Core Viewpoint - The article debunks three common misconceptions about the real estate market, emphasizing that market dynamics are more complex than simple binary views of rising or falling prices. Group 1: Misconceptions about Price Trends - Misconception 1: Real estate prices will only rise or fall. The market experiences cycles, similar to seasons, with examples from Japan and the U.S. showing significant price fluctuations over time [3][4]. - Misconception 2: An abundance of houses leads to falling prices. The article argues that the uniqueness and location of properties are more critical than sheer quantity, highlighting that "good houses" are scarce [4][5]. - Misconception 3: Inflation guarantees rising property prices. The relationship between inflation and real estate prices is not straightforward, as seen in various global examples where inflation did not lead to price increases [5][6]. Group 2: Practical Buying Advice - For personal use, the article suggests that individuals should buy based on personal needs such as marriage, children's education, and proximity to work, rather than market speculation [6]. - For investment, the focus should be on long-term rental returns rather than quick profits from price appreciation, emphasizing the reliability of cash flow over capital gains [6]. - Local market conditions should be prioritized over national trends, as real estate dynamics can vary significantly by location [6]. - Caution is advised regarding leverage; a mortgage payment exceeding 50% of income can lead to financial strain during market fluctuations [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting floors when purchasing a property, highlighting five specific types of floors that should be avoided despite their potentially lower prices [1]. Group 1: Types of Floors to Avoid - **Top Floor without Terrace**: The top floor can lead to extreme temperature variations, resulting in significantly higher energy costs, potentially doubling monthly electricity bills compared to other floors [5]. - **Floors Adjacent to Garage**: These floors are subject to constant noise from vehicles, which can severely disrupt sleep quality and overall health [6]. - **Floors Next to Equipment Rooms**: Proximity to equipment rooms can expose residents to continuous noise and vibrations from machinery, negatively impacting mental focus and health [7]. Group 2: Additional Concerns - **Waistline Floors**: Decorative waistline designs can obstruct light and ventilation, leading to damp and dark living conditions, while also accumulating dust and bacteria that pose health risks [9]. - **Second Floor (Flooding Risk)**: The second floor often bears the burden of the building's drainage system. Without independent drainage, issues can lead to unpleasant sewage backflow, compromising living conditions and health [13].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes three types of properties that should be avoided regardless of market conditions, based on personal experiences and lessons learned [1][20] - The first type to avoid is properties located near building equipment, such as elevator shafts and electrical rooms, which can lead to significant noise disturbances that are not easily mitigated [3][10] - The second type is vertical hall properties, which suffer from poor natural lighting due to their narrow design, making them uncomfortable to live in despite appearing to have good light exposure [12][14] - The third type is properties that are overly cheap and located in remote areas, which can lead to deteriorating living conditions and a lack of community management, ultimately resulting in a poor living environment [16][18] Group 2 - The article concludes that making a poor property investment can lead to substantial financial loss and ongoing discomfort, advising caution when considering these three types of properties [20]