Ignoring advice! Bought a "run-down small old apartment" that others didn't want, lived in it for over three years, and here are my honest thoughts

Since when did old, dilapidated small apartments become the first choice for young people buying homes?

Many young people, in order to reduce living costs and burdens, choose to buy cheaper, older small apartments.

But are old, dilapidated small apartments really as good as you imagine?

I think only those who have lived in them can honestly talk about the real living environment.

Today, I want to share my honest thoughts after living in an old, dilapidated small apartment for three years.

If you’re planning to buy an old, dilapidated small apartment, I strongly recommend you read this carefully before making a decision.

First, let me explain why I decided to buy an old, dilapidated small apartment;

1. Advantages of old, dilapidated small apartments—low price

When choosing an old, dilapidated small apartment, I researched many options before deciding on this type mainly because of the low price.

Buying a new home might mean taking out a mortgage for over ten years, which can be stressful financially and mentally.

In contrast, monthly mortgage payments for an old, dilapidated small apartment are often lower than rent, and some can even be paid in full upfront, reducing financial and mental stress.

2. Advantages—good location

As everyone knows, old, dilapidated small apartments are usually located in the city center or busy urban areas, with excellent surrounding amenities, some even being school district homes.

For young people, stepping outside means access to various shopping malls, making shopping and strolling very convenient.

Compared to other locations, living in an old, dilapidated small apartment allows you to leave just half an hour later for work, so you don’t have to worry about being late—super comfortable.

3. Advantages—low property management fees

Property management fees for old, dilapidated small apartments are generally very low. Some have no property management at all, only street maintenance fees for sanitation.

Annual sanitation fees may be less than 200 yuan, and compared to high-end communities with thousands of yuan in management fees, the fees for old, dilapidated small apartments are negligible.

This results in very low daily living costs—less than a hundred yuan for sanitation, which breaks down to just a few cents per day.

4. Advantages—easy parking

Parking spaces in luxury communities are very expensive, usually ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 yuan, with some even around 150,000 yuan.

In old, dilapidated small apartments, you don’t need to buy a parking space. The open areas within the community can be parked freely—any way you like, offering complete freedom.

Most importantly, you don’t have to spend a penny—some old, dilapidated communities only charge a small ground management fee of less than 100 yuan, which is very affordable.

Now, let’s talk about the frustrations of living in an old, dilapidated small apartment!

1. Disadvantage—poor community environment

Old, dilapidated small apartments usually lack property management, leading to very poor environment conditions—no green spaces and garbage everywhere.

Especially during leaf-fall season, fallen leaves scatter everywhere, blown by the wind, making the area look very messy.

Various trash piles up throughout the community, creating an unpleasant view every time I come home, making the environment feel very uncomfortable.

2. Disadvantage—self-responsibility for car damage

Although parking is flexible in old, dilapidated small apartments, if your car gets damaged, you are responsible for it.

You can’t watch your car 24/7, so if someone with low manners hits or scratches your car, and you can’t find the person, you just have to accept it.

Don’t expect to check security cameras or find security personnel—since there’s no property management, there are no surveillance or security staff.

3. Disadvantage—overall house aging

Don’t think that just because you renovate well, you can live comfortably in an old, dilapidated small apartment.

The entire structure is old, which inevitably leads to poor sound insulation—you can hear neighbors’ noises constantly, as if everyone lives together like one big family.

Both plumbing and electrical wiring are outdated, often with some issues, leading to occasional repairs—just thinking about it makes me feel helpless.

4. Disadvantage—poor neighbor quality

The most unacceptable aspect of living in an old, dilapidated small apartment is the neighbors’ poor manners.

Treating hallways as their own home, piling up various items, and leaving trash at the door—looking at this is disgusting.

Especially some elderly residents, who are difficult to communicate with, forcing you to silently endure the discomfort they bring.

To all potential residents: if you plan to live in an old, dilapidated small apartment, please consider this carefully.

In conclusion:

Do you think buying an old, dilapidated small apartment is worth it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—we can have a good discussion.

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