Are you thinking about the situation surrounding rental housing and find it unreasonable to pay inflated rents, preferring to invest your money in your own home? Have you found your dream apartment and decided to buy, but don't understand the terms used in real estate listings? Not sure which option is right for you? Below you will find what to consider when buying a property and how to make a better decision.

Buying an apartment from a development company can have its advantages and disadvantages. The developer may offer new buildings, but also apartments that have been completely renovated. In both cases, the apartments are usually handed over in a "standard" condition. However, what exactly "standard" means is determined by the developer – and this is reflected in the price.

The standard may vary, but most often includes floor coverings, tiles, paint, wall tiles, doors, and sanitary equipment (bathtub, shower, sink, toilet). You may also encounter terms such as Fit-out, Shell and Core, or White Wall in offers.

Shell and Core and White Wall are similar standards, where the property is structurally complete but without final finishes – i.e., without floors, tiles, painting, sanitary equipment, and interior doors. With White Wall, the plaster is usually prepared, including the final white layer (e.g., paint or drywall with paint).

Fit-out refers to the construction and technological work prior to the actual installation of interior elements. During the implementation, it is often possible to make so-called client changes to meet the buyer's requirements.

If the buyer does not request any changes, the apartment is handed over according to the basic project information materials. If the buyer wants changes, the developer can offer modifications according to their wishes, but usually within the possibilities and range of the contractual supplier. This is a client change, which is subject to a fee and is reflected in the purchase price. Changes may relate to equipment, layout, or even minor structural modifications (e.g., internal wiring).

Developers usually charge an administrative fee for client changes (depending on the scope of the changes), the cost of implementing the changes, and the difference in price of the newly selected fixtures and fittings from the contractual supplier.

Buying a property in individual standards has its pros and cons. Fit-out may seem like a convenient "worry-free" option, but it is often limited by the choice of supplier and can increase the purchase price. With Shell and Core or White Wall, you have more freedom in choosing materials and equipment according to your budget, but you have to take into account finding your own construction company (or architect) and the fact that modifications can also bring unexpected costs. In both cases, however, you can create a tailor-made home.