Visiting an apartment

What should you look for when visiting an apartment?

Are you looking for an apartment in the Paris region or elsewhere? Visits are among the essential stops. But be careful, visiting an apartment does not simply mean going from room to room looking here and there. Attention should be paid to various elements. What to ask for when viewing an apartment? We take stock to guide you and so that nothing can escape you anymore.

The environment of the property

The interior of the property obviously counts, but you must also remember to look at the outside, i.e. the environment of the apartment. Take a few minutes to stroll around the area and check various elements such as the proximity of shops, schools and transport, the presence of green spaces for your daily jog or family walks and others. In short, check all the points that are essential to you. If you have young children or want to have them, a nursery (and schools) close to your future home may, for example, be a criterion to take into account. You can also ask the current owner (s) if the neighborhood has a good reputation, if burglaries are frequent, or if the neighbors are discreet and friendly. Also ask yourself the question of projects for the neighborhood. For example, the construction of a building that would “block” your view or deprive you of light can be a good reason not to make an offer.

The issue of co-ownership

Buying an apartment in a building is synonymous with co-ownership. To check that it works well, rely on the general condition of the building (facades, courtyard, common areas...). Ask when the last work was done, ask about the amount of condominium fees and what they include, and check if a caretaker or janitor is present. Also, don't forget to take a look at the intercoms, but also at the locks on the main doors. If the building is equipped with an elevator, check its condition. Do the same with cellars and car parks if there are any.

The isolation and clarity of the property

We talked about the exterior of the apartment with the immediate environment and the building where it is located. Place now inside the property. The first two important points are its clarity and isolation. Visit it during the day, but also in the evening. Why? Because this way you will see whether or not it is dark during the day and if you can hear the neighbours well at night once they have returned from work. During the day, if the lights in the apartment are on, ask to have them turned off.

The electrical installation

Whether you are looking for a studio or a family apartment, the electrical installation is a must. It should not be outdated. Your safety is at stake. So check various points such as: the number of sockets and switches; their locations; the conformity of the installation with the NF C 15-100 standard ; the condition of the connections; the electrical diagnosis; the lighting.If in doubt, seek the advice of an expert.

The heating system

Before making an offer to buy, also remember to check the type of heating the apartment is equipped with. Is it collective, individual or even floor heating? What is the condition of the boiler? How many radiators is the property equipped with? Are they recent? What type of radiators are these? Also ask the seller (s) for the amount of heating bills in order to get an idea of the annual cost. If you see traces of humidity in the apartment, it means that it is either poorly heated, poorly insulated, or simply both. In this case, you can switch to another property or negotiate a lower price in order to carry out insulation/heating work.

The layout of the rooms and the opposite

You don't necessarily think about it during visits, but the layout of the rooms in an apartment is an element to take into consideration. For example, a room on the street side can cause problems, especially if you are looking for peace and quiet for your evenings as well as for your nights. By looking at the way the rooms are arranged, take the opportunity to check another important point: the opposite. If you do not want everyone to be able to observe you live, choose a property that is not exposed to the eyes of others.

The different living rooms

When you visit a property, it is also important to check every room and every nook and cranny of the property. From the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom (s), take a good look at the walls, floors, ceilings and others so that no detail escapes you. Also remember to check the condition of the plumbing. Again, do not hesitate to ask sellers for invoices, in particular to check the annual cost of water consumption. Having a professional present can be a good idea.

Windows and doors

Are the windows in poor, good, or very good condition? Are they equipped with single glazing, double glazing or triple glazing? Is the front door secure enough? Does it seem sturdy and of good quality? Are the doors in the various rooms also in good condition? These are some examples of questions you should also ask yourself when viewing an apartment to invest.

The exhibition of the property

The orientation of a property is a key criterion. Exposed north, it may be too dark. The ideal? Buy a property with east or west exposure. You will thus enjoy the sun in the morning or in the evening. When you visit an apartment, be sure to ask about its exposure. You will thus avoid the unpleasant surprises that a real estate investment can sometimes reserve.Are you looking for an apartment in the Paris region? Do you want to call on a real estate hunter to help you in your real estate search? Contact HOME SELECT without hesitation. We take care of all the steps for you. As for visits, we carry them out with you. You are thus certain that no point will be forgotten and you will therefore avoid the unpleasant surprises mentioned above. Write to us or call us to find out more.