Observers say these attractive prices often accompany disadvantages related to location, noise, or living environment. Many buyers have to resell at lower prices after a period of use.

Nguyen Thi Mai from Linh Dam apartment complex in Hanoi said that due to a lack of experience, she once bought an apartment adjacent to a trash room. Despite being designed to be airtight and equipped with an exhaust system, the apartment was still affected by odors, especially when the system operated inconsistently or during hot weather.

Mai repeatedly petitioned, but the situation did not improve. The exhaust fan in the trash area also operated 24/24, causing annoying noise. Eventually, she accepted selling the apartment at a price lower than the building's average to move to another unit.

On many apartment forums, residents have reported similar issues, noting they must constantly close doors, run air purifiers, or use essential oils to mask smells.

For apartments next to elevators, the biggest problem is noise. Hai, a resident in Hanoi, shared that his family lives with the sound of the elevator operating continuously, especially during peak hours. 

The "ding" of the floor announcement, the opening and closing of doors, and the constant footsteps create a noisy atmosphere. "At first, I thought I’d get used to it, but the longer I stayed, the more inconvenient it felt, especially with young children," Hai said.

These areas also tend to attract people gathering and talking, adding to the noise that affects elderly residents and children.

Units facing the elevator also cause privacy concerns. Tung, a resident in Ha Dong, remarked that every time the door opens, it feels like "facing the entire hallway." Strangers waiting for the elevator can look directly into the apartment.

Other low-priced apartments with potential inconveniences include low-floor units near parking areas or community spaces affected by vehicle noise and horns. 

A resident in Thanh Xuan said his second-floor apartment is located directly above the motorbike parking area, where the sound of engines early in the morning and late at night are very irritating.

West-facing apartments are usually cheaper because they receive direct afternoon sunlight. In hot and humid climates, indoor temperatures can soar, forcing owners to use air conditioning continuously, leading to significantly higher electricity costs. 

“Electric bills during the summer increase noticeably just because of sun exposure,” Thanh, a resident in Linh Nam, said.

Additionally, units with blocked views, such as those facing the wall of an adjacent building, or those without balconies are often discounted. While not directly affecting health, long-term exposure to cramped spaces lacking natural light can cause a sense of suffocation.

Cheap but hard to sell

Nguyen Duc Tuan, a real estate broker in the Linh Dam area, said that many cheap apartments are actually "hard-to-sell stock," forcing developers or sellers to reduce prices to compensate for limitations in location and living experience.

These apartments often have lower liquidity. When the market is favorable, beautiful units with good positions are always prioritized. Conversely, "problematic" units are left behind or forced to drop prices further to attract buyers.

Tuan recounted an investor who bought a unit next to the elevator hoping for a short-term "flip." After nearly a year of listing, the owner still hasn't found a buyer without accepting a deep price cut. "Buyers are becoming more cautious; they notice the disadvantages immediately during viewings," Tuan said.

According to Tuan, before deciding to buy an apartment, customers should conduct on-site surveys at different times of the day to check noise, smell, light, and resident density. The initial difference of a few hundred million dong can lead to long-term inconveniences, directly affecting the quality of life and the apartment's liquidity.

Amid rising real estate prices, for those with limited budgets, these may be temporary solutions. However, for long-term living or investment, buyers need to weigh the options carefully. The price to pay is not just in money but in long-term quality of life.

Hong Khanh