Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the pros and cons of different floor levels in residential buildings, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making when purchasing a home [2][3]. Group 1: First Floor - The first floor offers convenience for residents, especially for the elderly and children, as it eliminates the need to wait for elevators [4]. - However, it faces significant drawbacks such as environmental pollution from noise and dust, which can affect living comfort [4][6]. - Safety concerns are heightened on the first floor, making it more susceptible to theft and other criminal activities [4]. - Poor lighting and ventilation are common issues, leading to a damp and dark living environment that can impact health [6]. - Privacy is compromised as passersby can easily see into the home, forcing residents to keep curtains drawn [6]. - The first floor is also prone to moisture and insect problems, particularly in humid seasons or regions [6]. Group 2: Second Floor - The second floor mitigates some issues of the first floor, such as reduced noise and dust exposure [8]. - However, it still suffers from inadequate lighting and ventilation compared to higher floors [8]. - Shared plumbing systems can lead to significant problems, including sewage backflow, which can be a major inconvenience for residents [10]. Group 3: Top Floor - The top floor provides expansive views and good lighting, but it also has notable disadvantages [10]. - It is exposed to extreme weather conditions, leading to discomfort in both summer and winter due to poor insulation [11]. - Water leakage remains a risk, as aging waterproofing can lead to significant issues over time [11]. - Top floors with attics can alleviate some of these problems by providing insulation and additional usable space [13]. Group 4: Conclusion - Each floor level has its unique advantages and disadvantages, necessitating careful consideration based on individual needs and lifestyle [15]. - Buyers are encouraged to avoid following trends blindly and to conduct a rational analysis to find the most suitable living space [15].

Core Insights - Choosing the right floor in a residential building is crucial, as not all floors are equally desirable, and certain levels can lead to significant inconveniences [2][3] Group 1: Floor Selection Considerations - The top floor is often mistakenly perceived as the best choice due to its good ventilation and lighting; however, it can lead to issues such as long wait times for elevators and unstable water and electricity supply [5] - The ground floor, while convenient for access and typically lower in price, has significant drawbacks including humidity problems, poor lighting due to landscaping, and pest issues during summer [7] - The equipment floor, which houses essential systems like elevators and heating, should be avoided due to high noise levels and potential health risks from radiation [9] Group 2: Recommendations for Homebuyers - Homebuyers should carefully evaluate various factors when selecting a floor and avoid being swayed by temporary benefits or low prices; steering clear of the identified "danger zones" will lead to a more comfortable living experience [11]

Core Perspective - The perception of first and top floors in the real estate market has shifted, with savvy buyers now recognizing their potential value, contrary to the traditional view that these floors are undesirable [1] Group 1: Unique Appeal of First Floor - Price advantages are significant, making first floors a budget-friendly option compared to mid to high floors, which are often more expensive [3] - The convenience of access is a major benefit, especially for families with elderly members or children, as it eliminates the need to wait for elevators [5] - First floor residents enjoy consistent water pressure, avoiding the common issue of low water pressure faced by higher floor residents [7] - Proximity to nature is enhanced on the first floor, allowing residents to enjoy greenery and cooler temperatures during summer [8] Group 2: Distinct Features of Top Floor - Top floors offer unobstructed sunlight and expansive views, providing a bright and airy living environment [12] - Many developments include additional spaces like attics or terraces with top floor units, enhancing their value and appeal [13] - Top floor residents benefit from reduced noise levels due to their elevation, leading to a quieter living experience [15] - Modern designs for top floors address concerns about heat and water leakage, with features like sloped roofs and ventilation systems improving comfort [18] Group 3: Considerations for Buyers - Buyers are encouraged to broaden their perspectives when selecting floors, as both first and top floors have loyal advocates who appreciate their unique advantages [17]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of floor selection in real estate purchases, highlighting that it significantly impacts living comfort and happiness [1] Group 1: Floor Selection Guidelines - Experienced individuals recommend two main rules for selecting floors to achieve optimal living experiences [7] - Rule One: The N/2 + 1 Golden Ratio suggests choosing floors in the middle to upper part of the building, which helps avoid noise and poor lighting issues commonly found in lower floors [9][11] - Rule Two: The 1/3 to 2/3 Comfort Zone recommends selecting floors that are above 1/3 and below 2/3 of the total floors, providing good lighting, ventilation, and convenience in case of elevator failure [14] Group 2: Floors to Avoid - Certain floors should be avoided during the purchasing process, such as: - The Ground Floor: Often designed to be elevated to prevent dampness, but can lead to discomfort due to cold air entering the space [15][16] - The Top Floor: Prone to water leakage issues and can be inconvenient if the elevator is out of service [17] - The Waistline Floor: Typically has smaller windows, resulting in poor lighting and potential water accumulation problems [18]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and drawbacks of living on the second floor of a residential building, highlighting issues such as noise, limited sunlight, privacy concerns, and difficulties in selling or renting the property [1][12]. Noise Issues - Residents on the second floor often experience significant noise from the community, including sounds from children playing, gym equipment, and loud music from nearby activities, which can disrupt daily life [3] - Additionally, sounds from neighbors below, such as kitchen appliances and arguments, can also be heard, leading to a persistent feeling of annoyance [4] Limited Sunlight - While sales pitches may emphasize the convenience of the second floor for elderly or young residents, the reality is that sunlight exposure is often severely limited, making the space feel dark and damp [6] - Insufficient sunlight can lead to a poor living environment, with potential issues like mold and discomfort, particularly for older residents who may prefer brighter living conditions [6] Privacy Concerns - Living on the second floor often necessitates the use of curtains to maintain privacy, as neighbors and passersby can easily see into the home [8] - The risk of unwanted attention from salespeople or other individuals increases, further diminishing the sense of security for residents [8] Difficulty in Selling - When attempting to sell a second-floor property, owners frequently encounter disinterest from potential buyers, who often cite the low floor as a negative factor [10] - The second floor is considered one of the hardest levels to sell in the secondary housing market, lacking unique advantages compared to other floors [10] Rental Challenges - Landlords may find it difficult to attract tenants for second-floor units, as younger renters may prefer quieter spaces, while older individuals may be deterred by issues like poor lighting and humidity [12] - The combination of living dissatisfaction and challenges in selling or renting leads to a perception of second-floor properties as undesirable [12] Conclusion - The article emphasizes the importance of considering factors beyond price when purchasing a property, particularly the implications of floor level on living quality and future resale potential [14] - For those already owning second-floor units, improvements in soundproofing, lighting, and security can help mitigate some of the inherent drawbacks [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of choosing the right floor when purchasing a property, emphasizing that certain floors should be avoided due to practical living conditions and investment potential rather than superstitions associated with specific numbers [3][10]. Group 1: Floors to Avoid - Low floors adjacent to streets (1st to 3rd floors) are problematic due to higher noise levels (12-15 decibels) and increased air pollution (20% higher particulate matter) compared to higher floors, leading to longer turnover times and limited appreciation potential [4][5]. - Top floors are often sought for their views but can have significant drawbacks, such as higher indoor temperatures (3-5°C hotter in summer) and a high incidence of water leakage (76.3% of top-floor owners report issues) [5][6]. - Floors in buildings with high elevator failure rates pose significant inconveniences, especially in buildings over 15 stories with only one elevator, where the average failure rate can reach 15‰ [7][9]. Group 2: Ideal Floor Choices - Middle floors (5th to 12th in buildings under 30 stories, and 10th to 25th in high-rises) are generally considered the best options, balancing light, noise control, and accessibility [10][11]. - Data from 2025 indicates that middle floors accounted for 67.3% of residential transactions in 50 major cities, reflecting a growing preference for these levels [11]. - Individual preferences vary, with families with elderly or young children favoring lower floors for ease of access, while younger renters (72.6% of those aged 25-35) tend to prefer higher floors for privacy and quiet [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the common beliefs regarding certain floors in residential buildings, particularly the superstitions surrounding floors like 4, 8, 14, and 18, and provides data-driven insights into which floors are advisable to avoid based on objective issues rather than myths [1][12]. Group 1: Floors to Avoid - The first category to be cautious about is the ground floor (1-2 floors), which has a lower satisfaction rate among residents due to issues like humidity, pest problems, and security risks. Ground floor residents report an average satisfaction rate 18.7% lower than other floors [3][4]. - The second category is the top floor, which faces challenges such as temperature extremes, leakage risks, and noise disturbances from equipment. Top floor residents experience an average temperature difference of 3-5°C higher in summer and 2-4°C lower in winter compared to middle floors [5][6]. - The third category includes elevator boundary floors, which often face inconveniences like longer waiting times for elevators and difficulties for visitors and delivery personnel due to elevator zoning. Residents on these floors experience a 40% longer average waiting time for elevators [7][8]. Group 2: Ideal Floor Choices - Floors 3-7 (excluding the 4th floor) and middle floors (between 1/3 and 2/3 of total floors) are generally preferred by buyers. These floors avoid the issues of ground floors and are not too high, providing a balance of light, ventilation, and safety [8][10]. - Middle floors, particularly in a 30-story building, offer minimal temperature fluctuations and lower noise levels, making them ideal for living conditions. The average temperature difference for middle floors is about 40% smaller than for top floors and 25% smaller than for ground floors [8][10]. Group 3: Additional Considerations - Factors such as building orientation, age, and quality significantly impact living experiences. South-north oriented buildings provide 35% more natural light compared to single-direction buildings, and newer constructions generally have better insulation and soundproofing [10][11]. - Economic considerations also play a role in floor selection. Budget-conscious buyers may find lower prices on traditionally "unlucky" floors, while those with higher budgets can opt for the best combinations of floor and orientation for long-term comfort and value [11][12].

Core Insights - The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding floor selection in real estate, particularly the so-called "unlucky" floors like 4, 13, 14, and 18, and emphasizes the need for rational decision-making based on actual living conditions rather than superstitions [1][9][10]. Group 1: Misconceptions and Market Reality - The belief that certain floors are unlucky is prevalent, with salespeople often using "numerical feng shui" to influence buyers, leading to potentially higher costs for more desirable floors [2][9]. - Market data from Lianjia Real Estate indicates that the price differences for the so-called unlucky floors compared to adjacent floors are minimal, typically not exceeding 2%, suggesting that these superstitions have little impact on actual market value [2][12]. Group 2: Floors Requiring Caution - Three categories of floors that warrant careful consideration are identified: 1. Low floors suffering from noise and pollution, with noise levels significantly exceeding WHO recommendations [5][6]. 2. "Intermediate" floors located at structural transition points, which may face issues like limited lighting and increased noise transmission, often priced about 5% lower than surrounding floors [6][7]. 3. Top floors, which may have water leakage issues and higher temperature variations, leading to increased air conditioning costs, with top-floor residents facing about 20% higher annual cooling expenses compared to mid-level residents [7][8]. Group 3: Rational Decision-Making - The article advocates for a rational approach to home buying, emphasizing the importance of practical living conditions over superstitions. It suggests that buyers should focus on factors that genuinely affect their quality of life and property value [9][10][12]. - A shift in buyer attitudes is noted, with younger generations prioritizing practicality and comfort over traditional beliefs, as evidenced by increasing acceptance of previously stigmatized floors [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of floor selection in real estate purchases, highlighting six specific floors that should be avoided due to various risks and disadvantages [1][3]. Group 1: Floors to Avoid - **Steel Beam Floor**: This floor type has significant hidden risks, including limited renovation options due to complex steel structures, high leakage risk from poor sealing, and poor air circulation leading to potential health issues [5][7]. - **Waistline Floor**: Characterized by poor lighting and ventilation due to small window sizes, this floor can accumulate water and become a dumping ground for debris, leading to hygiene problems [9][11]. - **Equipment Floor**: This floor houses essential machinery, resulting in constant noise and high temperatures, which can disrupt living conditions and comfort [13][14]. - **Street-Level Commercial Units (Low Floors)**: These units face severe noise pollution and poor air quality from street traffic and nearby businesses, negatively impacting the living environment [16][18]. - **Second Floor**: This floor has a notable "backflow" risk, where sewage can enter the home, causing significant inconvenience and potential financial loss [20][21]. - **Ground Floor (No Garden)**: Often perceived as convenient, this floor suffers from poor lighting, dampness, and security issues, making it less desirable for residents [23][24]. Group 2: Considerations for Homebuyers - Homebuyers are advised to conduct thorough research and site visits to understand the surrounding environment, property management, and design details before making a purchase decision [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of carefully considering floor selection when purchasing a property, highlighting that certain floors may have hidden drawbacks that could affect living conditions and safety [1][20]. Group 1: Advantages of Specific Floors - The 4th floor is seen as a practical choice due to easy access, better views, and quicker emergency escape, while the 18th floor offers advantages like reduced noise, fewer insects, and better lighting [5][3]. Group 2: Floors to Be Cautious About - The article identifies five types of floors that should be approached with caution: 1. **Flood-prone Floor (typically the 2nd floor)**: New buildings may have design flaws that lead to sewage issues, making this floor a potential hazard [10]. 2. **Equipment Floor**: This floor houses essential machinery, which can generate noise and heat, negatively impacting living comfort and health [12]. 3. **Waistline Floor**: Aesthetic features can obstruct light and airflow, leading to dark and damp living conditions [14]. 4. **Steel Beam Floor (e.g., 3rd, 7th, 10th, 17th floors)**: Structural issues may arise from construction practices, posing safety risks during seismic events [16]. 5. **Obstructed Low Floors (1st to 3rd floors)**: These floors may suffer from poor lighting and ventilation, increasing the risk of mold and exposure to noise and pollution [18].