For many people, buying an apartment or house is the biggest investment of their lives. That's why it's important to be well prepared. The entire process involves a number of steps that can be time-consuming and mentally demanding. If you want to save time and energy, it's a good idea to have an expert by your side to guide you from start to finish.

1. Clarify your basic preferences

Location – check the amenities of your chosen location, especially if you are considering living outside a large city. Find out about the availability of shops, post offices, government offices, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities.

Transportation – find out about public transportation options and how long it takes to commute to work or school. Check out parking options, parking zones, and any parking spaces that come with the apartment.

2. Explore the positive and negative factors in the area

Comfort of living – pay attention to the noise level of the neighborhood, proximity to busy roads or cultural facilities. Check with local residents to see how well the nighttime quiet hours are observed.

Future construction – take a look at the municipality's zoning and development plan. New infrastructure can increase the value of the property, while a planned airport or industrial zone can be a disadvantage.

3. Legal status of the property

Verify that the seller is the actual owner of the property or that they have the consent of all co-owners.

Check for restrictions on ownership rights, such as easements, liens, or foreclosures.

Check that the property is not a non-residential space (e.g., a studio). These spaces often do not meet the conditions for permanent residence and cannot be financed with a standard mortgage.

4. Technical condition of the house or apartment

For a house, check the condition of the roof, basement, attic, wiring, structural integrity, and insulation. For an apartment, focus on the wiring, floors, windows, bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. It is best to consult an expert.

Request technical documentation and any inspection reports. If renovations have been carried out (e.g., replacement of windows), ask for proof of warranty.

Check the building's energy performance (PENB) and actual energy consumption from the last annual bill.

Take an interest in the management of the owners' association – whether it has a loan, when it will be repaid, and what investments are planned for the building. This information can be provided by the chair of the owners' association.