LOW FLOOR VS. HIGH FLOOR

When buying a condo, one of the most overlooked choices is what floor to live on. Higher doesn’t always mean better—and lower isn’t automatically worse. Here’s how the trade-offs stack up.

HIGH FLOOR

Pros

(+) Views that sell. City skylines, sunsets, and unobstructed horizons often drive higher resale values. This is why some developers even market “semi-penthouse” levels just below the top floor.

(+) Peace from the street. You’re further from traffic, barking dogs, and motorcycle exhaust.

(+) Cleaner air. Dust and pollution thin out as you rise.

(+) Privacy. Less chance of people peering into your windows.

Cons

(-) Sway in earthquakes. Normal for tall buildings, but unsettling for the anxious.

(-) Tougher evacuations. Fire drills or elevator failure mean lots of stairs.

(-) Elevator reliance. Delays, downtime, or delivery waits hit harder.

(-) Echo effect. Surrounded by towers? Noise can bounce upward.

LOW FLOORS

Pros

(+) Everyday convenience. Packages, GrabFood, and deliveries arrive faster.

(+) Safer in emergencies. Easier to exit quickly if needed.

(+) Better insulation. Many developers install double-glazed windows up to the 14th floor to block heat and noise. In fact, I often find these units quieter than some on the higher floors.

(+) Shorter elevator waits. Less time waiting, especially at rush hour.

Cons

(-) Limited views. You might be looking at another building.

(-) Street-level noise. Traffic, construction, and (yes) loud motorcycles MAY creep in.

(-) Water risks. Burst pipes often hit the lowest residential floors first. I'll post a horror story about this.

Bottom line: If you want peace, skyline views, and don’t mind relying on elevators (or having helpers to handle errands), go high. If you value practicality, quick access, and easier emergency exits, the lower floors may be the smarter choice.

At the end of the day, both have their fans—it all comes down to your lifestyle.