What should I ask before buying this apartment?

August 17, 2010 2:20 PM

About to buy my first apartment and I'm totally new to this. Does any seasoned house/apartment-buyer have any good questions for a real-estate agent?

So, I'm just tying up my studies here and instead of paying rent to someone else (I'm probably paying my flatmate's mortgage!), it seems like a good idea to get my own place.

Made some appointments here (in Amsterdam FWIW) and off to see the first potential apartment tomorrow.

I know there are tons of lists online (this one being one of the better ones), but I'm looking for any special insight that any of you guys may have -- something a newbie like me might easily overlook.

Thanks!

posted by mateuslee to Work & Money (2 answers total)

One thing you'd want to know about before buying is "what are the quarterly / annual rates for upkeep of the building?" (the shared areas)

These can often run to thousands of dollars a year, just to keep the elevators serviced, garden areas maintained, graffiti removed, hallway carpets cleaned, etc etc etc.

As a general principle, the fancier the building appears to outsiders (eg lobby, gardens, fountains) and the more amenities it has (eg pool, gym, elevators) the more you will pay.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:20 PM on August 17, 2010

You might look into planned future public transportation developments near the places that you're considering. If metro line 52 (the north/south line) will have a stop near your place, its value could rise in the future. But if they build a new tram line or bus stop nearby, you might experience more noise than you did before.

Be sure you buy a place that you can afford even if the government reduces or abolishes the mortgage tax relief for homeowners.
posted by neushoorn at 5:25 AM on August 18, 2010