A man in Hangzhou, China, has decided to sell his 40th-floor apartment after long daily waits for the elevator began affecting his mood and quality of life. The man, surnamed Ma, told ET Today that he often waited more than 20 minutes just to leave his home, turning a once highly sought-after property into a source of daily stress.
Ma, who moved into the apartment in 2023, said the situation worsened during peak hours. “There wasn’t a single day I felt relaxed,” he said, noting that even elevator noise at night disrupted his rest. Over time, the constant delays took a toll on his emotional well-being, prompting him to consider selling the property.
Initially, his family opposed the idea, citing the apartment’s high value and difficulty in securing such a unit. However, Ma insisted, saying, “I don’t want to keep wearing myself down emotionally. A home is meant to be lived in comfortably. Living happily matters more than chasing a popular property.”
Residents of the building shared mixed experiences. Those living above the 20th floor said long waits typically occurred between 7am and 8am, with other times seeing only one- to two-minute delays. Residents on floors above the 30th noted occasional six- to ten-minute waits, but said these were infrequent and not a major inconvenience.
Others highlighted that elevator delays can vary depending on maintenance schedules, with fewer functioning elevators causing crowding and frustration. “Every time I wait for the elevator, it feels like a test of patience,” one netizen commented, reflecting the common sentiment of high-rise living challenges.
This story sheds light on how even desirable high-rise properties can bring unexpected stress, reminding buyers that convenience and comfort are as important as prestige.
