How to choose the apartment of your dreams - what to pay attention to so as not to regret it?

Having your own apartment must be every person’s dream, because having a personal cozy corner, furnished according to your preferences, is worth a lot. But how to find “the one” from hundreds of options? What to pay attention to and how not to regret your decision later? Below are a number of simple but useful criteria that will help you decide on an apartment.

Price

Initial selection point. The main thing here is to soberly assess your income so as not to get into too deep a debt hole. Therefore, it is better to immediately discard apartments that cost more than the available amount, so that there is no temptation to borrow or take out a loan.

It is better to remove very cheap apartment options, since they will certainly require large investments.

Apartment type

Having decided on the amount, you need to choose the type of apartment - new building or second-hand apartment:

• New building - an apartment where no one lived, in a house under construction or already built.

• Resale property - an apartment where someone has already lived.

Apartments “from scratch” usually cost less than “resale” ones, but do not forget about major repairs, which will result in a decent amount.

Area

Another important factor when choosing an apartment. This takes into account:

• proximity to work – a two-hour drive back and forth through traffic jams will exhaust anyone;
• environmental friendliness – the air near plants or factories is too polluted, so it is better to give preference to places near parks or green areas;
• transport – it is necessary to check the availability of public transport stops nearby and analyze the routes;
• infrastructure – hospitals, schools, kindergartens, supermarkets, etc. should be close to the potential place of residence, so that you do not have to go to a neighboring area for a package of milk.

The presence of large shopping centers near your home, on the contrary, will play a negative role - loud music, a lot of cars and crowds of people will bother you all year round.

Floor

And this point when choosing an apartment has its own nuances.

• First floor.

The view will be zero, noise from the street and passers-by looking into the windows are guaranteed. Due to old basements, the humidity in the apartment is often increased - mold may appear. On the plus side, you don’t have to worry about the elevator breaking down.

• Middle floors.

The most common choice. Here the view is guaranteed, and you can hide from prying eyes. The downside is noise from neighbors on all sides.

• Top floor.

Beautiful view and no street noise. Disadvantages include the danger of roof leaks and increased heat in summer.A broken elevator can be assessed in different ways: walking is useful, but it will be difficult for the elderly.

The price directly depends on the floor. The cheapest apartments are in the first and last ones, while in the middle ones the cost is 10–15% higher.

Arrangement of the house and surrounding area

In addition to inspecting the apartment, it is important to pay attention to the house itself.

Material and appearance

The most common brick and panel houses are:

• brick ones are more expensive and retain heat longer;
• panel ones are cheaper and cool faster.

When inspecting a house, it is very important to pay attention to the absence of chips, cracks and other damage, as they indicate an emergency condition.

Repair

Repairs in the entrance are no less important than in the apartment. A clean, pleasantly smelling, garbage-free and well-lit entrance guarantees silence and the absence of strangers.

Elevator

The presence of a working elevator is especially concerning for residents of apartments on the upper floors. You need to make sure that the lifting device is in working condition, that it is reliable, safe, and that there are no creaks or other extraneous sounds. It is best to talk to your neighbors about the stable operation of the elevator.

Yard arrangement

Like the entrance, the yard should be clean and well-groomed, with a playground and a safe area protected from cars. If there is a lot of garbage, bottles and cigarette butts in the yard, it means that not the most pleasant groups often hang out here.

Parking

The presence of on-site parking is convenient for car owners, but one must be prepared for the regular “singing” of alarms, exhaust fumes, and swearing from drivers. It is best if the parking lot, preferably guarded, is nearby, but not in the yard.

Apartment features

And now about the most important thing - about the features of the apartment itself and its location in an apartment building.

Size and layout

The apartment should not be adjacent to the elevator shaft, otherwise rumble and vibration will be heard during every ascent and descent. It is also better to give preference to living space where there will be at least one room isolated from neighbors.

During the inspection, it is necessary to check the compliance of the layout with the original plan, because if there was an illegal alteration of the apartment, the fines will be transferred to the new owner.

A large apartment is not always good. After all, this means high utility taxes and labor-intensive maintenance. A one-room apartment is suitable for single people and pensioners, while families with children and other relatives should choose a property with two or more rooms.

Repair

New buildings offer three renovation options:

• rough - bare walls and floor, sometimes even without windows (the cheapest);
• clean - minimal repairs, sometimes with a bathroom and toilet (average cost);
• finished - maybe not the most comfortable, but quite suitable for living conditions (price above average).

Resale items are often sold together with furniture, which costs more. You can also find a “naked” apartment.

In any case, be sure to check:

• wiring – if possible, remove the sockets and inspect the material of the wires (aluminum or copper);
• plumbing – the presence of rust on the pipes or rough paint indicates an emergency condition. You also need to check all valves and taps;
• water pressure – when water is supplied simultaneously to the kitchen and bathroom, the temperature must be acceptable for washing;
• absence of mold and mildew;
• heating system – if the inspection takes place in winter, you need to touch all the batteries and check them for leaks;
• quality laminate or tile flooring – creaking, swaying, crackling indicate an imminent breakdown;
• window quality – there should be no gaps, holes or cracks. If you have plastic windows, it is important to make sure that they are tight and that the locks are not damaged;
• presence of a balcony – you need to make sure the integrity of the balcony or loggia, check the quality of the glazing and insulation.

Side of the world

The best option is the west with romantic sunsets or the east with inspiring sunrises.

In the north it will be cool and gloomy, especially if there are trees outside the window. The south, on the contrary, will tire you with heat and regular sunshine.

Neighbours

In new buildings, little is usually known about the neighbors, but when buying a secondary home, a lot is known about them. You need to ask the owner, and other residents, in detail about those who live in the neighborhood. Noisy youth, families with young children, hard of hearing pensioners, etc. are a reason for an additional discount.

Buying an apartment is an important step in life. In order for an expensive purchase to please the owner, you need to carefully and without hesitation check every corner and all the papers. Only then will your own living space bring real pleasure.