<p>Due to architectural and open-ground space constraints, buildings with transfer structures are often constructed in areas with minimal earthquake activity. Since the current building code standards of different countries lack explicit design guidelines, it is critical to identify the critical factors influencing their ability to respond to severe shaking. By (i) adding a transfer storey up to the first, third, and fifth storeys, (ii) altering the dimensions of the transfer storey, and (ii) raising the buildings’ heights, respectively, a parametric study is carried out on 2D RC moment frame buildings. Additionally, their responses are compared to those of a conventional building. The number of transfer storeys and their dimensions have a significant impact on the stiffness ratio (<i>K</i>_<i>SR</i>) of buildings. Their performances are evaluated using nonlinear static and nonlinear dynamic time history analysis. As a building’s height and dimensions of transfer storey increase, its lateral stiffness and strength decrease, but they increase with the number of transfer storeys. Increasing the number of transfer storeys and their dimensions also reduces the inelastic drift, which is mobilized by about 1.5% to 2%. However, it shifts the damage to the beams and columns above them and only ensures damage-free transfer storeys when the <i>K</i>_<i>SR</i> is ≥ 27. More focus is then needed on the columns just above the transfer storey. Buildings with transfer structures often feature structural walls to reduce the possibility of damage to structural elements. Although these walls lessen damage to the transfer structure and the conventional frame, probabilistic analyses (using developed fragility curves) show that these buildings are still quite vulnerable to catastrophic damage and collapse under earthquakes. In areas with high earthquake risk, buildings using transfer structures should not be utilised.</p>