Ground Floor Apartment or Upper Floor Apartment Values?

[jbeputnam]

I live in a two-bedroom apartment on a brand new housing development. The identical apartment two floors up from me has just gone up for sale, and I'm not sure how much mine is likely to be worth in comparison.

My view was that mine would be worth more being on the ground floor, for ease of access, less hassle moving heavy items, and more appealing to older or disabled people.

Two of my colleagues disagreed, saying that mine would be worth less than the one upstairs, because I have people above me and they don't, I get noise from the front door and the road, and people can see into my windows.

Does anybody have any experience of this in practice? Which ends up being the more valuable or desirable?

[pingping]

I have found that it depends on the individual flats. for instance if yours has access to a garden, then it can be worth the same as a top floor flat. Generally though I think top floor flats are usually worth more as people see them as being more secure, and obviously free from noise above you.

[flyciderman]

I agree with pingping the ground floor flat is thought to be less secure (would you leave your bedroom window open at night) The point about a gaeden is valid

[parkesquay]

Valuations cost nowt and don't (or shouldn't) tie you to the agency that does the valuation. In fact there is nothing to stop you getting several valuations from different agencies.
However, if you make sure that at least one of the agencies doing the valuation is the same one who valued the upstairs then you will be able to ask them directly about the relative merits of each flat.
In purpose built flats the flooring between each is more often than not made of concrete and thus noise through the floor is not an issue, however in converted buildings like mine there tends to be more noise although now-a-days there are quite often 'floating floors' to reduce noise.
As I live in a top flat myself(I have in fact just sold it)I feel that I am better placed. However, the flat beneath me has a very large balcony and this a useful and private outdoor space.
Please don't ever think that not having steps/stairs to go up is a disadvantage. For many able-bodied older people walking up and down stairs is a good form of exercise. On the other hand if you are on the ground and have a garden that can be an advantage.