Quick Feng Shui Guide
What to Know First
There is an old Chinese saying:
"The poor avoid the 2nd floor, and the wealthy avoid the 18th floor."
Best moves
What Floor Should You Choose?
When buying a home, the best floor depends on your budget, the building's actual condition, natural lighting, ventilation, noise levels, and personal preference.
Watch out
Why Do Some People Avoid the 2nd Floor?
More Feng Shui Notes
This saying comes from traditional beliefs and practical concerns about choosing a home.
The second floor is often connected with the building's shared plumbing system, which means it may be more likely to experience issues such as drainage problems or sewage backup.
Lower floors can also have less sunlight, higher humidity, more noise, and less privacy compared with higher floors.
For some homeowners, these potential maintenance costs and living concerns are reasons to be cautious about choosing a lower floor.
Why Do Some People Avoid the 18th Floor?
Higher floors may have their own challenges, such as longer elevator waits, unstable water pressure, or higher maintenance costs.
In some buildings, the 18th floor is close to the top floor, which may mean more exposure to heat in summer, cold temperatures in winter, or possible roof-related issues.
There is also a cultural reason: in Chinese tradition, some people avoid the number 18 because it is associated with the phrase "18 levels of hell" in Buddhist folklore, creating a psychological concern for some buyers.
Traditional beliefs can be interesting cultural references, but a comfortable and practical living environment matters most.
