[Learn in one article] "Must-read when buying a property: Decoding the floor, orientation, and view" | Editor: Ma Wensheng
🏠 Must-reads for property buyers: Floor, orientation, and view details
When buying a property in Hong Kong, residents often consider not only the price but also the floor level, orientation, and view, as these factors directly impact living comfort, appreciation potential, and resale value . Sometimes, the price difference between properties in the same estate and with the same saleable area can reach millions of Hong Kong dollars depending on the floor level and view. Today, we'll break down the factors—from floor level and orientation to view—when inspecting properties to avoid being fooled.
🔑 Why should we pay attention to the floor, orientation and view?
- Living experience : strong light, good ventilation, open view, comfortable living, and naturally good mood.
- Health factors : moisture, noise, and pollution are all related to the floor and orientation.
- Investment value : The market generally prefers high-rise units with open views to be more easily resold.
- Feng Shui considerations : Many Hong Kong residents consider Feng Shui when buying a property. The orientation and scenery can have an impact on their psychology.
🏢 Floor Analysis
High-rise units (20th floor and above)🚀
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advantage :
- Open views, away from street noise.
- There are fewer mosquitoes and the air is relatively fresh.
- It has high appreciation potential and is generally favored by the market.
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shortcoming :
- The price is relatively expensive.
- In case of power outage or elevator failure, it is inconvenient to enter and exit.
- The wind was strong and some people felt uncomfortable.
Mid-rise units (10th–19th floors) 🏙️
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advantage :
- The price is cheaper than high-rise, but still has a reasonable view.
- Easy access and short waiting time for elevators.
- The balance between price and comfort makes it most popular among family buyers.
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shortcoming :
- Some units may still be affected by road noise.
Low-rise units (1st-9th floors) 🏞️
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advantage :
- The price is relatively flat and the entry threshold is low.
- Easy access, especially suitable for the elderly or families with children.
- There is an opportunity to feature units with large decks or gardens.
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shortcoming :
- Susceptible to street noise and dust.
- There are more mosquitoes and less privacy.
- The view is obstructed and the market acceptance is low when reselling.
🌞 Orientation Analysis
South facing unit☀️
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advantage :
- There is plenty of light, warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Traditionally considered the most ideal orientation.
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shortcoming :
- Some south-facing units may be too hot in the summer.
- Prices are usually higher.
East-facing units
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advantage :
- There is sunshine in the morning and the sunshine time is moderate.
- Suitable for residents who like morning sunshine.
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shortcoming :
- There is no sunlight in the afternoon, so the indoor light may be dim.
West-facing unit
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advantage :
- There is sunshine in the afternoon and it is especially warm in winter.
- Have the opportunity to see the sunset view.
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shortcoming :
- The problem of "westerly slope" is serious in summer and the indoor temperature is high.
- Air conditioning costs are relatively high.
North facing unit❄️
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advantage :
- Summer is cooler, no matter how hot it is.
- Suitable for residents who are afraid of heat.
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shortcoming :
- Winters are cold and there is insufficient sunshine.
- The indoor temperature is prone to dampness, which some people find gloomy.
👀 Landscape Analysis
Sea view 🌊
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advantage :
- The landscape is scarce and has great appreciation potential.
- The mind is open and has collection value.
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shortcoming :
- The price is extremely high.
- Part of the sea view is affected by weather (such as typhoons and salt tides).
Mountain view ⛰️
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advantage :
- The air is fresh and the environment is quiet.
- The price is lower than the sea view, but it is still a popular choice.
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shortcoming :
- It is dark at night and some units feel quiet and deserted.
City view 🏙️
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advantage :
- The night scene is prosperous and the lights are bright.
- Some people feel energetic.
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shortcoming :
- Noise and light pollution are serious problems.
- Less privacy.
Street view/inner garden view🏞️
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advantage :
- The price is relatively cheap.
- The inner garden is quiet and suitable for families.
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shortcoming :
- The landscape is rather monotonous and the appreciation potential is limited.
🏦 Investment and self-use considerations
Owner-occupiers 👨👩👧👦
- Focus on comfort, such as lighting, ventilation, and convenience of daily access.
- You don't necessarily have to pursue the highest floor or the most expensive view, but rather one that suits your family's needs.
Investment buyers 💼
- Considering market acceptance, people usually prefer high-rise, south-facing and sea-view units.
- Easy to rent out and also convenient to resell in the future.
🧐 Editor's Tips
- Don’t blindly pursue high-end properties : high-end properties have advantages, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the most practical. You need to consider your own lifestyle habits.
- The orientation of the house should be compatible with your lifestyle : if you go back to work early in the morning, an east-facing unit may not enjoy the morning light; if you stay at home for a long time, you should pay attention to the problem of west-facing units.
- Views are not permanent : a sea view today may be blocked by new buildings in the future; pay attention to regional development plans before buying a property.
- Balance price and needs : The ideal combination is usually mid- to high-rise + south/east-facing + open views, but the price is naturally high, so you should buy within your means.
📌 Summary
When Hong Kong residents purchase a property, floor level, orientation, and view are three essential factors. While market preferences vary widely, the most important considerations are comfort and financial viability . From an investment perspective, higher-priced properties generally hold and appreciate in value. However, homebuyers don't need to be bound by these myths.
The editor would like to say in the end: buying a property is like choosing a life partner💑. If you want to be together for a long time, you can’t just look at the appearance (view) or reputation (high-rise building), but choose the combination that best suits your life needs.