Core Viewpoint - The recent trend among real estate professionals shows a growing interest in stairwell apartments, which possess unique advantages over elevator apartments, particularly in urban core areas [1][3]. Group 1: Advantages of Stairwell Apartments - **Prime Location**: Stairwell apartments are often located in the core areas of cities, providing easy access to essential services like markets, schools, and hospitals, which is a stark contrast to the longer commutes required for suburban elevator apartments [5]. - **Community Feel**: The close-knit community atmosphere in stairwell apartments fosters strong neighborly relationships, unlike the more isolated living experience in elevator buildings [6]. - **Lower Living Costs**: Stairwell apartments typically have lower property management fees, saving residents significant amounts over time, and they also have a higher potential for redevelopment and compensation during urban renewal projects [7]. - **Quiet Environment**: The absence of elevator noise and the presence of mature green spaces contribute to a more peaceful living environment in stairwell apartments [8]. - **Better Usable Space**: Stairwell apartments generally have lower shared area ratios, resulting in more usable living space compared to elevator apartments, which often have higher common area percentages [9]. Group 2: Considerations When Purchasing Stairwell Apartments - **Beware of Elevator Installation Promises**: Potential buyers should be cautious of claims regarding future elevator installations, as these often require significant consensus among residents and can be difficult to implement [10]. - **Floor Selection**: Choosing the right floor is crucial; floors 3 to 4 are recommended for their balance of accessibility and comfort, while floors 1 and 6 should be avoided due to various drawbacks [11]. - **Quality Inspection**: Given the age of many stairwell apartments, thorough inspections for structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems are essential to avoid costly repairs later [12]. Group 3: Conclusion - Stairwell apartments are not universally superior to elevator apartments; the choice depends on individual needs, such as the importance of location, cost, and community versus accessibility for those with mobility issues [13]. - The increasing preference for well-located and quality stairwell apartments reflects changing urban living trends, particularly for properties with outdoor space [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advantages of "staircase houses" over "elevator houses" in the context of the current real estate market in China, highlighting factors such as cost-effectiveness, safety, potential for demolition compensation, and convenience of daily commuting. Group 1: Cost-Effectiveness - "Staircase houses" have a higher usable area compared to "elevator houses," leading to lower overall costs for buyers. For instance, a 100 square meter "elevator house" may only provide around 75 square meters of usable space, while a "staircase house" can offer approximately 85 square meters, resulting in significant savings on shared costs [2]. Group 2: Safety - "Staircase houses" are considered safer in emergencies, as residents can quickly evacuate via stairs during incidents like earthquakes or fires, unlike "elevator houses," where elevators may fail, complicating escape and rescue efforts [3]. Group 3: Demolition Potential - "Staircase houses" typically have fewer residents and lower demolition costs, making them more likely candidates for urban renewal projects. In contrast, "elevator houses" often involve higher costs due to the larger number of residents, reducing the likelihood of demolition opportunities for owners [3]. Group 4: Daily Commuting Convenience - "Staircase houses" avoid the inconveniences associated with "elevator houses," such as long wait times for elevators during peak hours or the burden of using stairs when elevators are under maintenance. This can be particularly challenging for residents of high-rise "elevator houses" [5]. Group 5: Overall Investment Value - Considering factors like cost-effectiveness, safety, demolition potential, and commuting convenience, "staircase houses" may present a more attractive investment opportunity over the next five years, although final decisions should align with individual preferences and needs [5].

Core Viewpoint - The current real estate market in Ganzhou is facing significant challenges, with properties failing to sell or rent, reflecting a broader trend in the housing market of third and fourth-tier cities in China [1][11]. Market Conditions - A user shared their experience of purchasing a 138㎡ stairwell apartment in 2010 for over 700,000 yuan, only to find it valued at around 600,000 yuan after 15 years, indicating a depreciation in property value [2]. - The user attempted to rent the property at 1,600 yuan per month but had to lower the price to 1,200 yuan after two months without interest, highlighting a lack of demand for older stairwell apartments [2][4]. Price Trends - Many commenters noted that housing prices in third and fourth-tier cities are declining, with some areas reverting to prices seen a decade ago. There are reports of second-hand homes being difficult to sell, even at significant losses [4][5]. - Predictions suggest that prices may continue to fall, with some estimates indicating a potential drop to 300,000 yuan in six years, and a recovery could take 20-30 years [4]. Buyer Preferences - The younger generation shows a low willingness to buy homes, with demand shifting towards elevator apartments and new products, while older stairwell apartments struggle due to their lack of accessibility [4][7]. - Properties over 100 square meters and older homes face challenges in selling due to banks tightening loan approvals and a preference for smaller units among first-time buyers [5]. Market Segmentation - The real estate market is experiencing a clear divide, with high-quality properties in prime locations maintaining better value, while those in less desirable areas face significant selling pressure [7][11]. - The perception of real estate as a reliable investment has weakened, with some individuals humorously suggesting extreme measures like free demolition due to the lack of value retention [7]. Strategic Recommendations - Property owners are advised to accept that real estate is no longer a guaranteed investment and to adjust their selling and renting strategies accordingly to mitigate losses [13]. - Buyers should focus on their housing needs and financial capabilities rather than following market trends blindly, emphasizing the importance of rational decision-making in the current market [13].

Group 1 - The enthusiasm of Chinese citizens for real estate is well-known, with many eager to purchase homes as soon as they save enough for a down payment, linking homeownership to residency, education, and marriage [1] - The future value retention potential of stairway apartments versus elevator apartments should be analyzed from multiple aspects, including location advantages, higher usable area in stairway apartments, and lower shared costs [3][5] - Recent discussions have emerged regarding which type of apartment will retain value better in the coming years, with some industry insiders predicting that elevator apartments may have an advantage due to their convenience, especially for families with elderly members [4] Group 2 - Stairway apartments typically have a lower shared area percentage (around 15%) compared to elevator apartments, which can be as high as 25% or more, leading to higher costs for elevator apartment owners [3][5] - Although elevator apartments offer convenience, they may have longer wait times during peak hours, and in emergencies like earthquakes or fires, stairway apartments provide safer and quicker escape routes [7] - The difficulty of demolition is higher for elevator apartments due to their greater height, making stairway apartments easier to manage in terms of future maintenance and potential demolition costs [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the economic pressures faced by homebuyers due to high property prices and emphasizes the importance of housing in various life aspects, predicting that "staircase houses" may have greater appreciation potential compared to "elevator houses" in the long term [1]. Group 1: Advantages of Staircase Houses - Public area advantage: Staircase houses typically have a public area ratio of only 10-15%, significantly lower than elevator houses, which can reach up to 40%, leading to substantial savings on public area costs and monthly property fees [3]. - Safety and emergency response: While staircase houses may be less convenient for daily use, they offer better safety during emergencies like fires or earthquakes, allowing residents to escape directly without relying on potentially malfunctioning elevators [3]. - Old renovation potential and location advantage: Staircase houses over 20 years old are likely to undergo significant renovations, enhancing their appeal and value, especially given their advantageous central locations [5]. Group 2: Cost and Future Potential - Property fee cost advantage: The property fees for staircase houses are generally lower than those for elevator houses due to the maintenance costs associated with elevators, making staircase houses more financially attractive [5]. - Possibility of demolition: Staircase houses have a higher likelihood of undergoing renovations compared to elevator houses, which are less likely to be demolished due to high costs associated with their dense occupancy, thus presenting better future appreciation potential [7]. - Long-term investment value: Despite the current advantages of elevator houses in terms of convenience and community environment, staircase houses exhibit more significant long-term investment value due to their advantages in public area ratios, safety, renovation potential, property fees, and demolition likelihood [7].