Ground-floor apartments: Advantages and disadvantages

While penthouses and apartments at the top floor of a block of flats may be considered the best options, there are many reasons why living on the ground floor can be much better. Some people even prefer these residential properties over others and in fact, are fanatical about them.

So, if you are considering moving to a ground-floor apartment, look at the most important advantages and disadvantages of living in such an apartment before making your final decision.

Advantages

Firstly, why would you choose to live in a ground-floor apartment? Let us start with some notable advantages:

• More usable space: Most buyers/renters of ground-floor apartments choose them because they have more space, both inside and outside. There is no wasted space for stairs, elevators, or even the hallway of the apartment building. This practically means a more spacious living room or even an extra room.
• Outdoor spaces: By staying on the ground floor, you have easier access to the outdoor spaces of your condominium. In fact, in some complexes, ground-floor apartments have a garden, which while considered communal, practically it is mainly used by the ground-floor tenants/owners. So, while the above floors may have a balcony, the ground floor usually has its own private outdoor space, making it ideal for families with young children and/or pet(s).
• Temperature: Because ground-floor apartments are naturally insulated from the ground and protected from the above floors, they maintain a consistent internal temperature throughout the year, with no need for heating or cooling. This makes ground-floor properties less energy-intensive since they stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Separate entrance: Do you want to have your own personal entrance to the apartment building? If so, then a ground-floor apartment may be the perfect choice for you. Apartments built on the ground floor often have a separate entrance, and therefore more autonomy.
• No stairs: One of the biggest advantages of living in a ground-floor apartment is that you do not have to use any stairs or the elevator. It is also the ideal home for those who have babies or small children who are carried in a stroller, elderly people, and people with mobility problems. And of course, you do not use the stairs laden with bags of groceries and heavy items. Also, moving is a piece of cake!
• You are not afraid of disturbing the neighbors: By living on the ground floor of a building, the stress of disturbing the neighbors - usually the ones below - is reduced, which is important for tenants or buyers with children or pets.

Disadvantages

Every coin has 2 sides. Thus, living in a ground-floor apartment has its disadvantages too. More specifically:

• Lack of privacy: One of the most important things to consider before moving into a ground-floor apartment is the issue of privacy. Although you may have a separate entrance, if it is located near the main entrance - of the apartment building or in between the apartment building next door - or even the apartment next door on the ground floor - you are more "vulnerable" to "prying" eyes.
• Ventilation problems: A serious disadvantage of living in a ground-floor apartment is inadequate ventilation. Especially in older buildings, ground floor apartments built on the lower level of an apartment complex did not have free access to natural air currents. Particularly if they were not also through-ventilated. Fortunately, in recent years there has been a strong emphasis on natural ventilation.
• Less security: Ground-floor apartments may provide easier access, but in some cases this is not necessarily a good thing. These apartments face a higher security risk as an intruder can enter the house either through the main entrance or by breaking through the windows - especially if it is an apartment with windows directly on the street. So, an exceptionally good security system, alarm, and anti-theft windows are essential.
• Fear of insects and rodents: And finally, a very important disadvantage is unwanted "guests". Unfortunately, living closer to the ground has its difficulties, because your home is more vulnerable to "attacks" by all kinds of insects, such as ants, cockroaches, and spiders, as well as rodents. Therefore, it is important to take all preventive measures (de-worming, disinfecting, myοcide) and to cover even the smallest entrances of your home with mosquito nets to keep your space free from mice and insects.

So, if you are looking for a ground-floor apartment, check the pros and cons with particular attention and then go to the Spitogatos website to find all the available properties for sale or rent.