Ground-floor apartments: pros and cons

General information only, not legal, financial, tax or government advice. Rules, fees and prices change: check the current position with a lawyer and the relevant government office before you rely on it.

The usual reasons to choose a ground-floor apartment, and the usual downsides.

At a glance

Why people choose the ground floor

No stairs: easier for older family members, small children, wheelchairs and moving furniture, and no wait for a lift.
Outdoor space: many ground-floor apartments in Jordan come with a garden, yard or terrace.
Price: in many buildings the ground floor is offered for less than the middle floors, though a large garden can push the price up.

The common downsides

Damp and leaks: water from the garden, poor drainage or pipes above can cause damp on walls and floors.
Privacy and light: windows face the street or a neighbour’s wall, and curtains stay closed more.
Security: ground-floor windows and doors need good locks and bars.

The short answer

A ground-floor apartment usually gives you easy access with no stairs, often a garden or yard, and sometimes a lower price than the floors above. The usual downsides are damp, less privacy and light, street noise and security. Visit after rain if you can, and check the walls, the drainage and who owns the garden.

Why people choose the ground floor

No stairs: easier for older family members, small children, wheelchairs and moving furniture, and no wait for a lift.
Outdoor space: many ground-floor apartments in Jordan come with a garden, yard or terrace.
Price: in many buildings the ground floor is offered for less than the middle floors, though a large garden can push the price up.
Cooler in summer: thick walls and shade from the floors above often keep it cooler.

The common downsides

Damp and leaks: water from the garden, poor drainage or pipes above can cause damp on walls and floors.
Privacy and light: windows face the street or a neighbour’s wall, and curtains stay closed more.
Noise and dust from the street, the parking area and the building entrance.
Security: ground-floor windows and doors need good locks and bars.
Some buyers resell it more slowly, so check how long similar apartments stay on the market.

What to check before you sign

Look for stains, peeling paint or a musty smell low on the walls, and ask when the walls were last treated.
Where rain and garden water drain to, and whether the yard slopes away from the apartment.
Whether the garden is part of the apartment in the title deed, or shared space you are only allowed to use.
Where the building’s water tanks, pumps and sewage lines run.
Window bars, door locks and lighting at the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Are ground-floor apartments cheaper in Amman?

Often, but not always. The same building can price the ground floor lower than the middle floors, while a ground floor with a large private garden can cost more. Compare asking prices for similar apartments in the same area.

Is damp a sure problem on the ground floor?

No, but it is the most common complaint. Good waterproofing and drainage prevent it. Look for signs low on the walls and ask the owner what treatment was done.

Is the garden mine if I buy a ground-floor apartment?

Only if the title deed or the registered building plan gives it to your apartment. Otherwise it may be common property that you can use under the building’s rules. Check the papers at the Department of Lands and Survey.

Is the ground floor good for families?

Many families like it for the easy access and outdoor space. Weigh that against privacy, street noise and security.

This page was last reviewed on 31 October 2026.