So I am looking to purchase a condo soon. I have a couple places in mind. One place I was looking at was actually a previous apartment complex that was transformed into a "luxury condominium complex" (they basically just added hardwood, granite, stainless steel appliances, etc). This place is actually the place that I really like. However, I stumbled upon a review of the previous apartment complex and found that the majority of the reviews stated that there was a lot of noise from neighbors above(walking around) as well as some noise from neighbors next door(children, dogs, bathroom noises). I am not sure if these people were just ranting, because they were all mainly pissed off at the management. I am sure there is some noise, but I am not sure if I should 100% believe them since they seemed to focus more on the crappy mgmt.

The one other place I was looking at is actually made of steel and cement so they claim there is practically no noise. However, it is a lot more expensive to live there and the unit design is not as nice. I like the atmosphere of the location though(everything is new and in walking distance), but that is really the only thing that it has going for it.

To those that live in condos/apt complexes, is this noise normal and something I will have to deal with? Should I believe the reviews?

 

What I'd highly recommend is to go there and talk with some people who live there. See what they think and ask them to be honest.

I did this when looking for an apartment and it was great advice my uncle gave me. You'll soon find out which buildings are quieter than others (structural and occupant-wise!), as well as other nitpicks that you might not find out until you've moved in and are otherwise stuck with. (Things such as parking enforcement, garbage collection, etc...)

 

Yes do some more research on the noise issue. Personally, I'd walk away from this one and keep looking. If the walls are thin you'll end up being annoyed by all of your neighbors and they'll get annoyed by you. Think about it - you can't play your music or watch a movie with the volume turned up or risk a neighbor banging on the wall. It's bad enough to rent an apartment that is noisy - at least you know you can move out when the leae term is up. But owning it you could lose your arse if the noise nuisance made you want to get out.

 

I was in the exact same bought. The gf and I ended up buying a condo which is a refabbed apt complex. I read reviews about the apt complex of thin walls and excessive noise. Obviously, you'll just have to experience this for yourself. We have a townhouse, so we only have neighbors to the sides.

One neighbor is completely quiet, she's about 24 and lives by herself. Now, the other side is a hoosier couple with a kid. All we can really hear is someone walking up and down the stairs. However, we guess the lady is pregnant because we can hear her puke at least once a week. I think it just travels through the ducts or the attic. We can only hear her in our bathroom, because they are back to back.

I'm not sure if I'd be able to handle a garden style though. Escpecially with hardwood floors, you will be hearing footsteps all day long.

 

so is this noise pretty much inevitable if I am going to live in a condo?

 

No. Some noise will come through, but it may or may not be objectionable.
It depends on the condo design, soundproofing, floor finishes and neighbors. The problem with conversions is usually the soundproofing between units and floors. FYI, some condo CC&Rs won't permit certain types of flooring material (marble or slate kitchen floors, for example) due to noise to lower units. Other CC&Rs require noise deadening materials be placed below any install of hardwood flooring, etc.

Your best bet on noise assessment is to visit a place on the weekend or after work to check out how much noise comes through and whether it is acceptable to you. Happy hunting!

 

Go visit the place with a friend or family member. Have them go to the units adjacent to the one you are interested in and test out how loud things are.

 

yeah, i definitely plan on asking them about this the next time I visit. I thought I was sold on this place but this is definitely a deal killer if it is true.

 

In a word, yes. My advice - do NOT buy a condo if you like peace and quiet. You will surely end up living under the compulsive cleaner, who vacuums at 3am, or some other inconsiderate fool. Then you need to deal with the condo board. They are usually crooked, and offer any contracts to their buddies in exchange for a kickback(at YOUR expense!). I lived in a condo, and believe me, I regretted the day I bought the place! Now I won't consider anything where I don't own the walls and land!

 

If you have a neighbor with a subwoofer the low thumping noise will make you mad.

 

My dad wanted to sell my his condo which was in a converted apartment complex. I lived there for a bit while saving up from my house. Noise was a big factor in me not buying it... and my dad was going to give me a sweet deal on it. I just don't like living that close to my neighbors. Plus, they didn't have garages... and I don't like Condo Associations or HOA's...

A townhouse with no-one above or below you is better, and if you can get an end unit (they are more expensive for a reason), would be the best...

Condos are a cheap way into real estate, you just have to understand that there are trade offs that go with the lower prices.

 

I like the whole community aspect of the condominiums. I like how there are so many different ameneties like the fitness center, pool/spa, club room, etc. I think it fits well with my age bracket.

I went back to the second condo of interest(made of steel and cement) and it is VERY quiet. Even with the windows up, you could hardly hear that much external/internal noise. I think I have found my place, but we will have to work on the price since it is still very expensive for a 1bed/1bath. They want $370,000, but I think I am willing to settle at $360,000.

I would look into townhomes, but those are even more outrageously priced. I would have to live in a horrible location which presents a horrible commute and a horrible resale value. Or, I could live at home for years until my pay increases to the level where I could afford it. I could also rent, but that is almost as expensive as monthly mortgage payments depending on location. Besides renting would not make sense since I am paying no rent living at home.