Is a ground-floor flat less attractive? Facts and myths

Ground-floor flats continue to provoke strong opinions. Some people rule them out because of concerns about safety, noise and privacy. Others appreciate the easy access, not having to rely on a lift, and the chance to enjoy a garden or terrace.

My name is Rafał Radomski and, in my work with clients, I have noticed that ground-floor flat is sometimes judged too hastily. It is not only the floor level that matters, but also the standard of the building, the property’s position in relation to the pavement, the condition of the insulation, the orientation of the windows and the layout of the housing estate.

In Gdańsk, the average transaction price for a new flat in the first quarter of 2026 was 14,647 zł/m², and on the secondary market it was 13,870 zł/m². Given these figures, it is worth assessing the strengths and risks of each specific property on a case-by-case basis, rather than basing your decision solely on the floor number. Please read on to the rest of the article, where I share my experiences.

Table of contents

• Is a ground-floor flat really less attractive?
  • The most common myths about ground-floor flats
• What are the pros and cons of living on the ground floor?
• Ground floor or first floor – which is better?
  • Who would be best suited to a ground-floor flat?
• A ground-floor flat versus a flat on an upper floor – a comparison
• Is it worth buying a ground-floor flat?
• FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Is a ground-floor flat really less attractive?

Not always. In older blocks of flats, a ground-floor flat may indeed mean poorer insulation, proximity to the entrance to the stairwell, and windows situated close to the pavement. In modern developments, the situation is different: flats are often separated from pedestrian walkways by greenery, and feature external roller shutters, CCTV, video intercoms and private gardens.

The appeal of a flat is determined primarily by:

• location within the building and within the housing estate,
• the distance between the windows and the pavement and car park,
• sunlight,
• the quality of thermal and damp-proof insulation,
• the height of the window sills and the garden fence,
• noise level,
• standard for communal areas,
• security of access to the property.

A well-located ground-floor flat can be more practical than a flat on a higher floor with a small balcony, a poor view and a lift that regularly reminds you of its existence by breaking down.

The most common myths about ground-floor flats

Myth 1: A ground-floor flat is always cold.
It doesn’t have to be. In new buildings, what matters is the continuity of the floor insulation, the way the ceiling above the garage or basement is insulated, and the correct construction of the plinth. The storey itself does not determine thermal comfort.

Myth 2: The ground floor means damp.
Damp can occur due to faulty waterproofing, a leaky façade or problems with the ground, but it is not a natural feature of every ground-floor flat. Before buying, it is worth checking the corners, the areas around the skirting boards, the smell in the rooms and the building’s technical documentation.

Myth 3: It’s always harder to sell a flat like this.
Demand depends on the target audience. A ground-floor flat with no privacy may indeed be harder to sell, but a flat with a garden, with a good layout and no architectural barriers, it is sought after by families, older people and pet owners.

What are the advantages and disadvantages? ground-floor flats?

The main advantage is accessibility. The absence of stairs and the fact that there is no need to use a lift makes everyday life easier for older people, parents with pushchairs, people with reduced mobility, and residents who frequently carry bicycles, shopping or larger items.

Among the most frequently cited the advantages of living on the ground floor include:

• easy access without stairs,
• a shorter route from the car park or garage,
• there are no neighbours directly below the premises,
• an easier way to take the dog for a walk,
• the possibility of having a garden or a terrace,
• greater functionality for families and older people,
• less reliance on the lift.

The list of potential drawbacks is also quite specific. A ground-floor flat may mean less privacy, more noise from the entrance to the block, a restricted view and the need for additional window security. In flats situated above a garage or an unheated basement, the floor insulation must also be carefully assessed.

In the case of ground-floor flats, safety This depends mainly on the position of the windows and the standard of the building. Anti-burglary roller shutters, security contacts, reinforced glazing, CCTV and well-lit surroundings enhance security, but are no substitute for a sensible assessment of the entire property.

Ground floor or first floor – which is better?

The choice between the ground floor and an upper floor should be based on your lifestyle. An upper floor usually offers more privacy, a better view and less exposure to pedestrian traffic. The ground floor has the advantage of accessibility, convenience and the opportunity to enjoy a private outdoor space.

Who would be best suited to a ground-floor flat?

A ground-floor flat for a senior citizen It removes some of the barriers associated with stairs and lifts. However, it is worth checking the height of the thresholds, the width of the doors, access to the building, and the distance to the car park, shops and public transport.

A ground-floor flat for a family It may be convenient because of the pushchair, frequent outings and access to the garden. However, you need to assess the safety of the area, how the private section is fenced off, and whether the space borders directly on a playground or a busy pavement.

For a dog owner, a garden is a great bonus, but it is no substitute for walks. Developers, on the other hand, should consider the profile of the future tenant: older people, families and pet owners may be particularly interested in ground-floor flats, provided the property is safe and practical.

A ground-floor flat versus a flat on the first floor – a comparison

Criterion	A ground-floor flat	Flat on the first floor
Availability	Very good, no stairs and no lift	depending on the lift and floor
Privacy	it may be narrower near the pavement	usually larger
Security	requires an assessment of the windows and the surrounding area	Access through windows is usually more difficult
The Garden	often available in new developments	usually absent
Balcony	less frequently, or as a terrace	more widely available
Families with children	convenient exit, space for a pram	more privacy, but more stairs
Seniors	a very practical solution	depending on a properly functioning lift
Animals	easier access, potential for a garden	more communication via the stairwell
Noise	accessible from the entrance, the pavement and the car park	usually smaller, depending on the surroundings
Sun exposure	depending on the built environment and green spaces	usually better on the upper floors
Thermal comfort	requires an assessment of the floor insulation	depends on its position within the structure
Sales potential	spacious, with a garden and a good layout	a broad group of buyers

Is it worth buying a ground-floor flat?

Yes, provided it meets the buyer’s requirements and passes a thorough technical inspection. Before making a decision, it is worth visiting the property at different times of the day to check the level of traffic outside the windows, the noise levels, the amount of sunlight and how the private space is separated from the communal areas.

I would like to draw particular attention to:

1. signs of damp near the floor and in the corners,
2. the flat’s location in relation to the garage, the cellar and the entrance to the stairwell,
3. security measures for windows and patio doors,
4. the garden’s aspect and level of privacy,
5. provisions regarding the use of the land adjacent to the premises,
6. the condition of the insulation and the building’s documentation.

When analysing reviews of ground-floor flats, it is easy to find both very satisfied owners and people complaining about noise or a lack of privacy. These differences show that people do not buy a „ground floor flat” as a category. They buy a specific flat in a specific building.

At Radomski Nieruchomości, we specialise in the sale, purchase and letting of property in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot. The company has offices in Letnica, Gdańsk, and Gdynia city centre, supporting clients at every stage of the transaction.

If you are considering buying a property and need an experienced real estate office in Gdansk, we’ll help you assess not only the price and layout, but also the ground floor’s functionality, its condition, the surrounding area and its resale potential. We invite you to take a look at our offers.

+48 783 187 968 – Gdańsk
+48 884 843 118 – Gdynia
biuro@radomskinieruchomosci.pl

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. Is a ground-floor flat safe?

It can be safe if the building has CCTV, access control, good lighting and adequate security measures for windows and patio doors. Before buying, it is also worth checking how far the property is from the street, the pavement and the communal areas of the estate.

2. Is a ground-floor flat cheaper?

There is no single rule. A property lacking privacy may be valued lower, whilst a ground-floor flat with a large garden, a terrace and a good location may cost more than a similar flat on a higher floor.

3. Is it easy to sell a ground-floor flat?

Yes, provided it meets the needs of a specific group of buyers and has no significant technical faults. Its key advantages include level access, a practical garden, good security features and separation from the pavement and car park.

4. Is a ground-floor flat a good choice for a senior citizen?

Yes, because it reduces the need to use stairs and lifts. However, it is also important to assess thresholds, the width of passageways, access to the building and the distance to essential services.

5. Is it worth buying a ground-floor flat with a garden?

It is worth it if the garden is private, gets plenty of sun and is genuinely practical. Before buying, you should check the residents’ association’s rules and regulations, the extent of your rights to use the land, and your obligations regarding its upkeep.