What to watch out for when buying a flat? Part 2

Buying your own flat is one of the most important events in an adult's life. As it is an investment requiring considerable financial outlay, it is worth examining every nuance before finalising the transaction so as not to buy the proverbial “pig in a poke”. So what should you pay the most attention to when choosing your future home? We give our tips in today's article.

Beware of damp

Damp is the number one enemy of every flat, regardless of whether it is in a newly built building or in a block of flats from the 70s. The risk of excess damp, and as a result of fungus or mould, exists in both cases. So when viewing a flat, look carefully at the walls and all the corners. Trust your sense of smell too. Mould has a very characteristic odour and is easy to detect. If its smell hits your nostrils as soon as you enter a given room, that is an unambiguous signal not to buy that flat. A property with fungus is not only a matter of aesthetics but, above all, of health. You surely do not want to expose yourself or your family to health problems. Do not delude yourself that you will get rid of the mould either. If the current owner wants to sell the flat, they have probably made every effort to eliminate the mould. If it can still be smelled during the viewing despite that, there is a high probability that it is not a superficial problem and that fighting it may prove long, costly and, in the worst case, even fruitless. In such a situation it is better to look for another property than to expose yourself to costs and the loss of time, energy, health and peace of mind.

Check the plumbing and wiring

Before buying a particular flat, it is worth using the help of a specialist who will check the condition of the plumbing, drainage and electrical wiring in the property we have chosen. These are very important elements, and replacing or repairing them can be really expensive. If such a need exists in a given flat, it is good to know about it before we make the purchase. We can then plan our budget, and also obtain a lower price for the property. On this basis you can also negotiate with the current owner to have the renovation carried out before you decide to buy.

It is also good to take a closer look at the condition of the building itself, especially if it is old. Let us find out when the last renovation was carried out and whether another one is planned. It is also good to check whether the building is insulated, which will be particularly important in winter.

Add up the costs

When buying a flat, we should take into account not only its price, size, condition or location, but also the running costs. These are, after all, fixed sums that we will have to pay every month. It would therefore be good if they did not ruin our household budget.

To find out what the running costs of the property are, it is worth asking the current owner to show the bills from the most recent period. Let us also ask about the amount of the service charge (czynsz) and about how the flat is heated. District heating is of course the most advantageous, while gas or electric heating is a slightly more expensive option. The condition of the windows and doors and the insulation of the building will also matter here. The more heat escapes from the flat in various ways, the more we will pay for heating. So let us also check the airtightness of the windows and doors before buying.

Now you know what to pay attention to when buying a flat so as not to run into any hidden costs. If you want to be sure that everything is properly checked, it is worth using the services of an experienced estate agent. Marta Kulawik will gladly check any property for you and present only reliable and trustworthy listings. Use her services and find your ideal flat today.