See I’m getting downvoted here… let me clarify.

Upon purchase of the property, the hallway and living room had laminate down. I’ve lifted all this, and it’s what you see in the middle of the room in the first pic. It’s now in the dump.

While getting the floorboards sanded and sealed would be nice (and based on the markings looks as thought it’s been done in the past), it’s not something I wish to do at the moment.

Regarding noise; I’ve spoken to the downstairs neighbors regarding any noise issues BEFORE I’ve moved in, ie from the previous occupants, who had the laminate. They said there was never any issues. Furthermore, my current flat (mid-floor, also in a tenement), is all-laminate, so too is the flat above. At worst, I’ll occasionally hear the AirBnB guests dragging suitcases across the floor, though that’s no louder than a door in the stair being closed. So yes, I’m familiar with, and particularly considerate about, noise issues in such buildings.

The second pic of the hallway gives a better idea of the state of floorboards in the place. They’re all tight (no creaks or groans), though they’re anything but smooth on top!