10 things to ask for when viewing an apartment

Buying an apartment in Paris... It's decided, you are starting to buy an apartment in Paris. But before finding the ideal property and signing the sales agreement, certain steps are unavoidable. This is the case with visits in particular. However, be careful not to forget anything during these. Our advice for buying real estate? Read our article and remember what to ask for when visiting an apartment.
In the apartment...

Analyze the interior layout well

To do this, various elements must be taken into account. For example, see if the bedroom is located near the bathroom. The ideal? A master suite with private shower room.
Also, look at the door opening systems: sliding versions are a smart choice so as not to lose space when opened.
Is the property equipped with storage solutions (built-in cupboards...)? How is the kitchen? What hot water production system has been installed? What are the facilities in the bathroom (s)? Are the faucets thermostatic and equipped with foamers that save water and energy? Is the heating collective or individual? Below are examples of points that need to be clarified regarding the interior design of the property.

Open your eyes

When we visit a property, we tend to focus on what is in front of our eyes. But you should also remember to check the condition of the ceiling or even that of the walls and windows.
The objective? Check that the windows are watertight and in good condition, see if there has been one or more water damage or make sure that there are no mold problems due to poor insulation in particular.

Think about the exhibition

If many are looking for a southern exposure to enjoy the sun, know that the ideal exposure is in fact east-west. Why? Because a north-south exposure means rooms in the north that are less exposed and that heat up more difficult.
In all cases, the owner must give you an energy performance diagnosis. This way you will know where the energy consumption of the property is.

Apartment visit: talk about insulation

A well-insulated home means saving energy and money. Ask to read the DPE (energy performance diagnosis).
In addition, consider asking various questions such as: what type of insulation was chosen? When was it completed? By whom?

Apartment visit: don't forget the acoustics

To check if there is noise pollution, go to the premises at several times of the day (morning and evening in particular).
Also, find out when the building was built. Note that from 1945 to 1975, hollow bodies were widely used in construction. However, they allow more noise to pass through.
Likewise, pay attention to various sounds such as that of the elevator, that of the ventilation or even those that come from the neighbors (television, steps, animals...) and that could annoy you in the evening and at night in particular.

Apartment visit: think about safety

When we talk about safety, we first think of electrical elements. Standardised installations are mandatory. A tip: take a good look at the condition of the electrical panel, this will give you an idea of the condition of the installation.
Other elements related to security, locks and doors should be observed carefully. An entrance door bearing the Euroclass standard, for example, allows you to know if it is well resistant to fire and break-ins.

Apartment visit: don't forget the ventilation

Good ventilation in an apartment is essential. Indeed, it is essential that a home is well ventilated so that the air is of good quality.
A real estate agent or hunter shows you a property? Ask him what ventilation system is installed (natural, double flow, single flow...), but also where the extractions and air supplies are located.
Let's leave the apartment now to talk about what to look at outside the apartment.
Outside the apartment...

Apartment visit: observe the exterior of the property

What exactly do we mean by “outside of the property”? To begin with, there is the building in which it is located: is the facade of it well maintained? Is it recently renovated? Is the building clean and in good condition?
Then, you should remember to look at the surroundings, from the neighborhood to the parking possibilities to the noise that could disturb you (train station or airport nearby, for example) and shops and other means of transport.
Also, don't forget to review the general condition of the common areas. Are the walls and floors in good condition? Does the lift work and is it up to standard? What about the front door?
If a professional shows you around the apartment — real estate agent or apartment hunter —, consider asking him various questions such as the date of construction of the building or the condition of the load-bearing floors and walls. Also, ask to visit basements whose condition is a clue to the maintenance of the building in general.

Apartment visit: talk about condominium

Is the property located in a building divided into lots belonging to various owners? It is then a condominium.
First of all, make sure that a maintenance book exists and that it will be given to you if you buy the property. Indeed, keeping such a notebook is mandatory in condominiums and any seller must be able to provide it to the future purchaser.
Also ask the question of the amount of condominium fees. You are entitled to request the latest expense statements, but also the last minutes (or the latest minutes) of the general meeting.
And finally...

Apartment visit: wait for love at first sight

Love at first sight is not the only way to know love at first sight! You have visited an apartment that has everything to please you, but something makes you hesitate? In this case, prefer to wait until you find THE property for which you will have a real crush.
And do not hesitate to contact our apartment hunters who will present you with properties to which you do not have access.