Core Viewpoint - The current real estate market is experiencing a downturn, leading to declining sales for developers and an increase in second-hand housing listings. For first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home remains a crucial decision impacting marriage, residency, and children's education. This has raised questions about the investment value of elevator apartments versus walk-up apartments over the next five years [1]. Group 1: Investment Value Comparison - Walk-up apartments generally offer a higher usable area due to lower shared space ratios, typically between 10% to 15%, compared to elevator apartments which can have shared space ratios of 25% to 30%. This means a 100 square meter elevator apartment may only provide around 70 square meters of usable space, while a walk-up apartment can provide 85 square meters or more [4]. - The safety aspect favors walk-up apartments, as residents can quickly evacuate via stairs during emergencies like fires or earthquakes, whereas elevators may become inoperable, complicating evacuation efforts [5]. - Maintenance costs for elevator apartments are higher due to the need for elevator installation and upkeep, which translates into increased fees for residents. In contrast, walk-up apartments do not incur these additional costs, making them more financially appealing [6]. Group 2: Future Market Trends - Elevator apartments face challenges regarding demolition due to high residential density and associated costs, making it economically less viable for governments to invest in their relocation. This could lead to older elevator apartments being less desirable in the market compared to older walk-up apartments, which may have better opportunities for redevelopment [7].

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 Insights - The current housing market is experiencing a surge in demand due to relaxed purchasing policies and lower mortgage rates, leading to unprecedented opportunities for first-time and upgrading homebuyers [1] - Potential buyers face a dilemma between choosing traditional "staircase houses" and modern "elevator houses," raising questions about their future value [1] Group 1: Staircase Houses - Staircase houses have a smaller shared area, allowing buyers to enjoy more usable indoor space [2] - They incur lower property management fees, providing savings for homeowners [2] - The safety aspect is higher, especially in emergencies, as escape routes are more accessible [2] Group 2: Elevator Houses - Elevator houses offer expansive views and better natural light, creating a more comfortable living environment [3] - The convenience of elevators eliminates the need for climbing stairs daily [3] Group 3: Disadvantages of Elevator Houses - Elevator houses typically have larger shared areas, which can reduce the actual usable space significantly, leading to higher overall costs for homeowners [6] - Maintenance costs for elevators and other shared facilities can escalate over time, burdening residents with additional expenses [7] - The potential for demolition is lower for elevator houses due to the complexity and cost associated with relocating a larger number of residents [8] - In emergencies, elevator houses pose greater risks as elevator systems may fail, complicating evacuation efforts [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of floor selection when purchasing elevator apartments, highlighting three specific floors to avoid due to potential issues that may arise after moving in [3][12]. Group 1: Floors to Avoid - The top floor is prone to extreme temperatures and has a high risk of water leakage, especially in areas with heavy rainfall [5]. - The ground floor, while convenient, suffers from noise and dust pollution from street traffic, and residents still incur elevator maintenance fees [6]. - The mid-level or waistline floor may appear aesthetically pleasing but can accumulate water and suffer from poor lighting, with potential radiation hazards from concentrated building utilities [7]. Group 2: Noise Reduction Techniques - For those who have already chosen undesirable floors, various renovation techniques can help mitigate noise issues, such as installing high-quality soundproof doors and double-glazed windows [8][9]. - Additional soundproofing methods include creating soundproof walls with acoustic materials, using solid wood flooring, and employing floating floor techniques to reduce sound transmission [9][10]. - Other strategies involve soundproofing ceilings, sealing wall openings, treating balconies for noise insulation, and wrapping drainage pipes with sound-absorbing materials [10][11].

Core Insights - The article discusses the optimal floor selection in high-rise buildings, emphasizing the popularity of elevator apartments and the varying opinions on which floor is the best choice [1][5]. Group 1: Market Trends - Urban population density is increasing, leading to a surge in high-rise buildings, making properties on the sixth floor and below increasingly scarce [3]. - Elevator apartments have become the mainstream choice in modern cities, reflecting changing consumer preferences [1]. Group 2: Floor Selection Recommendations - The N-1 floor (the second to last floor) is generally considered the best choice, often commanding the highest price among similar units [5]. - Higher floors typically offer better ventilation and lighting conditions, enhancing market value for south-north facing units [6]. Group 3: Opinions on Middle Floors - There are conflicting views on middle floors; some believe they represent the best construction quality, while others consider them to have poorer air quality [8]. - It is advised to avoid low floors in high-rise buildings due to potential feelings of oppression and inferior lighting, unless the low floor is in a premium building [8]. Group 4: Consumer Behavior - Many buyers, particularly those with elderly family members, are opting for elevator-equipped properties, indicating a shift in purchasing behavior towards convenience [8].

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].

Core Viewpoint - Wealthy individuals are increasingly acquiring "staircase houses" despite their age and infrastructure issues, driven by various investment motivations [1][5]. Group 1: Advantages of Staircase Houses - Staircase houses are often located in prime urban areas with comprehensive amenities such as supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and public transport, making them convenient for residents [3]. - The price of staircase houses is significantly lower than that of elevator-equipped houses, and they typically have a higher usable area ratio [3]. - Staircase houses, usually 5-6 stories high, offer better safety in emergencies like fires or earthquakes, allowing for quicker evacuation compared to taller buildings [3]. Group 2: Investment Motivations - Wealthy individuals are purchasing staircase houses to rent them out, generating rental income. For instance, a 38 square meter staircase house in Shanghai's Jing'an District can be bought for 1.8 million, yielding an annual rental income of approximately 50,000, which is more profitable than bank savings [7]. - The potential for property appreciation through urban renewal projects or original reconstruction is a significant draw. Renovations can enhance the property's value, making it easier to sell or rent [9]. - There is also the possibility of demolition and redevelopment, which can lead to substantial returns. For example, a 40 square meter staircase house purchased for around 2 million could yield over 6.3 million in compensation if demolished [11]. Group 3: Market Conditions - The current market sees a decline in staircase house prices, with drops exceeding 30%, leading to a decrease in second-hand property transactions and rental prices [11]. - Despite the potential for high returns, the overall investment risk remains considerable due to the current downward trend in property values and rental income [11].

Group 1: Core Insights - The rising interest in "staircase apartments" among wealthy individuals is attributed to their location in "golden areas" of cities, which are often more desirable than newly built elevator apartments located in suburban areas [3][4] - Staircase apartments typically offer lower density living environments, providing a quieter and more comfortable atmosphere compared to high-rise elevator buildings [5][6] - The practical utility of staircase apartments is enhanced by their lower common area expenses, resulting in more usable living space compared to elevator apartments [7] Group 2: Value Proposition - Staircase apartments are generally priced 20% to 30% lower than elevator apartments in the same area, allowing for additional funds to be allocated for personalized renovations [8] - The potential for customization in staircase apartments is high due to their solid brick structures, enabling significant upgrades that can enhance comfort and future value [8] - The article emphasizes the importance of selecting the right staircase apartment, including considerations for floor level, property management quality, and thorough inspection of the building's condition [9]

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]