Are you eyeing a new residential space in the city? Have you ever considered living in a penthouse?
Penthouses are often considered to be one of the peeks of luxury living. However, you can find all types of people with different opinions about penthouse living. High-rise properties are a huge investment, so you want to be sure of your decision first.
Are you wondering if it's right for you? Read about the advantages and drawbacks of penthouse living.
The Pros
If you've always lived in the city, penthouse living could be perfect for you. Here are some of the advantages:
Location and Privacy
Sometimes you want to live in the peace and quiet of an isolated cabin in the middle of nowhere, away from all the noise.
If you're torn between city life and wanting tranquility, worry no more! A penthouse is the perfect marriage of the two.
Living in a penthouse, you live in the heart of the city. The comforts and conveniences are still within reach, but you still have a quiet home to return to. You'll be close to metro stations, restaurants, and museums.
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Living in the city can feel daunting at times.
Give yourself a mini-vacation once you shut the doors. A penthouse is pretty high up. You have enough space for some peace and escape the noise of the city you love.
Comfort
Most penthouses are in exclusive buildings with amenities. Who wouldn't want to go for a dip in the spa, lift weights at the gym, or watch a movie in your building's cinema?
You're living a life of luxury in a penthouse and paying penthouse fees! Find more here to see the best that penthouses have to offer.
Views
One of the main selling points of penthouses is the stellar views. You get to watch the city sleep and the skylines light up at night.
Compared to regular city apartments, you can enjoy unobstructed views of your city. The best part is that you get all this to yourself!
Space
Penthouses are pretty spacious. Entertain guests, construct an at-home studio, and still have plenty of space.
Security
You pay a premium in location, but you also pay for penthouse security. If you're a fan of crime documentaries, you might have come across those stories where nonresidents can just enter buildings. Most penthouse buildings have security guards to keep their guests and residents safe.
Exclusivity
Penthouses are higher on both a figurative and literal level. Due to the exorbitant price point, penthouses are like status symbols.
Not everyone can afford a penthouse, and not everyone can get in. Feel like you're in the upper echelons of society.
Pet Housing
We all love our furry friends, but most apartments have restrictions. Penthouses tend to be more accommodating towards pets.
Check out whether your penthouse is pet-friendly or pet-allowed. Pet-allowed units allow your fuzzy animal to live with you. In contrast, pet-friendly units have amenities specifically for animals.
Give your penthouse pet the best life they can live in the city.
Investment
Depending on your state, penthouses are often impervious to depreciating property value. This makes them an excellent investment should you decide to sell in the future.
The Cons
Of course, penthouses aren't for everyone. Here's why the price may not feel worth it to some people.
Elevation
Penthouses tend to be very high to afford those stunning views and relative seclusion. Penthouses were once located at the very top of sky-scrapers, but now they're essentially the higher floors.
Being so high up won't necessarily be a problem if your building has efficient elevators. Otherwise, your knees are in for a burning arthritic treat.
Elevators may feel crowded or slow. The up and down may also limit your mobility, especially when transporting large and heavy goods.
It's not just going up that might be a problem, but also going down. Have to run a quick errand? Did you run out of shampoo and have to go to the corner store?
It's going to be a long way down.
Rooftop Activities
Some buildings have recreation centers located on the rooftop. This can be a pro and a con for you.
On the one hand, you have closer access. On the other hand, other people have access, too. Some buildings have a restaurant, gym, function hall, or cinema up there.
This may generate foot traffic and unwanted noise. Consider if you think that activities right above your home are acceptable or a nuisance to you.
Price
If you're swimming in money, feel free to skip this point. It's no doubt that penthouses cost a pretty penny. After all, you're paying for luxury here.
Scour the market before investing in a penthouse. You might find better deals elsewhere. As with any business deal, review the payment plans and additional fees.
Weather
The breathtaking views come with a slight drawback. Everyone wants a good sunset once in a while, but the sun in your face every morning might prove a bit excessive.
Large windows need humongous curtains to protect you from the harsh light and heat. Protect your valuables such as paintings and books from light damage.
When the weather is fickle, glass windows can only help so much. Look into insulation and central heating and cooling to keep your home temps stable.
Roof Leaks
The close proximity to the building's zenith means your roof bears the brunt of weather damage. Unfortunately, over time, this translates to roof leaks.
You may also run into seepage and damp walls which are home to mold growth. Water damage can also damage your wiring and plumbing system.
Not to mention, your building is like any other residential building with high foot traffic and activity. It's still prone to the regular damage most apartment buildings go through. Make sure you double-check their maintenance and management before committing.
Safety
Many of the cons of living in a penthouse are often tied to its high location. In the event of an earthquake or fire, you have a long way to go to evacuate.
However, standard building safety requires a fire exit for everyone, maps, and drills.
This caps the major problems you may encounter in penthouse living. Some of them are solvable problems; others you may just have to live with.
Is a Penthouse the Right Fit for You?
Living in a penthouse has ups and downs. The perks of living in a penthouse often come with downsides tied to how high up it is. You sacrifice a bit of convenience but live a life of exclusivity, security, and luxury.
Thank you for reading our article! Head over to our blog to learn more about luxury housing and unconventional homes. Live top-tier by living in the top tiers in a penthouse!
