Anyone regret buying a top floor flat (no lift)

[123Valentina123]

Looking to buy and love a flat that has been sitting on the market for 2 years and a 200k fall in price. It’s on the top floor of a period building with no lift. I’ve always lived in ground floor flats. I’m very fit and so don’t mind climbing stairs. I know it will be a PITA with shopping, suitcases, etc. I know it will be difficult to sell and I’m fucked if I lose mobility become seriously ill. BUT the space is amazing in terms of size and layout relative to other flats at a similar price point.

I’d be grateful for any thoughts on top-floor loving.

We used to live in a "penthouse" sort of flat (not as grand as it sounds but still very lovely). Multiple balconies and lovely view in all directions, but no lift. Quieter than most flats because no one upstairs. So, lots and lots of pros.

It was fine because we had no kids.

If you have kids or planning to have them, absolutely no way imo!

Thanks @Mumoftwo1312 . The views are lovely and it feels so safe. My child is 13 and loves it! I’m just wondering if I’m missing something with this flat guven how long it’s sat on the market. It is tenanted, but agent said tenants are fine with the sale. They haven’t been obstructive with viewings and it was very clean and tidy when I viewed.

It would depend on how many flights of stairs but is like the opportunity to climb stairs everyday as long as I had access to a balcony.

I holidayed in a third floor flat once and that was fine

Is it still in the market because of the cladding issue that has happened since Glenville?

I had one in Brighton and carrying the shopping monthly was a bind.

Ahh 13yo is beyond the buggy stage lol you'll be fine!

I should have clarified I meant the age bracket of kids that still go "I'm tired mummy carry meeeeee". Or insist on taking their scooter everywhere only for you to carry it!

One vote here for Buy the Flat

Not really. We lived on 4th floor for several years. Loads of our neighbours were in 70/80s.

Suitcases - only once a year max do I use a large case. Otherwise hand luggage only type trips

Shopping- Ocado kindly carried all our shopping up no issues for 7 years and delivered to door. I imagine that’s what most people would do

How many floors are there? Is it first floor, third floor, seventh floor?

Thank you all!

It’s 4th floor. No cladding issues - period conversion. Zero chance of a lift being installed in the future.

No functioning balcony (there is access to a very small space of the roof but doesn’t look usable). Access to gorgeous communal garden and its sports facilities.

Wouldn't put me off, no noise above and keeps you fit. What's not to love?

I used to own a top floor period flat (or tenement here in Scotland). I loved it. Climbing those stairs was great exercise! Make sure you ask lots of questions about the roof - it's joint liability for everyone but obviously any issues will happen in your property my first.
I had DS in the flat and it was a bit of a PITA with bags and buggies until we moved on when he was a toddler but not something that ruined my day in any way! I was in the city centre which I loved and what a view I had too.

Is it a loft? Might be very cold in winter.

I wouldn't. I've lived in upper floor flats without lifts for years until recently and the noise is awful - it's worse for travelling up than down. That's without the consideration that it doesn't take much for stairs to become unmanageable.

Also ask about the roof. Not every block will have a shared liability roof, some have flying freeholds meaning it will all fall to you.

I agree with you all but I’m wondering why it hasn’t sold after 2 years. It’s in ok condition with the benefit that the owner built into the roof to create a third big bedroom with loads of storage and en-suite. Electrics all look up to date and boiler looks good. I think some major external works were recently done. I didn’t spot any leaks from the roof.

The carrying the shopping WILL become an issue, I can promise you that😂

As will babies, children and prams with said shopping if that's a consideration!

Good advice re questions to ask about the roof. Thank you!

It is share of freehold but will ask about roof liability.

I’m past the baby and pram stage! I have a very helpful 13 year old who can help with lugging things.

Not exclusively a loft flat as such. It’s a duplex with extended floor into the loft. Good ceiling height.

My first flat was top floor. I LOVED it. No feet stamping overhead, gorgeous views from the tiny terrace. And I got so fit running up and down all those flights every day. I still miss that flat.

I wouldn't do it with kids - buggies and safety issues. But shopping and the occasional suitcase - no problem.

I lived in one where the conditions included that we weren't allowed to use the stairs (or lift) for moving furniture. We had to hire an outdoor lift to move furniture in through the window. Check there aren't any bizarre rules like that!

Here in france you pay a premium for top floor flats as there is no noise from above. Having lived in lots of flats, I definitely disagree that noise carries up, no, it's always the upstairs neighbours you hear.

Duplex sounds perfect! And you will keep fit on the stairs. No lift is probably better as otherwise service charges will be very high.

I lived in a top floor (third floor) Glasgow tenement for a few years, Loved it. No noisy upstairs neighbours gallumphing about. Loads of natural light, even on gloomy days.

I got used to the stairs pretty quickly. Dragging a heavy suitcase up was a pain but that was only an occasional thing. Wouldn't fancy bringing a pram up and down several times a day.

It sold really quickly too.

Sounds lovely! I've lived in flats pretty much all my adult life, love it. Gow noisy they are depends on the setup (including where you are positioned, and top floor is definitely best imo). When I was staying overnight recently in my parents' massive detached house I found it much noisier and was woken up by others in the house getting ready - noise carried up their stairs - our flat has very thick walls I think so noises from other rooms don't carry so much!

And you're not in the life stage for lots of stairs to be a problem - agree with the online supermarket delivery suggestion, Tesco has always carried to my door.

The shared liability for the roof can be an issue if the other residents don't care that it's leaking into your property.

I am on top floor of a low rise block so no issue. Would have to go up 4-5 a day with dog, shopping
no!