Is an apartment on the ground floor a good option when buying a new property? Many people have this doubt when choosing the floor to live in a building and, not knowing its characteristics well, end up disregarding the option before even evaluating it. 

To help you with this important decision, in this article we will explain the characteristics of a ground floor apartment, in addition to showing all the advantages and disadvantages of living in one! 

What is a Ground Floor apartment? 

As the name suggests, the ground floor apartment is nothing more than that property located on the ground floor of the building. In other words, the apartment is on the same level as the entrance to the building. 

This type of property is also known as a garden apartment, giardino or house apartment, as it offers some characteristics that are, in fact, reminiscent of a house. 

In many cases, the ground floor apartment can have different floor plans from the apartments located on other floors, offering spaces such as a garden, backyard, exclusive gourmet space and even a swimming pool! 

Advantages of living in a ground floor apartment 

Although many people believe that a ground floor apartment brings more burdens than bonuses, the truth is that there are very interesting advantages and that become important differentials when evaluating this option when buying a new property. 

See some advantages of living in a ground floor apartment below: 

Savings at the time of purchase 

If you are looking for a more affordable option, ground floor apartments may be ideal. This is because the lower the floor, the lower the value of the property. 

In some cases, the difference between the property on the ground floor and the property on the penthouse can reach up to 35%. 

It’s also important to note that the difference in value may be smaller if the property has a larger external area. However, the cost-effectiveness of the ground floor apartment may be higher, since there is more physical space available for the resident. 

Possibility of having an outside area 

As we mentioned above, apartments on the ground floor usually have an outdoor area available for residents. This makes the property very similar to a house with a backyard. Therefore, he is an excellent option for those who are moving from a house. 

In cases where the property provides this space, builders can already prepare the environment with certain characteristics, such as making it a private leisure area, an area with barbecue grill or as a garden. 

In other cases, the first buyer can decide how to make the best use of that space, building – after purchase – whatever is necessary for their well-being at home. Here, your imagination is the limit! 

Better accessibility 

Ground floor apartments are located right at the entrance to the building. Therefore, the flow in and out of the property is facilitated. The resident doesn’t have to wait for the elevator or go up and down stairs. This saves time and brings great practicality to your routine! 

In addition, moving time will be even easier, since the process of furnishing the apartment with large and heavy items – such as beds, sofas, refrigerator – is much simpler. This advantage is even greater when the building is low and doesn’t have an elevator! 

Easy accessibility is also one of the biggest reasons why apartments on the ground floor are the best option for people with reduced mobility or the elderly. 

Increased safety for children and pets 

Don’t worry about installing protective nets on windows and balconies is a great relief, isn’t it? 

As the unit is not high, children and pets can be safer when it comes to curiosity. This way, your family can be even more relaxed! 

Less concern with neighbors 

The fact that those who live in apartments on the ground floor do not stay between two apartments – one upstairs and one downstairs, reduces the chances of problems with neighbors. 

This means that no neighbors will complain if you have to drag some furniture around the house at times that are not ideal for this. 

Disadvantages of living in a ground floor apartment 

Now that you know the countless benefits of living in a property on the ground floor, it’s time to analyze its disadvantages. There are some important issues that may cause discomfort to residents and therefore need to be evaluated very carefully. 

Keep reading and find out what the downsides are. 

Reduced ventilation and lighting 

Apartments on the ground floor can suffer from a lack of natural lighting or reduced ventilation, especially if the architectural design of the building doesn’t take this into account. The high structure of the building, or even the properties around it, can overshadow and divert the flow of air that passes through the place. 

This is a very important detail, after all, it directly impacts your living experience and all the well-being you deserve for your new home. 

Less Privacy 

The privacy of residents of an apartment on the ground floor may be less due to its proximity to the street or the common areas of the building. Therefore, it’s very common for outsiders to see in detail the interior of the first apartments. 

Of course, this can be easily resolved with a few adjustments to the windows or using curtains, but it’s still a big disadvantage for anyone who lives in a property like this. 

Noises that can annoy 

The location of the apartments on the ground floor can also bring the disadvantage of noise. The residents of these units can hear a lot of noise from the street, from the entrance to the building, from the common areas of the condominium and even from the flow of people in the elevator. 

Therefore, if you buy an apartment on the ground floor, it’s likely that you will have to live with a little noise, especially if the property doesn’t have adequate acoustic insulation. 

Blocked View 

Because it isn’t located on a higher floor, the panoramic view, which is often the differential in a property advertisement, doesn’t exist. In this case, the view is not at all privileged: what you will see are the structures of the condominium itself, such as the concierge, parking, leisure area, playground, among others. 

However, it’s worth remembering that many of these apartments can face green areas. This minimizes the problem and brings a bit of nature into your home! 

Structural Problems 

Due to the natural movement of buildings and all the overload received by the ground floor, these properties can present different structural problems. The most common are cracks, cracks in the wall and even hydraulic problems. 

It’s important to point out, however, that most of these problems don’t usually pose a risk to the safety of the property or those who live in it, but are rather aesthetically disturbing. 

In addition, properties with these problems can have their value drastically reduced in a future sale or rent opportunity. 

Is it worth living in a ground floor apartment? 

This question is only answered based on your own expectations when looking for a new property. It’s important to analyze the pros and cons of living in an apartment on the ground floor and observe what weighs more for you. 

However, it’s important to point out that, despite the different disadvantages that this type of property can present, choosing an apartment on the ground floor can be an option full of possibilities for you to live comfortably and with great well-being! 

Do you want to find out more information to buy the ideal property for you? Keep reading our articles, after all, we are With The Door Opened to help you find the property of your dreams!