was in was not as well kept up, and had an outside postboxes area rather than post being delivered directly into my flat door (which is a no for me due to easier for post to be stolen/intercepted).

second floor flat was ok, but felt it had too many direct neighbours (as it was in the middle of two flats on same floor then of course flat above and flat below) so giving potential of 4 noisy neighbours (whereas the flat i have now only has the real potential of noise from two flats (one to the side and one above, the other flats on my level are the other side of the large communal area and as such noise doesn't carry between them) also had less windows/light as windows on one side of flat only due to neighbours on left and right hand side and the other side backing onto communal hallway.

Torry_Quine

I live in a ground floor flat. I have my own front and back doors with gardens at the front and back which are just mine. I do hear my upstairs neighbour sometimes moving about but it can be Reassuring to me when I am alone at home.

ibizafan_2

I have lived in a ground floor and top floor (three storey block) flat and definitely preferred top floor. No noise from above and I just felt safer there. We had extensive gardens however, which anyone could use, so at least you could sit outside. It really depends on the location and block. It's nice to have outside space.

user1168934

Would you be able to leave your windows open on a hot day in a ground floor flat with your valuables inside? I wouldn't.
There are all sorts of issues with the ground floor flats, less secure, noise from flats above, water issues, privacy issues etc. etc. When I was buying my flat I avoided the ground floor and I am quite happy with my choice. Go for the top floor if you have no problems using stairs. You get a better view, less security issues, less noise, more privacy and with some luck loft storage too.

The only upside to a ground floor flat is if for some reason you cannot climb the stairs.

Torry_Quine

user1168934 wrote: »

Would you be able to leave your windows open on a hot day in a ground floor flat with your valuables inside? I wouldn't.
There are all sorts of issues with the ground floor flats, less secure, noise from flats above, water issues, privacy issues etc. etc. When I was buying my flat I avoided the ground floor and I am quite happy with my choice. Go for the top floor if you have no problems using stairs. You get a better view, less security issues, less noise, more privacy and with some luck loft storage too.

The only upside to a ground floor flat is if for some reason you cannot climb the stairs.

Even in a house your living room is usually on the ground so will surely the same issues with windows apply. I would only open windows when in.

Pete9501

Do ask if there is a lift in the building and does the ground floor flat have to pay towards the upkeep. There is a flat near us with £2000 pa service charges and the lift is part of the problem.