What Is The Cost Of Constructing A Landed Property In Singapore?
TLDR Building a landed property in Singapore can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per...
Read More
Beyond the Premium: Why Some Singaporean Homebuyers Steer Clear of Top-Floor Properties
TLDR
Top-floor condominium units in Singapore often come at a premium price and are associated with luxury, but they have notable drawbacks. These include higher costs with uncertain investment returns, increased risk of roof leaks, potential noise disturbances from neighbors and rooftop facilities, and longer lift wait times. Contrary to popular belief, top floors aren’t always the quietest or best for views—sometimes upper-middle floors offer better scenery and less sun glare. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully against lifestyle preferences and budget. Consulting an experienced real estate advisor can help make informed decisions tailored to individual goals, whether buying or selling.
Top-floor units in condominiums are frequently associated with luxury and command a price premium. While the notion that “higher floors equal better value” is deeply ingrained, not all homeowners share this appreciation. Those who have experienced top-floor living often highlight certain drawbacks. Before investing in the highest unit in a stack, it’s wise to consider these potential disadvantages that lead some Singaporeans to prefer high floors, but not necessarily the very highest.
1. Cost and Investment Returns: The most immediate concern is cost. Top-floor units are almost always the most expensive. While they are capital-intensive, it’s not guaranteed they will be the most profitable. In some cases, even ground-floor units have matched or exceeded the gains of higher-floor units. The high initial purchase price can leave less room for appreciation, making the investment returns less certain. Many realtors suggest that buying a top-floor unit should be viewed as a personal indulgence—something to be enjoyed for its lifestyle benefits, rather than a guaranteed superior investment. This alone can deter budget-conscious buyers.
Other Reasons for Hesitation:
2. Increased Vulnerability to Roof Leaks: Unlike residents on lower or middle floors who can report ceiling leaks to management or upstairs neighbors, top-floor residents are directly beneath the roof and exposed to the elements. This means that when the roof’s waterproofing deteriorates, leaks can occur directly into their unit, especially during heavy rains. Rectifying roof issues is typically a more complex and lengthy process than fixing a standard ceiling leak, often involving specialized crews and prolonged approval times from condo management. While maintenance fees cover these repairs, living with persistent leaks during repair periods can be highly inconvenient. It’s advisable to check the condition of roof access areas (if applicable) for signs of poor maintenance.
3. Not Always Quieter: Despite being elevated, top-floor units are not universally quiet. Noise from downstairs neighbors, such as loud music or arguments, can still be a significant disturbance. Furthermore, units on the highest floors might be level with or directly facing elevated MRT tracks or major highways, negating the expected noise reduction. Ironically, lower-floor units, particularly those with dense foliage or noise barriers implemented by developers, can sometimes offer better insulation from road noise, as these features may not block sound for the highest levels. Using a decibel meter during viewings, even for top-floor units, is recommended to avoid assumptions.
4. Disruptions from Rooftop Facilities: Condominiums with rooftop amenities like tennis courts, pools, or sky gardens can introduce unique disruptions. Noise from parties, exercise classes, or general use of these facilities can travel downwards into units. Another common complaint relates to lift usage: residents living directly below rooftop amenities often find lifts crowded with users carrying sports equipment, barbecue supplies, or dripping from the pool, particularly during peak times. While actual structural leaks from rooftop pools into units are rare, the perceived risk can be a concern for some.
5. The “White Sky” Effect: While high-floor units often promise panoramic views, there’s a “sweet spot” for optimal scenery that isn’t always at the very top. At extreme heights, especially when facing an open sky or low-rise enclaves, the view can sometimes appear as an overwhelming “white sky”—a monotonous, glaring white expanse. Sun glare and adverse weather conditions can further obscure the view, leading residents to keep curtains drawn. In such cases, units a few floors down, in the upper-middle levels, might offer a more pleasant view, allowing for a glimpse of ground-level activity and surrounding greenery.
6. Longest Lift Wait Times: Residing on the topmost floor generally means longer wait times for lifts. This is exacerbated during peak hours, festive seasons, or when residents are moving in/out. Lift breakdowns can become a significant inconvenience. While adequate lift maintenance and sufficient numbers of lifts can mitigate this, some level of frustration, especially when contractors monopolize lifts, is often unavoidable for top-floor residents.
Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?
If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?
It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.
I can help you by:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.
You May Also Like …
Top 5 : Exploring the Streets of Singapore – A Journey Beyond Just Shopping!
Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and rich history, offers a plethora of unique experiences that go...
Read More
Top 5 Considerations : Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!
Buying an older property can be a dream come true for many homebuyers, as these homes often come with unique...
Read More
Fresh Look: Old vs New Condos in District 14 — What the Data Really Shows in 2025
TLDR District 14 has outperformed Singapore’s broader property market, with resale prices rising faster than national averages over the past...
Read More
5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Public Housing System
5 Things to Know About Singapore's Public Housing System With over 80% of Singaporeans living in public housing, it's important...
Read More
5 Neighbourhoods Poised to Benefit Most from the URA Draft Master Plan 2025
TLDR Singapore’s URA Draft Master Plan 2025 outlines major urban redevelopment with 80,000 new homes across 10 estates. Key growth...
Read More
Should You Pay Extra for a Private Condo When the EC Next Door Looks Identical?
TLDR Singapore’s executive condominiums (ECs) have improved significantly, now matching private condos in design and facilities but at lower prices....
Read More
Housing Affordability in 2023: Is Singapore Property Truly Unaffordable?
TLDR Singapore’s property market faces challenges with high prices, especially in private housing. While public housing remains more affordable, the...
Read More
Building A World-Class Nation: Top 5 Facts About Singapore’s Developed Infrastructure
Building A World-Class Nation: Top 5 Facts About Singapore's Developed Infrastructure Singapore is known for its high standard of living,...
Read More
What’s The Difference Between An Offer To Purchase And An Option To Purchase?
TLDR Understanding the crucial difference between an Offer to Purchase and an Option to Purchase (OTP) is vital when buying...
Read More
3 Things You Need to Know if You Are Buying a Second Property
TLDR When considering buying a second property in Singapore, ensure eligibility by meeting the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP) and understanding...
Read More
How Budget 2024 Impacts Singapore Homeowners: Exciting Property Tax Updates and ABSD Benefits
TLDR The 2024 Budget introduces changes to property tax bands, aiming to ensure fair taxation based on Annual Value (AV)...
Read More
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate
Investing in Singapore's real estate market can be a lucrative venture, given the city-state's status as a global financial hub...
Read More
Should You Purchase a Small Landed Home or a Larger Condo? Insights from Singaporeans
TLDR When deciding between a compact landed house and a spacious condominium, consider key factors like security, parking, maintenance costs,...
Read More
Subscribe to Jayson Ang’s Singapore Property Newsletter
TLDR Jayson Ang's Singapore Property Newsletter offers valuable insights on real estate investments, market trends, and expert advice. The newsletters...
Read More
Top 5 Best Green Spaces to Picnic in Singapore
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to numerous green spaces that...
Read More
Finding the Perfect Match: Top 20 : A Guide to Choosing the Best Property Agent in Singapore
TLDR When it comes to buying or selling real estate in Singapore, having a professional and knowledgeable property agent is...
Read More
Top 5 Best Urban Hiking Trails in Singapore
Singapore, known as the Garden City, is a bustling metropolis that offers a multitude of parks and nature reserves for...
Read More
5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties
Property investing is a popular and lucrative option in Singapore due to several reasons. Firstly, Singapore's stable and growing economy...
Read More
What Role Does Property Valuation Play In The Real Estate Industry, And Why Is It Important?
TLDR When it comes to property valuation, understanding the process is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Property valuations can...
Read More