Which Floor and Which Way? Choosing an Apartment's Floor, Orientation and View

Masari Team

Once you have chosen a city, a district and a budget, a simpler-sounding question shapes your daily comfort and resale value: which floor, which orientation and which view? There is no single right answer. A ground floor suits a family with elderly members; a top floor may suit someone who wants quiet and an open view. Here are the trade-offs and how to test an apartment yourself.

Choosing the floor

Ground floor

Good for older people, anyone with limited mobility and families with small children, with no reliance on the lift and sometimes a private garden. Downsides: less privacy, more noise and dust, and possible damp if foundation waterproofing is weak. Check lower walls and whether rainwater collects at the entrance.

Middle floors

Often the balanced choice: better light and air than the ground floor, more privacy and milder temperatures than the top floor. Many buyers prefer them, which usually helps resale.

Upper and top floors

Quiet, open views and good airflow, but full dependence on the lift. A top floor can be hotter in summer and prone to leaks if roof insulation is poor. Ask about thermal and waterproof roof insulation, who maintains it, and whether more floors could be added later.

The lift question

Above the second floor, a working lift is essential. Confirm a maintenance contract and ask neighbours how often it breaks down and whether there is backup power.

Orientation and ventilation

Many Egyptians prefer a north-facing (bahari) front because it catches the breeze for much of the year, while south and west fronts can be hotter on summer afternoons. Orientation alone is not enough:

  • Cross-ventilation: windows on two different sides.
  • Room layout: bedrooms and living room on the better side.
  • Light wells: rooms facing only a narrow shaft get less light, air and privacy.
  • Direct sun: note where it enters morning and afternoon, as it affects cooling costs.

In coastal cities like New Damietta and Ras El Bar, humidity and salty air can affect metal window frames and outdoor units, so ask about materials and facade finishes.

The view and surroundings

  • Gardens, green space or a wide main street usually add value; a facing wall or shaft reduces it. Main streets also mean more noise.
  • Today's empty plot may be tomorrow's building. Ask what the land opposite is zoned for, and do not overpay for a view that may disappear.
  • Cafes, workshops, schools or mosques next door affect noise at different times. Know before you buy.

Test the apartment yourself

  1. Visit at least twice, morning and evening.
  2. Open and close windows to judge noise, airflow and light.
  3. Take the stairs once to picture a lift breakdown.
  4. Go up to the roof to see insulation and water tanks.
  5. Ask neighbours about water pressure, damp and maintenance.

Quick checklist

  • Floor suits your household now and in coming years.
  • Lift works and has a maintenance contract.
  • Main rooms face the better side, with cross-ventilation.
  • Good roof insulation for top floors; no damp on ground floors.
  • You know what is planned for the land opposite.

FAQ

Is the top floor a bad choice?

Not necessarily. With good roof insulation and a reliable lift it can be quieter with better views.

Do prices differ by floor and orientation?

Many sellers price floors and fronts differently. Compare price per square metre for similar units in the same building.

What matters more, view or ventilation?

For daily living, good air and light usually matter more over time; the view is a bonus.

How do I check orientation?

Use your phone's compass during the viewing and compare it with the floor plan.

Before contacting any seller, Masari lets you compare unit prices, floor plans and payment plans in one place.