Buying an apartment, the important things to check during the visit

Buying an apartment is a major step in one's life, an important investment that requires time and preparation. A well-organized visit helps you ask the right questions and avoid unpleasant surprises once you've settled in. Although the apartment's appearance and location are often the first things to catch the eye, they shouldn't be the only decision criteria. In fact, behind a beautiful facade may lie flaws that could prove costly in the long run.

In this article, we'll guide you through the essential points to check when viewing an apartment, to ensure you make an informed choice and complete your apartment purchase with complete confidence.

Check the general condition of the apartment

When you visit an apartment, it's essential to pay attention to the general condition of the property to assess potential work to be carried out and avoid unpleasant surprises after the purchase.

Walls and ceilings

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Start by taking a close look at the walls and ceilings. Look for even the slightest cracks, which could indicate a structural or stability problem. Also look for signs of moisture, mold or suspicious stains, which may indicate water infiltration or poor ventilation. A ceiling showing signs of yellowing or blistering is often the sign of a leak. If any work has been carried out recently, ask whether it was done by professionals and whether it was covered by guarantees.

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Floors

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Don't neglect the condition of your floors, as they can represent a major expense. Check the condition of parquet flooring, especially for squeaks, warping or signs of rot. Inspect tiles for cracks, loose or damaged tiles, and make sure the floor is level. For carpeted floors, check for stains and wear. Carpet in poor condition can mean replacement work, or a source of dust and allergens.

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Windows and doors

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Test windows and doors to make sure they work properly. They should open and close without difficulty. Check for double-glazing, which is essential for good heat and sound insulation. Poorly insulated windows can cause significant heat loss, increase energy bills and let in noise from outside. Also pay attention to the condition of seals, which ensure the apartment's watertightness. As for doors, check their solidity, especially entrance doors, which need to be secured.

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Plumbing and plumbing fixtures

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Make sure the plumbing is in good condition by testing taps, sinks, showers and flushes. Listen carefully for any abnormal noises that might indicate a leak or piping problem. Low water pressure can be a sign of blocked or damaged pipes. Don't forget to check for damp patches under sinks, around bathtubs or showers, which can be indicators of leaks. Ask about the age of your boiler or hot water tank, and check for regular maintenance.

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Electrical systems

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Finally, check the condition of the electrical system. Open the electrical panel and make sure it complies with standards (presence of differential circuit breakers, no exposed wires). Test switches and sockets to see if they work properly and are correctly positioned. Count the number of sockets available in each room to assess whether they are sufficient for your needs, as adding extra sockets may require costly work. Check lighting too, especially in less accessible areas such as corridors, staircases and blind rooms.

By checking all these elements, you'll be able to get a precise idea of the general condition of the apartment and anticipate any work that needs to be carried out, enabling you to negotiate the purchase price in a more informed way.

IMPORTANT: most of these checks require knowledge that private individuals do not possess. One way to remedy this situation is to make a second visit to an apartment you like with an architect or contractor. He or she will be able to assess the work required.

Thermal and acoustic insulation

Thermal insulation and soundproofing are crucial factors to consider when visiting an apartment, as they have a direct impact on your living comfort and energy costs. Good thermal insulation will help you make significant savings on your energy bills.

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The importance of good insulation in reducing energy bills

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Thermal insulation is essential to maintain a pleasant temperature inside your apartment, whatever the weather conditions outside. Poor insulation will lead to heat loss in winter and excessive heat in summer, forcing you to use more heating or air conditioning, which will considerably increase your energy bills. Good insulation also enhances the value of your property, making it more attractive for resale.

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Quality of wall, roof and window insulation

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When you visit the property, ask about the state of the wall insulation. Walls may be insulated from the inside or outside, or they may not be insulated at all (this is often the case in older buildings). It's important to find out what type of insulation has been used, and whether it's effective. If the apartment is on the top floor or under the roof, roof insulation is also essential, as a large proportion of heat loss occurs through the roof. Check the windows too: double-glazed windows are essential for good thermal insulation. Put your hand near the windows to feel for draughts. Look at the condition of the seals, and ask if any window replacement or renovation work has been carried out recently.

NOTE: here again, in this highly technical field, an individual is rarely in a position to assess the quality of energy insulation on his or her own. You can easily find out the quality of insulation by asking your estate agent to provide you with the DPE (energy performance diagnosis). He'll answer any questions you may have on the subject.

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Test soundproofing

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To make sure there isn't too much noise from neighbors or outside. Soundproofing is just as important as thermal insulation. A poorly soundproofed apartment can quickly become unliveable, especially in an urban environment or in a building with thin walls.

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During your visit, try to identify ambient noises: can you hear neighbors' conversations, the sound of traffic outside, or the sound of footsteps above your head? Close the windows to assess whether outside noise is well attenuated. Interior partitions should also be soundproofed to prevent noise from spreading from one room to another. If the apartment is located near a potential source of noise (bar, restaurant, school, etc.), these factors must be taken into account.

For your information: the first regulatory standards for soundproofing appeared in 1969, and have been improved over time.

Ventilation and airing

Good ventilation is essential to ensure a healthy, comfortable environment in an apartment. It renews indoor air, evacuates humidity, odors and pollutants, and prevents the growth of mold and mildew. Adequate ventilation is particularly crucial in damp rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, where condensation and moisture build-up can cause damage.

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The importance of good ventilation in preventing damp and mold

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Humidity is the main enemy of a healthy interior. Too much humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which not only damage surfaces (walls, ceilings, joints) but can also have adverse health consequences, particularly for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory problems. Poor ventilation can also lead to a build-up of household pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dust mites, worsening indoor air quality. By ensuring good air renewal, effective ventilation maintains adequate humidity levels and prevents these problems.

Check for the presence of ventilation systems (VMC) and air grilles, especially in damp rooms (bathroom, kitchen). During your visit, pay particular attention to the ventilation equipment present in the apartment. Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems, whether single- or dual-flow, are particularly effective at extracting stale air from damp rooms (kitchen, bathroom, toilet) and blowing fresh air into living areas. A double-flow CMV, for example, also recovers heat from extracted air to heat incoming air, which represents an additional advantage in terms of energy savings.

Inspect windows and walls for ventilation grilles, which allow fresh air to enter. Check that they are not blocked or obstructed. In bathrooms and kitchens, make sure there are working air extractors or fans, especially if these rooms don't have opening windows. Turn them on to check that they're working properly, and that they're not making any abnormal noise, a sign of malfunction or lack of maintenance.

Don't forget to check for signs of a lack of effective ventilation: excessive fogging of windows, persistent odours, mould stains on walls and ceilings, or peeling wallpaper. These clues may reveal underlying problems that require repair work or improved ventilation.

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Room layout and arrangement

The layout and design of the rooms in an apartment are essential elements to take into account to ensure that they correspond to your needs and lifestyle. Beyond aesthetics, the organization of spaces directly influences your daily comfort, the functionality of your interior and even the future value of your investment.

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Analyze room layout

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During your visit, take the time to assess the layout of the apartment. Does it match your lifestyle and expectations? If you work from home, a separate office space may be essential. For a family, the distribution of bedrooms, the presence of sufficient bathrooms and a large kitchen opening onto the living room can be decisive criteria.

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Think about how rooms are connected to each other and how the space flows. A well-designed layout should allow easy, fluid access between different areas of the apartment, while providing privacy where necessary. A poorly thought-out layout can make moving around awkward and inconvenient, affecting your living comfort.

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Check storage space, natural light and room orientation

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Storage space is often underestimated during a visit, but it's crucial to avoid clutter and optimize the use of each room. Make sure the apartment has enough built-in closets, dressing rooms or storage space for your belongings. Check out the possibility of adding extra storage if necessary. Also consider the possible layout of each room according to its size and shape: rooms that are too small or poorly laid out can limit furniture options.

Natural light is another key factor in comfort and well-being. During your visit, observe the extent to which rooms are bathed in natural light. An apartment with plenty of natural light is not only more pleasant to live in, but also more energy-efficient. Try to visit at different times of the day to assess the amount of sunlight. Choose west, south and east exposures for rooms where you spend a lot of time.

TIP: use the SunSurveyor app to find out the amount of sunshine in each room of the property you're visiting.

Room orientation is also important for thermal comfort and energy consumption. An east-facing bedroom will be pleasant and cool in summer, while a west-facing room can be very hot at the end of the day. Similarly, a north-facing kitchen or office can stay cool all year round, but may lack sunlight. Think about your daily use of each space to assess which orientation would be best.

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Co-ownership and common charges

When you buy a condominium, you're not only buying a living space, but also co-ownership of the building's common areas (entrance hall, stairs, roof, garden, etc.). Find out more about how co-ownership works and the charges that apply.

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Visit the condominium's common facilities

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Visit the condominium's common facilities to fully assess the quality of life the building can offer, and to anticipate future maintenance costs. Common areas often include spaces such as entrance halls, corridors, elevators, staircases, parking, gardens, bicycle storage or specific facilities such as a gym or swimming pool. Checking the condition of these facilities enables you to assess their proper maintenance and the management of the condominium. For example, an elevator in poor condition or a neglected entrance hall may indicate management problems or renovation costs to be expected in the short term.

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What's more, amenities such as secure bicycle storage, a well-maintained garden and storage space can be important assets in terms of day-to-day comfort and apartment value. So it's essential to ensure that these common spaces are in good condition and meet your needs before finalizing your purchase. What's more, a well-maintained condominium offering quality amenities will not only contribute to a pleasant living environment, but will also help you maintain, or even increase, the value of your real estate investment over the long term.

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Syndic, work in progress or to come

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During your visit, ask about the syndic de copropriété, the entity responsible for the administrative, financial and technical management of the building. A professional and responsive syndic is an asset for the proper management of the condominium.

Ask whether the latest minutes of general meetings are available. They'll give you an overview of the state of the condominium, recent decisions and work planned for the short or medium term. This will let you know if any major work is planned (facade renovation, roof repairs, installation of a new elevator, etc.) and assess the potential cost. It will also give you an idea of the co-ownership's history over the past three years.

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Ask about condominium charges and what they include (heating, maintenance, etc.).

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Condominium fees are common expenses incurred by all co-owners for the upkeep and management of the building. They can represent a significant cost. It's important to know the exact amount before finalizing your purchase. These charges can vary considerably depending on the building (number of lots, presence of a janitor, elevator, green spaces, swimming pool, etc.) and its management.

Be sure to ask about monthly or annual charges. Charges may cover a variety of services: collective heating, hot water, maintenance of common areas, cleaning, electricity, building management fees, building insurance, etc.

Check whether exceptional charges are expected in the near future. Exceptional charges are often linked to major works or compulsory renovations, such as bringing the elevator up to standard or renovating the facade. These expenses can be very high, and are divided among the co-owners according to their individual shares.

Knowing your condominium and its common charges will enable you to better anticipate future expenses and avoid unpleasant surprises. If you're well prepared, you'll be able to negotiate a more informed purchase price and ensure that your new investment matches your expectations and budget.

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The quality of the environment and the neighborhood

When buying real estate, it's not enough to focus solely on the interior of the property. The quality of the environment and the neighborhood play a decisive role in your daily life, and can have a significant impact on the long-term value of your investment. A pleasant, well-serviced neighborhood can offer a more comfortable and convivial living environment, while a less favorable environment can generate inconvenience or difficulties on resale.

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Proximity to shops, schools and public transport

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Make sure the apartment is located in a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and needs. Check out the proximity of shops (supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, etc.), which make daily life easier and avoid long journeys for everyday errands. For families with children, the proximity of schools, crèches and colleges is an important criterion. It can be useful to check the quality of schools available in the neighborhood.

Public transportation is also a key factor in the attractiveness of a neighborhood, especially in large cities. Check the proximity and frequency of metro, bus, streetcar and train stations. A well-serviced apartment is more practical for everyday use and will be easier to resell, as it meets the needs of a greater number of potential buyers. Don't forget to check for the availability of bike paths and bike-sharing stations, which are increasingly sought-after by city dwellers.

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Proximity to green spaces

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The presence of green spaces is a considerable asset for a neighborhood, especially in an urban environment. Parks, gardens and other natural areas add to the quality of life by offering places for relaxation, leisure and conviviality. They are particularly popular with families with children, pet owners and outdoor sports enthusiasts. An apartment located close to green spaces is often worth more on the real estate market.

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Noise pollution

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Noise pollution can have an impact on your living comfort. Pay close attention to the noise level when you visit the apartment: is it located near a busy street, a railroad line, a bar or a discotheque? Traffic noise, nearby construction work or night-time activities can be very annoying. Consult the town planning department to check whether any construction projects are planned nearby that could generate noise or change the character of the neighborhood.

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Ensure a successful visit for a purchase without regret

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To sum up, a well-prepared visit to an apartment is an important step towards avoiding unpleasant surprises and making a worry-free investment. A meticulous visit allows you to check the general condition of the property, the quality of insulation and ventilation, the layout of rooms, the condominiums and the surroundings. Every detail counts, so you can anticipate any work you may need to carry out, estimate long-term costs and make sure the apartment suits your needs and lifestyle.

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To maximize your chances of making the right choice, we strongly recommend that you enlist the help of a real estate professional. A property hunter will be able to ask the right questions, identify technical issues and guide you through the legal and administrative aspects. With rigorous preparation and the sound advice of a professional, you can approach your real estate project with confidence and make an informed choice.

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