How to buy a flat cheaply? Part 1

Buying your own flat is one of the most serious financial decisions in life. Everyone wants to find a property that will meet their needs and those of their family while being as cheap as possible. In today's article you will learn how to buy your dream flat cheaply.

To buy a flat that meets our expectations cheaply, we need to prepare for a long-term process. Of course, we may be lucky and quickly find a listing that satisfies us, but in most cases we face several months of searching. To speed up the process, it is also worth turning to a professional such as an experienced estate agent. Such a person will present us with the best listings in the price range that interests us, and will also help with negotiating the final price. They will also help determine what we really want when it comes to buying a flat and make it easier to pin down our needs.

A flat from the secondary or the primary market?

The basic question to answer when you want to buy a flat is the choice between a property from the secondary market and one from the primary market. The former option will of course be cheaper, but bear in mind that a second-hand flat will need renovation, which may mean that the cost of buying a property on the primary and on the secondary market ends up being comparable.

So at first it is worth browsing advertisements of both types to get a feel for what is on offer and, after adding up the costs, make the final decision.

Choose the right location

The location of a flat has the greatest influence on its price. A property in the very centre of the city can be anything from a dozen or so to several tens of thousands of PLN more expensive than one of the same size on the outskirts.

So if you want to save money, consider what matters most to you. Many city districts are very well connected, and the surrounding infrastructure allows comfortable everyday living. You do not necessarily have to buy a property in the very centre to be satisfied with its location. In many cases it is quite the opposite. For example, families with children are more likely to choose an estate further from the centre, where it is calmer and quieter, and the children have access to playgrounds and attractive green areas.

Be a perceptive observer

If you want to buy a flat at a good price, you need to view many properties and look closely at the various details of each interior. A careful assessment of the condition of the property can help us save quite a lot. If we miss any shortcomings at the viewing stage, we will have to spend additional money on renovation after the purchase. What is worth looking at?

It is good to check whether the flat has been freshly painted and to inspect the electrical fittings, such as sockets and switches. The windows are very important, as are the front door and the doors to individual rooms.

These are not the only rules to follow if you want to buy a flat cheaply. You will find the remaining tips in the second part of the article.