When buying apartments, what do you look for?

Discussion in 'What to buy' started by Inov8ive, 3rd Nov, 2015.

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  1. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Location in the complex. It was an end unit, clear views over the pool and gardens to the water.
    Marg
     
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  2. aussieB

    aussieB Well-Known Member

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    If its a newish construction - solar power/heater, soft close drawers, LED lighting etc.
     
  3. Ozzie in Texas

    Ozzie in Texas Well-Known Member

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    2 bedrooms - BIW not a must because you can easily install them.

    Bath tub - personally, I hate them. They are common in US homes and I still hate them as much as I did back in Australia. Despite my likes/dislikes, apartment living is about compact living. 80m2 isn't a big space to play in. Bathroom can be made to feel deceivingly bigger by forgoing bathtub.

    My number one priority - transport and schools. If you get that right, finding the right tenant is easy.
     
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  4. Jacob Field

    Jacob Field Well-Known Member

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    I brought a unit once ;-) - 1970's era in inner Sydney. Now would check the following going foward...

    - Fire code compliant building?
    - Asbestos in architraves?
    - Potential and ease of fix if there is a water leak in kitchen/bath
     
  5. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    Ugh, I can't stand sprayed concrete ceilings.
     
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  6. JDP1

    JDP1 Well-Known Member

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    A good looking single young neighbour is a plus:D
     
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  7. Redwood

    Redwood Well-Known Member

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    Another pitfall of buying off the plan!

    I was reviewing plans today, buying OTP is so hard as you are reviewing drawings and have to match it to the perspective of the building. Generally the 'aspect' is key, i.e no point having an apt that is blocked by another building.

    Views either to a city or away from the city is great.

    The position - NO not next to an elevator.

    Wasted space, so many apt have a alley way or so to fill space, what a waste!

    Car park - stacker? be careful

    Corner apt are great - a corner apartment with an open design is great, some may favour the main rd and some may favour the back of the building facing the residential neighbourhood... get in early to choose these

    Boutique is better than a tower! Chinese love towers, I don't refer point above where in a boutique building each apartment is different!

    Pay attention to BC fees.

    Size - the size advertised may not be the actual size at settlement, there are different measurement guidelines - be aware

    Get your contract reviewed by a solicitor not a conveyancer

    Just jotting some thoughts

    Cheers Ivan
     
  8. Inov8ive

    Inov8ive Well-Known Member

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    Some great points there, thanks for the input.
     
  9. Michael_X

    Michael_X Mortgage Broker Business Member

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    I know lists are important but when there are so many, it may make the selection process alot harder. Almost like looking for a unicorn.

    Instead of coming up with an extensive list, my suggestion is to clarify the goal. If the unit gets you closer to your goal then buy it, if it doesn't move on.

    I've seen people spend months / years looking for that perfect property and miss the market. The property doesn't need to be perfect, but just a vehicle to get you to where you want to go.

    If you are looking to buy as PPOR then different, buy something you like :)

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
    Last edited: 6th Nov, 2015
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  10. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    Not if you get busted perv... I mean looking by your partner ;)
     
  11. JDP1

    JDP1 Well-Known Member

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    It's especially true if you are married or have a partner..I'm sure the married guys on this forum will back me up :p :)
     
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  12. Tekoz

    Tekoz Well-Known Member

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    ok, what about this one as the guideline:

    [​IMG]
    Not as the means to buy that OTP apartment.
     
  13. JDP1

    JDP1 Well-Known Member

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    Haha...Brisbane's darling harbour... They should join the hype brisbane thread...would be on 2000 pages by now.
     
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