News: 21st-Floor Flat Drawbacks: Viral Post Splits Opinion-28-05-2026
A post on X recounting why the user’s manager gave up a 21st-floor flat has set off a debate on whether upper-floor apartments justify their premium. According to the post, the manager bought the flat for Rs 1.5 crore and sold it after 4 years, worn down by the practical difficulties of living so high up. It listed 13 drawbacks.
What the post claimed
The skyline view was impressive at first, the post said, but the novelty wore off within weeks: the view "got boring in 2 weeks" while the problems lasted four years. The manager disputed the common belief that higher floors are mosquito-free, calling it the "biggest scam ever". Dust and noise were said to be worse than expected because no trees or neighbouring buildings acted as a barrier at that height.
Lifts were a recurring complaint. The post compared them to a local train, slow and stopping at every floor, with children often pressing every button. They were frequently crowded, and large items did not fit, so workers carried furniture up the stairs and charged extra each time. Mobile signal was unreliable in lifts and weak on upper floors, disrupting work calls.
The post also raised health and upkeep issues. The manager allegedly developed Vitamin D deficiency from limited sunlight and less outdoor activity, since going down for a walk felt inconvenient. Hard water from deep-bore wells was blamed for hair fall and skin problems, and strong winds and harsh sun made balcony plants hard to maintain. During lockdowns, living far above ground created a sense of isolation.
It further claimed that upper-floor residents pay more for electricity for the same appliances, suggesting that because meters are usually in the basement, longer wiring may cause greater power loss and higher bills over time.
The user argued that people buy high floors for status and skyline photos, whereas real comfort lies in convenience, accessibility and peace of mind, and that a lower floor or an independent house can make more sense. The post asked whether buyers were simply paying extra for a better "Instagram view".
How users responded
Several X users agreed, saying dependence on lifts is the biggest drawback, particularly during breakdowns or emergencies. Others mentioned dust, strong winds, poor network, construction noise, factory pollution and trouble with balcony plants.
Some countered that lower floors have their own problems, including lack of privacy, traffic noise, mosquitoes, rodents and waterlogging in the rains. One user noted that ground-floor and low-rise residents also deal with people throwing garbage, cockroaches, worms and rats, and pay maintenance without using the lifts. Another called it a trade-off to be settled.
A few preferred independent homes or farmhouses, describing high-rise flats as boxes lacking in aesthetics. Many residents, however, defended high floors, saying they enjoy better ventilation, sunlight, privacy and views and have faced none of the issues described.
What experts say
Developers often release ground-floor and top-floor units later in the sales cycle because they attract strong demand and command a premium. Experts said top-floor homes offer more privacy and quiet, with less foot traffic, and may feel more secure. Unobstructed views, better natural light and stronger ventilation are key attractions and can reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
The trade-offs, they added, include longer waits for lifts and unease among residents during emergencies such as fire alarms, power outages or lift failures.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media; HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
