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Ground Floor Properties For Sale
Many buyers seem to stay clear of buying a property on the ground or top floors in Malta and Gozo, sometimes even the apartment below the penthouse! There are several myths and misconceptions associated with these locations, all stemming from misinformation and urban folklore. Buyers will go as far as even discounting a property that meets all of their criteria, once they find out it is in one of these locations in an apartment block.
As with all other properties, there are pros and cons to consider with any property’s location and we take an in-depth look at ground floor apartments in this article.
Pros
More value for money
This is an easy one: due to the negative connotations built up over the years, ground floor units are simply cheaper, offer more value for money and often comes with more floor space.
Accessibility
Ground floor apartments have few or no stairs to climb, making it ideal for those with children and for older people. Should you be in a building that has no lift, you are in the pound seat as you will never have to lug those heavy shopping bags up several flights of stairs. It is also a breeze to get furniture in and out and you do not have the added expense of paying for a lifter or sweating it up the stairs with a fridge, washing machine or sleeper couch!
Savings on electricity
Ground floor units remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you a lot of money on heating and cooling expenses. This also impacts on the running of appliances such as fridges and freezers as they have a more constant temperature in which to operate.
No need for an elevator
You will never wait for an elevator, never be impacted by an elevator that is out of service or face climbing all those stairs if the electricity happens to be off. You can also more than likely contest your contribution to shared expenses for the block since you have no need for an elevator, saving you more money.
No downstairs neighbours
Living in a ground floor apartment will ensure you are never accused of noise coming from children running around or from wearing shoes with heels that irritate the neighbours.
Private outdoor space and air rights
As a ground floor owner you will have access to some kind of space where you can create a garden or cosy nook. You will also more than likely have the rights from the ground floor all the way up the internal courtyard to the top, so no-one will be allowed to infringe on this right by installing aircon compressors anywhere above you.
Enhanced safety
Since you are on the ground floor and you do not have to rely on the stairs or an elevator, you can easily exit the building in case of an emergency. This makes ground floor apartments great as an option for older people.
Cons
Security
It will be easier to access your apartment on the ground floor, but this can easily be remedied by installing an alarm and fitting security bars across windows and by having security doors. This way you can still leave the windows and doors open without any worries.
Reduced privacy
On the ground floor you may face the street, offering passers by the opportunity to look into your home, but this is the same for any other type of property in any big city. This can easily be remedied by installing curtains or blinds.
Views are limited
This is a given since you are on the ground floor, but do not feel alone. Many apartments higher up in blocks all over the world may not have the best of views due to increased urbanisation. These days views are seldom guaranteed, unless you have a direct sea-facing apartment across the road from a promenade or find yourself very high up in a block.
The last word
There’s a lot of value to be had from owning a ground floor apartment and with today’s strict rules regarding energy-efficiency, building regulations and construction, ground floor apartments are on par with others in the same building. Buyers also get the extra outside space they so desire.
