Engel & Völkers
  • 3 min read

The advantages of an apartment located on the garden level

Many buyers or tenants searching for the ideal property often overlook the apartments located on the garden level. The reason for this lies in the bad experiences of some tenants and owners who vehemently share their distress, especially on the Internet. However, the garden level real estate market presents, like any neglected niche sector, many opportunities for those who know how to pay attention to it.

An economical option when buying this type of apartment

For most buyers, the financial aspect is one of the main considerations when purchasing a property. The apartments on the ground floor are rented and sold at prices below market. It is estimated that, on an equal floor space, buyers can benefit from a reduction of 15 to 40% on the price of the property and from 10 to 20% on the rent for the tenants compared to an apartment of equivalent standing located above ground floor. This can definitely represent significant savings!

In addition, even if the general expenses (maintenance of the common parts, restoration, etc ...) remain the same for all the co-owners, other charges, such as the maintenance of the lift in particular, are more advantageous as the occupants are not supposed to use it. Old commercial premises that enjoy housing status are even more attractive, with prices 20% cheaper than apartments on the ground floor. If you are not afraid of some refurbishment work, you may find a golden opportunity.
Finally, it is important to be aware that many ways of saving money can be found when acquiring a garden level home. Moving expenses, for example, are much lower, especially if you have bulky furniture that would require a goods lift to move it to the upper floors. The opportunities available with close proximity to a cellar or a basement can be maximised and thus make it easy to use it as a laundry room for example.

Garden level apartments are often very fortunate

Being able to enjoy the pleasures of a garden is a luxury rarely accessible to urban dwellers. With an apartment on the garden level, the dream becomes reality. During periods of intense heat, a little greenery at the foot of the door is an undeniable advantage when looking for some freshness and nature. Toddlers are thrilled to enjoy green space and the parents are very happy not to have to climb 4 floors with a foldable stroller under the arm.

People with reduced mobility find the access facilities incomparable, especially in large historic cities where the ancient architecture of buildings prohibits the establishment of any lift. In the same way, the elderly avoid the painful and dangerous round trips in the stairwells and save themselves the transfer of shopping bags and other risky journeys. Finally, buying or renting a property on the ground floor is a smart choice for those who wish to settle permanently in their apartment.

In addition, this type of property is very popular with self-employed workers. Indeed, these professionals might want to host clients in an apartment with a layout that can be reconfigured to facilitate this. Also, a waiting room accessible to all can be added with a view of the garden for example, which would make the experience of the hosts and clients even more enjoyable.

Buying an apartment on the ground floor: criteria to respect

Buying or renting an apartment on the ground floor is often a good deal, but it is worth thinking about certain criteria during viewings to make sure you choose the perfect match for you. First of all, the environment must be taken into account. Streets experiencing heavy traffic or footfall can affect your quality of life. Quality sound insulation and suitable windows are essential to eliminate noise.

The incidence of light must also be studied carefully. Garden level apartments with a single window on a busy street can become very dark in winter or when conditions require you to close the windows.

The security aspect is also to be considered. There is no evidence that ground floor apartments are more popular with thieves, however, you should not tempt fate. A reinforced door and quality locks will have a certain deterrent and be largely sufficient, especially if they are lined windows with solid shutters.
The attention paid to these details will allow you to enjoy easy, pleasant and affordable accommodation, with the many usual advantages which you will experience daily!

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