At present, apartment living has become familiar to urban residents due to limited space in large cities. When purchasing an apartment, people are often advised to avoid floors associated with unlucky numbers such as 4, 13, 14. Moreover, individuals are also warned: “The poor don’t live on the second floor, and the rich don’t live on the 18th floor.”
Why “the poor don’t live on the second floor”
In reality, regarding personal residence, the number isn’t a critical factor to consider. However, if you perceive real estate as a future investment, there are still cultural differences to bear in mind.
Traditionally, many people avoid purchasing homes on the 4th (the number sounds similar to “death” in some cultures), 8th (sounds similar to “ending” or “death” in some dialects), 14th (associated with ill-fate), and 18th floors (associated with bad luck) due to various numerical meanings across different regions. If you are indifferent to these numerical significances and buying for personal use, purchasing real estate at a good price remains a sound idea. However, the second floor is also a floor to avoid, even though its number isn’t considered unlucky, due to the following reasons:
- Drainage system issues
Presently, many high-rise buildings or mini apartments often use independent drainage pipes on the first floor, making both floors interconnected. In older residential areas, some residents might take unauthorized actions to alter or remodel pipelines, resulting in narrow or blocked pipes, impeding the proper flow of wastewater. Combined with poor property management and neglect by residents on upper floors, the wastewater could easily mix with domestic water.
In such situations, you could implement corrective measures, such as using check valves for water backflow or an independent drainage system. However, if the property’s value has decreased and you purchase it, such issues can lead to significant losses. Therefore, it’s advisable not to buy such properties.
- Low moisture issues
The second floor tends to be damper and noisier due to its lower position. However, in recent years, with more houses being equipped with raised floors or underground parking, this issue has significantly diminished. When purchasing a property, thoroughly examine its current condition. If the house lacks high floors, an underground garage, or resides in an area with frequent dampness, this should be carefully considered.
- Lighting and ventilation
Consider the distance between buildings and surrounding greenery to assess this aspect. When considering buying an apartment, it’s best to check sunlight charts in advance. In the case of an old house, it’s preferable to experience the property on-site. Especially in winter, observe the sunlight during morning and evening hours.
Additionally, pay attention to the greenery surrounding the house. Observe the types of trees, their proximity to the house, and how they affect the sunlight. For instance, if the building distance is relatively close, under 50 meters, and large trees obscure the sunlight entirely, resulting in dim lighting indoors, it’s better to avoid such a property.
- Noise issues
If there are noise sources such as stadiums, playgrounds, fitness, or entertainment areas on the lower or adjacent floors, it’s advisable to avoid low floors. Hence, when purchasing a property, consider all noise sources around to select the most suitable living environment.
The reason “the rich don’t live on the 18th floor”
If there are other options, it is recommended not to choose the 18th floor. Everyone says that the 18th floor is not good. The main reason is that there is a saying that China has 18 floors of hell. Therefore, the 18th floor built by ordinary Chinese people is a 17 storey springboard, which is called 17F, just to avoid saying 18 floors.
If you build a flat floor with 18 floors, it is usually used by developers to cover the account or deal with it at a low price. Of course, if you have bought a flat with 18 floors, you should not think about it any more. It’s a done deal. It’s not related to you whether it’s good or not. Life is not for others to see. You’re comfortable.
- Hot in summer and cold in winter
Living on the top floor can pose challenges with higher temperatures in the summer and colder temperatures in the winter. However, these challenges can be easily overcome if you have air conditioning and heating.
- Difficulty in using electricity and water during peak times
For residents on the top floors, water pressure is often insufficient, making it more difficult to use water. Therefore, if you are a resident of high-rise buildings, you should avoid doing laundry during peak hours so as not to affect your living comfort.
- Depends a lot on the elevator
Residents on high floors find it difficult to use stairs every day. But when there is a problem or power outage, they must be used. Although this situation does not happen often, residents with elderly people or children at home still need to be cautious when buying if the property is not well managed. Therefore, when buying a high-floor apartment, the issue of elevator reliability needs to be deeply investigated to ensure smooth, unhindered daily travel.
