
6 criteria for choosing the right property
The price per square meter
A key criterion when purchasing real estate, the price per square meter should be your primary focus. Research prices to ensure you’re buying at market value.
It’s often difficult to determine the true value of a property; this is determined by several specific criteria, including its location.
To better choose a property that’s offered at the right price, you can, for example, use real estate search engines. These tools allow you to compare multiple real estate offers simultaneously to understand the general trend in a particular location. This allows you to avoid properties that are overpriced by sellers.
The profile of the property
Floor of the apartment, number of rooms, presence of a caretaker or elevator, balcony, bathtub, view, exposure of the house, location of the house in the residence… Each accommodation has its own profile.
Make a list of the features that seem essential to you before even starting your search: this will help you avoid unnecessary visits!
To successfully purchase a property, you must obtain as much information as possible about the property during your visit. If, for example, you want to purchase a property as your primary residence, pay attention to the layout of each room in the home. This will help you determine whether you can comfortably move in after the purchase (with your current furniture, for example).
A home with well-designed rooms is more functional and makes your daily life easier, especially if you have children. When viewing a property, try to answer the question: Could my family imagine themselves living in this house or apartment? This will help you determine if the property you’re viewing has the best profile to meet your needs.
Construction quality
When contacting the owner and/or during the first visit, try to determine the quality of the construction.
When purchasing real estate, the quality of the construction is one of the selection criteria. You must inspect the house or apartment, from the ground floor to the roof. Generally, the construction is considered to be of good quality when the property meets the following criteria:
If you choose a property that requires renovations , don’t forget to estimate the cost with the help of a professional. This will help you understand the additional expenses you’ll have to pay after your purchase. Estimates of renovation costs can also be useful when negotiating the price of the property.
Choose a neighborhood you like, preferably close to all amenities: public transportation, shops, schools.
Don’t hesitate to visit your future neighbors to learn more about potential neighborhood conflicts and the neighborhood life in general.
Co-ownership charges
When purchasing an apartment, inquire about condominium fees beforehand. If the building has an elevator or a caretaker, the fees can quickly add up and significantly increase your budget.
When choosing an apartment, you shouldn’t just focus on its selling price. Don’t be tempted by an attractively priced apartment without knowing the additional costs. Be aware that condominium fees, for example, can easily increase your monthly bill.
To study these expenses and find the best property for your primary residence, contact the building manager. They can show you the minutes of the last general meeting.