Tips for buying a property

Practical advice for every step of the purchase — from preparing for a viewing to the costs after signing. We will keep expanding this page with new topics.

Topics

• Preparing for a viewing

  • Arrive with a prepared list of questions.
  • Take photos and notes — impressions blur after several viewings.
  • Check water pressure, window seals, signs of damp and the installations.
  • If possible, view the property again at a different time of day.

• Checking the location

  • Drive the commute at rush hour, not on a Sunday afternoon.
  • Check the distance to kindergarten, school, shops and public transport.
  • Listen for noise at different hours — roads, bars, industry.
  • Ask about construction planned in the neighbourhood.

• Comparing similar properties

  • Always compare the price per square metre, not just the total price.
  • Account for condition: a renovated property justifies a higher price.
  • Include monthly costs and expected works in the comparison.

• Questions for the seller and the agent

  • Why is the property for sale and how long has it been on the market?
  • When were the roof, windows, wiring and heating last renewed?
  • What are the average monthly costs across the whole year?
  • Are there easements, mortgages or other entries in the land register?

• Extra costs after the purchase

  • Real-estate transfer tax, or VAT on new builds.
  • Notary, land-register entry and any agency commission.
  • Moving, basic renovation and furnishing — easily underestimated.
  • For flats: the reserve fund and building-manager fees.

• Documentation and legal status

  • Check the land-register extract before every serious step.
  • For houses, check the building permit and the use permit.
  • Verify that the actual state matches the documentation (extensions, attics).
  • When in doubt, consult a notary or a legal professional.

• New build or existing property

  • New build: less maintenance, but check the developer and the deadlines.
  • Existing: often a better location, but budget the works realistically.
  • Compare the full cost: purchase price, renovation and furnishing together.

• Flat, house or plot

  • Flat: check the building manager, reserve fund and common areas.
  • House: roof, façade, insulation, heating and the state of the plot.
  • Plot: land use, utilities, access and the required consents.

This content is for information only and is no substitute for legal, financial, tax, construction or other professional advice.

Read next:

Want a better overview while searching?

We are building a platform that folds these tips into the search and viewing process itself.