Every time a new BTO or condo launches, the same thing happens. Top floor units are gone in seconds. Mid floor units are still there but there is competition. But ground floor units are left behind and forgotten.

And be honest, if you're looking into a project but they only have level one units left, you probably won't want it either, even though they're cheaper. Maybe you've heard stories about the noise or the pest. Or maybe you just prefer higher floors. But are ground floor units as bad as everyone says? Or are you missing out?

Many buyers steer clear of them for several reasons. Here are some common complaints:

Noisy

Staying on the ground floor means you're right in the middle of everything. If your unit faces the road (especially main road), don't be surprised if you hear honking or motorcycles zooming past. And since you're just steps away from common areas, you'll likely hear neighbours walking by, delivery guys wheeling their carts, or people chatting on the way home. If your unit is near the lift, then you'll know exactly what time your upstairs neighbours come home, especially those who come home late at night. If there's a playground, BBQ pit, or pool nearby, you might hear kids playing or families having gatherings on weekends.

Pests

Unfortunately, easy access for you also means easy access for bugs and rodents. Ground floor units tend to have more cockroaches, rats, mosquitoes, lizards, you name it. AND, it gets even worse if your unit is near a chute or dumpster. So you'd have to be proactive with pest control. Install mosquito screens, keep some bug spray on standby, and if you ever spot a rat, call your building management immediately.

Flood and moisture

It doesn't happen all the time, but flooding is a major concern, especially in low-lying estates. And since being on the ground floor makes your home more prone to floods, you have to prepare for every rainy season. That means storing away any important items in your home to keep them safe from water damage. And even without floods, ground floor units sometimes feel damper or more humid with morning dew and less breeze.

Less privacy

If you don't want your kepo neighbours to peek into your home, then you might have to keep your curtains drawn at all times, which means...

Less sunlight

But aside from having to shield your unit from being a showflat to all the aunties and uncles, ground floor units often get blocked by trees or higher floors, especially in older developments. One silver lining is cooler floors. But in general, people aren't into dark apartments where laundry takes forever to dry.

Security concerns

Ground floor units are easier targets for a break-in. I think we can all agree that climbing up takes more effort than breaking a window on the ground floor. Yes, Singapore has low crime rates, and there are alarms and even 24/7 security if you live in a condo. But most people simply feel more secure on higher floors.

View and prestige

This is less tangible but real. ground floor units don't have the city or sea view that higher floor units offer. It doesn't affect daily living, but many people avoid it because they don't see a point in having a giant window on the ground floor, which is a fair argument.

Actually, ground floor units come with their own perks, like:

Cheaper price tag

This is the most obvious one. Developers usually charge less for the ground floor because it's perceived as less desirable. So, if you're on a budget or want to get more space for your money, ground floor wins.

More space

Many ground floor units come with a Private Enclosed Space (PES) or patio. You could make a small garden, set up an outdoor lounge, or let the kids have a contained outdoor play area. It's just nice to have an extra room to breathe.

Easy access & convenience for the elderly, disabled, and kids

Lift broke down or taking forever? No problem. There's a fire or an emergency? You can simply walk out the door. Left something behind? No need to run back upstairs. You can waltz in and out quick and easy. A convenience that is very much appreciated, especially by those with mobility issues like seniors or disabled people. ground floor units are also safer for families with small children. So all the parents with wild toddlers won't have to worry about their baby falling from a high-rise window.

Community & kampong spirit

Especially in HDB estates, living on the ground floor may give you more of a neighbourhood vibe. With everyone passing by your flat, front-door chats with neighbours happen more often. If you're someone who likes to connect with new people, you might enjoy living on the ground floor.

More practical to clean the exterior

Want to wipe down your windows or clean your outdoor AC unit? Can't do that if you live on the 20th floor, you have to wait for the window washer or maintenance guy. But if you live on the ground floor, you can do it any time you want. No fear of plummeting.

Pool access

Some ground floor units come with direct pool access. No need to walk through corridors or wait for the lift in your wet clothes, all while being stared at. It's super convenient if you've got young kids who love to swim, or if you enjoy a quick dip in the morning. For some homeowners, that easy pool access is a game changer, almost like having your own private pool.

Despite all the rumours, ground floor units are not always less profitable. In fact, based on resale condo data from the past decade, ground floor units saw the highest price growth at 47.2%. Compare that to 44.7% for 2nd - 10th floors, 39.6% for 11th - 20th, and just 36.7% for 21st - 30th floors.

Source: PropNex Investment Suite

As you can see, all the parameters on this chart have more or less the same outline (except for the 21th - 30th floor in the first half of the decade). This tells me that they grow at a similar pace, and that the difference in gains is probably marginal and has minimal impact. One possible explanation is that higher floor units have less room for appreciation because they cost more to begin with, but that's just a theory. So really, the whole "ground floor gives you less returns" thing is mostly a false perception, and resale performance has less to do with floor levels than other factors like location and timing.

Ultimately, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you enjoy silence, good views, and absolute privacy, you should definitely go for higher floor. But if you prefer easy access and you don't mind a little bit of noise, then you'll be happy to pay less than your upstairs neighbours.

Here's a food for thought: thousands of people live happily on the ground floor. So the question is: do you really prefer high floors, or is it just what everyone says you should prefer?

So before you dismiss ground floor units, take the time to get the full picture. Visit the unit at different times of day, weigh the pros and cons, and make your decision based on what actually works for your lifestyle.

The truth is, every unit, whether it's on level 1 or level 21, comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. So who knows? Maybe, the ground floor might just surprise you. You could end up with a unit that suits your needs and saves you a few thousand dollars.

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