When buying a property, factors such as price, floor level and view are important—but the unit’s position on the same floor also matters. Some units are located next to the lift lobby, offering convenient access, yet others worry that proximity to lifts may cause noise and privacy concerns. Should buyers choose units near lift entrances? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Advantages and disadvantages of units near lift entrances
The main advantage of units near lifts is convenience of access. Residents can return home directly without walking down long corridors—especially helpful when carrying heavy shopping bags, pushing baby strollers or moving large items.
For elderly residents, people with mobility challenges and families with young children, reduced walking distance is also an advantage. In addition, some large estates adopt a “one lift serving multiple units” design per floor, resulting in longer corridors—making the distance between the unit and the lift even more significant.
However, units near lift entrances have potential drawbacks, one being noise. Sounds from lift doors opening and closing, residents chatting in the lobby, and late-night comings and goings may all generate noise affecting the tranquillity of nearby units. If the unit shares a wall with the lift shaft, attention should also be paid to whether lift operation sounds—or even vibrations—can be heard inside.
That said, not all units near lifts are necessarily noisy; actual conditions depend on the building’s soundproofing design, corridor layout and door positioning. For example, some units have thicker doors offering better sound insulation, reducing external noise entering the interior.
Beyond noise, privacy is another factor to consider. If the unit door faces the lift directly, people waiting for the lift may see into the unit each time the door opens. This issue may be more pronounced in open-plan residences where the entrance area is not clearly separated from the living and dining areas.
Therefore, prospective buyers should consider the distance between the unit and the lift—not only when inspecting layout, views and overall condition, but also by closing the door during viewings to test interior sound insulation, and observing whether lift operation sounds or corridor voices penetrate the unit.
In addition, if a unit suffers a burst pipe or severe water leakage, accumulated water may flow out through the door into the corridor. If the unit is adjacent to the lift lobby and the floor lacks adequate drainage or water barriers, water could enter the lift shaft—potentially disrupting lift operations, requiring temporary suspension for inspection and repair, and possibly leading to compensation liability.
Does proximity to a lift entrance affect resale prospects and price?
Will units near lift entrances be harder to sell later? There is no universal answer—it largely depends on buyers’ needs and preferences. Some buyers who prioritise quietness and privacy may prefer units at the end of corridors or farther from lifts, whereas some elderly households may find proximity to lifts more convenient.
Similarly, proximity to a lift does not automatically mean a lower price. A unit’s actual value still depends on floor level, view, orientation, layout and overall market conditions. Prospective buyers may refer to transaction records of comparable units within the same estate—similar in floor level and size—to assess whether location leads to any noticeable price difference.
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