Smell tells you things eyes miss. A lobby that constantly smells of stale garbage, drain odour or strong chemicals suggests deeper issues—poor waste management, ventilation problems, or leaks.
If the garbage area is too close to lifts and not cleaned properly, that smell will be part of your daily routine. Even if the flat itself is nice, walking through an unpleasant corridor several times a day gets tiring and makes the whole place feel low-quality.
On the other hand, neutral or lightly fresh-smelling common areas usually mean regular cleaning and better design of trash and drain locations. You’re not just choosing four walls; you’re choosing everything you walk through to reach those walls.
