6 things to consider when buying an apartment

These days, once people decide to leave home, they more than likely start to look for an apartment. Apartments can be a great place to start in terms of getting your foot through the market door. They’re the perfect spot for those who don’t need that much space or are choosing to live with a partner or roommate. If you’re someone who’s currently in the market for an apartment, here are 6 things to keep in mind the next time you think you’ve found the one.

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Size

Of course this may come as a given to some, but many often forget to acknowledge the actual size of an apartment. While the majority of time you spend in your apartment will be on your own, or with your partner or roommate, it is important to take into consideration potential guests you may be entertaining in the future. Is it big enough for a few more extra people? Or will everyone find themselves bumping into the furniture?

Your guests aren’t the only thing that’ll be taking up space. Look around and ask yourself if there is enough room for your furniture, clothes, kitchen appliances and anything else you plan on taking with you when you decide to move out.

Have a look at our 7 ways to make a bold statement with a small bathroom.

Location within the block

This next tip is another important one as it’ll determine whether or not you’ll actually be able to live in peace. It’s often recommended when apartment shopping to try to secure a spot on the top floors, and for good reason. The higher you live in your apartment block, the less noise and apartment floors you’ll be exposed to. Plus, there’s no denying that the higher you are, the better view you’ll get. However, sometimes with this tip, you just have to get lucky.

Noise

Like we said before, the higher you live, the less noise you’ll have to endure but this isn’t limited to just the outdoors. The next time you are apartment shopping, step into the apartment and listen. Can you the hear the footsteps and conversations from the people upstairs or even next door? Here, we suggest going the extra mile and finding out what the walls are made of. You should be looking for walls that are solid acoustic party walls. Plus, do your research and see if the walls extend up into the roof.

Parking

While you’re apartment shopping, go downstairs and check out the current parking situation. Even check out the street the apartment block is on to figure out what parking is like on a regular basis. There is nothing more frustrating than coming home from a long day only to find that there is no parking available.

Of course with some apartment buildings, occupants are often given their own parking spaces. However, this does not apply to those looking to visit you in the future. Take it from someone who wants to pull her hair out whenever she visits her brother, guest parking matters.

Space issues, like parking can often be an important factor when buying non-house properties. 7 things to look for when buying an apartment.

Current condition

There’s no point in throwing your money away on an apartment that isn’t in the best condition. The next time you find an apartment you think is worth sticking around for, it’s wise to ask about when the apartment was last renovated or had something installed. Find out if the kitchen is up to date in terms of its functionality or if the bathroom showerhead has proper water pressure. These little things will all contribute to that big decision.

Another thing to ask about is whether the apartment will need some renovating or adjustments made in the near future. This will not only keep you in the loop about the current state of the apartment, but will help you make the final decision about it if this is something that you’d be willing to take care of.

Security level

Our final thing to consider when apartment shopping is crucial. Everyone wants to sleep comfortably at night, knowing that they are safe and sound in their own home. With the ever growing expansion of technology, the level of high tech software used in security systems have also been on the rise.

Ask around and find what sort of security measures are used within the apartment building. Find out exactly who can and can’t get in at all times of the day. If you want to go the extra mile to know what living within the apartment is like, ask the neighbours that currently live there about the positive or negative experiences they’ve had so far. You can also jump online and look at crime reports of the area to figure out the neighborhood’s level of safety.

Lendi compares loans from over 30 major Australian lenders. Find a rate in seconds.