If you are hunting for an apartment, you must have noticed that the higher level apartments usually have a slightly higher rent as well.
Why is that? And is the higher rent worth it?
That’s what we have covered in this article.
8 Reasons Why Top Floor Apartments Are More Expensive
A number of factors come into play when renting a new apartment. From the neighborhood to apartment size, type of contract, property insurance, utilities, and amenities, a lot of factors affect the renting cost.
But did you know that the floor number you choose also plays an important role in determining the apartment cost?
Scroll down to take a look at the top 8 reasons why top floor apartments are generally more expensive than the rest.
1. Panoramic Views
One of the most desirable features of top floor apartments or apartments at higher levels is the landscape’s panoramic views.
However, it is important to mention that the view largely depends on locality.
Regardless, most top floor apartments offer the best views. Your balcony can be your personal escapade.
Even if the apartment does not have a terrace or balcony, the view from the windows can help you relax and unwind.
The beautiful view of the surrounding landscape is a luxury that you are unlikely to experience in an apartment at a lower level.
However, keep in mind that in some cases, you may be able to get the view you want from apartments on middle-level floors.
So, if you are considering the top-floor apartment only for the view, you may want to check out apartments on the middle levels as well.
You may be able to get more or less the same view and also save some serious cash!
Also read: Is It Better to Live Upstairs or Downstairs in an Apartment
2. A Private Lifestyle
If privacy is on your list of priorities, you should consider getting a top-floor apartment. It is because top-floor apartments offer complete privacy and a peaceful and private lifestyle.
Living in an apartment on a lower level means people may constantly pass your apartment to reach the elevator, lobby, management office, etc.
However, that’s not the case with top-floor apartments. The top floor is generally more isolated and receives the least amount of foot traffic.
No one, except your immediate neighbors, will have any business on your floor. Therefore, you can enjoy a more private lifestyle.
3. More Secure
Top-floor apartments are typically the least susceptible to thefts and crimes. The higher you go, the harder it gets to access the apartment.
Plus, living in a top-floor apartment means you have to ride all the way down to the ground floor before you can leave the building.
Therefore, your apartment won’t be an easy target. Potential burglars can’t just scamper a few steps to get to your apartment when you live on the top floor.
The distance from the exit and entrance of the building gives top-floor apartments an advantage in regards to security over apartments on the ground or lower floors.
Moreover, privacy goes hand in hand with security. As discussed above, top-floor apartments are more private, and hardly any unauthorized personnel access the floor.
The fewer the number of people passing by your apartment on a daily basis, the lower the chances of being burglarized.
4. Less Street Noise
It can be extremely hard to relax and unwind if you can’t escape from the noise.
From chattering passersby and noisy animals to traffic noise, a lot can disturb your peace at home when you live on the ground or lower level floor.
Luckily, top-floor apartments don’t face this issue.
Being further from the ground means less noise reaches your home. Top-floor apartments are generally amazingly quiet and peaceful.
The only sound that you may hear is the gentle whoosh of the evening or morning breeze.
Lack of noise is a very desirable feature as it is essential for peace of mind and even good sleep.
Your home is your sanctuary, so make sure it is quiet enough to help you relax and chill out. Many people on the lower floors opt for soundproofing and noise-canceling windows, doors, etc.
However, it is not the most viable option when you are renting the apartment temporarily. Plus, the cost of soundproofing your apartment can quickly pile up.
Therefore, a better solution is to opt for a top-floor apartment.
Also read: How to Soundproof an Apartment Door?
5. Better Ventilation
Great ventilation is another advantage that is exclusive to apartments on higher floors, especially the top floor apartment.
Top-floor apartments are generally airier than the rest.
Opening a single window in the apartment will allow the stale air to flow out and fill your home with fresh air within minutes. Moreover, away from the city’s noise and air pollution, the air gets cleaner as you move higher.
It is important to mention that clean and fresh air is beneficial for health, while poor ventilation leads to serious health consequences. Therefore, a lot of people prefer living in apartments on higher floors.
However, keep in mind that ventilation in an apartment also depends on the apartment’s layout and the position of doors and windows.
So, make sure you consider these factors before you sign the contract if ventilation is a high priority.
6. Warm and Cozy Atmosphere
If you paid attention to your middle school science class, you must know that heat always rises.
This can benefit you greatly in the winter months as the heat generated by the furnaces of the apartments below yours will rise up through the floor to keep your apartment warm and cozy.
Moreover, the heat produced by the furnaces of your fellow tenants will help reduce your utility bill considerably.
Nothing beats enjoying cozy winters while also saving some money. So, turn down the heat in your apartment and let your neighbors keep your place toasty!
7. Exposure to Natural Light
Top-floor apartments are bathed in natural light. It is one of the most noticeable and attractive features of apartments on higher floors.
Along with the unobstructed view comes unobstructed natural light that can be used to illuminate the apartment during the day.
Spending time in natural light is a pleasant change from spending all your time in artificial lighting.
Exposure to natural light will lift your mood and spirit and add a welcoming vibe to your apartment. Moreover, warm sunlight can help you keep your apartment warm during winter days.
But that’s not it – natural light can also help you save on your utility bill. Many top-floor residents use only natural light during the day. It helps reduce the overall electricity costs.
8. Fewer Pests & Critters
No one likes to deal with pesky bugs and rodents at home. Luckily, if you choose a top-floor apartment, you won’t have to worry about these uninvited guests again.
Bugs and rodents like to stay near the ground as they can easily find food sources on the ground.
The higher they go, the scarcer the food sources get. Plus, they get exposed to elements of nature that make it tougher to survive.
As a result, they prefer to stick to apartments that are closer to the ground.
As a result, top-floor apartments are less susceptible to bugs, pests, and rodents, including roaches, mosquitoes, ants, mice, rats, etc.
The Downside to Top Floor Apartments
Top floor apartments offer a number of advantages over ground or lower floor apartments.
However, that doesn’t mean top-floor apartments don’t have a downside. The most obvious drawback is the higher cost.
But that’s not it. Here are some drawbacks of living on the top floor.
1. Accessibility Issues
Top floor apartments are less accessible. It is a boon and a bane. While low accessibility offers more security and privacy, it also means you need more time to enter and exit the building.
This can be a problem if someone needs to access the apartment quickly in case of a medical emergency.
Plus, as the apartment is harder to get to, you may find it difficult to haul your stuff to and from the top floor when you move in or out of the apartment.
2. Harder to Evacuate in Emergency Situations
Elevators are often closed off in case of an emergency, such as a fire hazard or a natural disaster.
People are advised to use the stairs. However, it can be a problem when you live on the top floor. The higher you are in the building, the more time it will take you to evacuate.
3. Additional Cooling Costs
Since heat rises, your apartment may heat up quickly during the summer season.
As a result, you may have to incur additional cooling costs to keep your home cool during the hotter months of the year.
The Bottom Line
The choice of the floor you want to live on boils down to personal preferences.
However, it cannot be denied that top-floor apartments come with several plus points that ground and lower-floor apartments may not provide. Ultimately, the higher cost is worth it!
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