High-rises are currently the most popular option for working professionals in cities. Apart from being the most prevalent type of construction in cities, as it allows a large number of people to reside close to city centres, high-rises can also offer beautiful views of the city’s skyline. Moreover, the incidence of pests, such as mosquitos, house flies, ants, etc., is also lower on higher floors of a building.
Unlike lower floors, units in the upper floors enjoy higher levels of privacy, as they are located away from the common areas in the housing project. Thus, the noise level in such homes is much lower than in units nearer to the ground, which are close to the main street. If you are planning to buy a house in a high-rise, there are several factors that you should consider.
See also: High-rise building: Everything you need to know
Pros of buying home in a high-rise
Scenic views
Depending on the location of the apartment, a high-rise property can offer stunning views of the city skyline or natural landscapes. It can significantly enhance your living experience and provide a sense of openness to the space.
Luxurious amenities
Most high-rise properties come with luxurious amenities that can significantly enhance the quality of life and add to your comfort and lifestyle. These might include gyms, pools, rooftop terraces, concierge services, shopping complexes and cafes.
Better security
High-rise buildings are typically located within a gated complex. Controlled access points, security systems and on-site security personnel ensure the highest level of safety possible. This can provide more peace of mind as compared to standalone homes.
Low maintenance
In building complexes, the maintenance of common areas, landscaping and exterior repairs are taken care of by the management. This implies lesser time and effort on your 0art for maintenance as compared to a standalone property, where the entire responsibility lies on the owner.
Community and social interaction
By living in a high-rise, you are automatically a part of the community of residents living in the buildings. This creates opportunities for social interaction by being a part of community events, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and a healthy community life.
Location
High-rise buildings are conveniently situated nearby city centres in close proximity to commercial and business hubs, entertainment and recreational venues, and cultural attractions. This ensures a vibrant urban lifestyle without much time wasted on commuting.
Investment potential
These properties have great investment potential as the ones in growing urban areas can appreciate in value over time, making them an attractive option for investors, So if you plan to sell or rent out the property in future, it might prove to be a lucrative investment.
Modern infrastructure
Being comparatively newer constructions, high-rise buildings are equipped with modern infrastructure and technologies. Energy-efficient systems, smart home features and high-speed internet are some of the facilities you can look forward to if considering purchasing a flat in a high-rise.
Cons of buying home in a high-rise
Limited space
If looking for a living space for larger families, high-rise might not be suitable for you. They offer lesser square footage than standalone houses, making them inconvenient for people looking for larger living spaces.
Noise
High-rise buildings typically come with the baggage of high population density. Close proximity to neighbours, street traffic and communal areas like elevators and hallways can lead to increased noise levels and disturbance.
Maintenance charges
It is common for high-rise buildings and apartment complexes to charge a fee for the maintenance of common areas, amenities and other shared expenses. This might form a significant portion of the upfront costs paid and may increase over time.
Lack of privacy
Privacy might be an issue in high-rise buildings subject to the design and layout. Excessively close proximity to neighbouring units, shared walls and common areas might be an obstruction to your privacy.
Elevator dependency
Living in a high-rise automatically entails relying on elevators to access your home. During peak times or when maintenance is going on, this might lead to delays, causing inconvenience during emergency situations.
Resale challenges
Since high-rise properties have a narrower market compared to traditional homes, the resale value and liquidity can be potentially affected.
Building regulations and rules
High-rise living often comes with strict building regulations and rules. The policies set by the management might put restrictions on certain activities such as pet ownership, renovations or free use of common areas as desired.
Potential for overcrowding
High-rise living can sometimes feel excessively crowded due high building occupancy rates. This might cause delays and problems in accessing shared spaces like elevators, parking areas or amenities.
Upper floors vs lower floors in high-rises
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FAQs
What are the advantages of buying a home in a high-rise building?
Stunning views, convenient amenities, enhanced security measures, low maintenance responsibilities, a sense of community and proximity to urban amenities are some advantages of high-rise living.
What are the potential drawbacks of high-rise living?
Common drawbacks include limited living space, higher noise levels, ongoing maintenance fees, lack of privacy and reliance on elevators.
How do maintenance charges affect the cost of owning a high-rise property?
Maintenance costs are higher in high-rise buildings due to the maintenance of elevators and shared facilities and homeowners should separately budget for this ongoing expense.
Are high-rise buildings a good investment?
While high-rise properties tend to appreciate in value over time in popular locations, the investment potential mostly depends on market trends, location, building quality and economic conditions.
How do noise levels in high-rise buildings compare to other types of housing?
Shared walls, proximity to neighbours, presence of elevators and shared areas and urban surroundings result in high noise levels in high-rise buildings.
What factors should be considered regarding privacy in a high-rise building?
Privacy can be a concern in units with shared walls depending on the design and layout of the building. as residents may experience noise from adjacent units.
How do building regulations impact daily life in a high-rise?
Building codes might govern aspects like pet ownership, noise levels, renovations, use of common areas and guest policies that might restrict free use of spaces.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |