A flat in a tenement house – what to look out for

When deciding to buy or rent a property, we often consider units from the secondary market. You will find many listings for the sale or rental of flats in tenement houses. Some people love such buildings, because they have a distinctive atmosphere and are part of the history of a given city. Others have doubts. Let us look at the pros and cons of such units.

A prestigious location

If we want to live in the centre of a big city, tenement houses are the most common option. Anyone interested in investing in, for example, Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, Katowice or Bytom will face this situation. These buildings are decades old and often have period features (parquet floors, finishes, stoves). This has pros and cons. Tenement houses have thick brick walls and high ceilings. Some of them even remember the war. The atmosphere in these flats certainly works in their favour.

Technical condition of the building

When considering buying a flat in an old tenement house, particular attention must be paid to the technical condition of the whole building and of the unit. It is worth finding out when the tenement house was renovated and which elements were restored. Also look into the question of heating. Many properties of this type cannot be insulated because of heritage protection. Some of them have district heating, but this is not the only solution. I recommend checking the wiring and plumbing carefully.

READ ALSO – WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN TAKING OVER A FLAT FROM THE SECONDARY MARKET?

Interior design

Flats in tenement houses have great potential. They allow many interesting projects to be carried out, but you need experience and the right knowledge. You can enlist the help of an experienced architect or a heritage conservator. Then we will be certain which elements of the flat we can change and how to arrange the interiors so that they are functional and attractive. An architect will help us combine the style of tenement houses with modern trends in an original way. A conservator will tell interested parties which elements must remain in their existing state and will explain all the issues.

Additional advantages of a flat in a tenement house

Flats in tenement houses are often very spacious and well lit. They have large windows. They are characterised by comfort and offer many options. The rooms are laid out practically. Thanks to their thick walls, tenement houses have very good sound insulation and muffle noise from outside the flat. Buildings of this type are usually located in the city centre. In recent years Poles have changed their thinking about tenement houses. They have come to appreciate the possibilities that this kind of property offers. They make it possible to create a unit "with soul".

If you are interested in buying, selling or renting a flat in a tenement house, take a look at the current REMAX listings.