What you need to know before you buy a flat, part 1

Important tips for flat buyers

Buying a flat is one of the most important decisions in life. It is not easy to make, especially as the property market is large and offers units of varying standards. So before we make the final decision, it is worth approaching the process calmly and prudently. Of course, if the opportunity is there, we would like to be in a home of our own as soon as possible. However, haste does not always pay off. So stop for a moment and read today's article. Its content will certainly help you make the right choice.

Don't rush

As we mentioned at the beginning, the decision to buy a flat should not be taken too hastily. Even if the first property you view charms you and you feel you don't want to live anywhere else, give yourself time to compare listings and prices and, above all, check the legal status of the unit. A professional estate agent will come in handy here, making sure you don't buy a flat that has not been checked and could cause trouble later.

If you tend to react emotionally and find it hard to keep a cool head when buying your dream flat, then a good estate agent will be all the more useful. They will cool your enthusiasm, make sure you take a decision that is good for you and, above all, check the unit you have your eye on from the legal, administrative and technical points of view. With such a helper you can buy with complete confidence!

Estimate the costs of renovation and running the flat

The price of the property is one thing. But let us remember that, besides the mortgage instalment, we will have to pay the monthly service charge (czynsz) and bills. So it is worth checking in advance how much these charges are. On top of that there are often building cleaning costs, waste collection, administrative fees and others. Find out how much they are before you decide to buy.

On the other hand, if you decide to buy a property on the secondary market, you must have a suitably large renovation fund. So draw up a cost estimate of the necessary work and, if needed, include that amount in your mortgage. It is also good to have a financial cushion for sudden situations that are hard to foresee. It is worth being prepared for any eventuality. An experienced estate agent will also help you draw up a financial plan. Their broad knowledge will let you assess what additional costs will be necessary to make the flat ready to live in. Such advice will certainly help you feel more confident.

You now know that haste does not pay off when buying a flat. So it is worth giving yourself time to assess the situation calmly. You are also aware that the price of a property is not its only cost, so it is good to look into the additional charges. Fortunately, at each of these stages you will be helped by an experienced estate agent, which Marta Kulawik certainly is, offering advice at every step. In the second part of our article, you will learn what else is worth taking into account when buying a flat.