A viewing is more productive when you know what to look for. These five questions help you decide quickly whether a condominium is worth a second visit.
1. What is the tenure? Confirm whether the unit is freehold or leasehold, and how many years remain on the lease. This affects value and what you can do with the home later.
2. What are the ongoing costs? Ask for the current maintenance fee and any recent or upcoming special levies. A high fee can change the real cost of a home.
3. How does the unit compare with recent sales? Ask for recent transactions in the same building or nearby. This gives you a fair reference for the asking price.
4. What will the neighbourhood look like? Check planned developments, traffic, noise and nearby amenities. The view from the balcony may change in a few years.
5. What do you need to change? Measure your furniture, check the storage and think about the kitchen layout. Small problems at viewing stage can become expensive once you move in.