15 questions to ask your real estate agent before buying an apartment

What is the reason for selling the apartment?

Yes, it’s a personal question, and while you may not be entitled to know the reason behind the current owner’s decision to sell, it is important to ask the real estate agent. This way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

Are the owners in a hurry to sell?

Often, the reason for selling can give you an indication of how long the property has been on the market. But if that information isn't available, don’t hesitate to ask! You wouldn’t want to be in a rush to buy an apartment, only to find that the owner is calmly waiting for renovation work to finish before moving.

How long has the apartment been for sale?

If the apartment has only recently been listed, it’s unlikely to have depreciated. However, if it’s been on the market for a while, beware—something may be wrong! If the issue is an above-average price, consider this information a bargaining chip for negotiating a price reduction.

Does the apartment need renovation work?

Aside from the obvious issues you can spot during your visit, ask whether any renovation work is required. While a real estate agent may not be a renovation expert, they should be able to identify what type of work the property needs in the short term to ensure comfort for its new residents. Knowing this information will help you estimate renovation costs and may even give you leverage for negotiating the final price (why not?).

When was the last renovation done?

If the apartment has been around for some years and doesn’t need immediate renovation, ask when the last work was carried out, where, and why. This information is essential for identifying potential problems, areas that have been worked on, and future needs.

What is the apartment’s sun exposure like?

Does it matter? Absolutely! The sun exposure of the apartment affects how much natural light enters, which in turn influences your quality of life and energy costs. For example, an apartment facing north, with minimal sunlight, may be perfect for the summer months, but during winter, it could lead to higher costs for lighting and heating. Additionally, it may present humidity issues or require waterproofing in certain areas.

What is the property’s energy rating?

As you probably know, an energy certificate is required for both new and old properties when they are put up for sale. It’s important to ask about this indicator of energy costs, which is measured on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to F (inefficient). This will help you ensure the apartment meets your comfort and energy cost expectations.

Does the apartment have a garage or street parking?

Nobody likes driving around the block looking for a parking spot, so it’s important to know whether the apartment has a designated space in a garage and if parking is available on the street or nearby areas before deciding to buy.

What is the monthly condominium fee?

Whether the apartment has an elevator, garage, swimming pool, or playground, there will always be a monthly condominium fee for the maintenance of the building’s communal areas. But is the fee reasonable or above average for the area? Ask your real estate agent!

Are there any planned works in the condominium?

It’s also important to find out if any works are scheduled or approved by the condominium, as you’ll need to contribute to the costs based on the share allocated to your apartment.

Does the condominium have leisure areas?

If this is not clear, ask your real estate agent if the condominium has common leisure areas that could add value to the property, such as a swimming pool, playground, gym, or garden.

What is the neighbourhood like?

If you’re unfamiliar with the area and don’t know the type of residents, ask about the neighbourhood before making your decision. Living in a residential area is different from living in a commercial area or near a bustling nightlife district. It’s also important to inquire about nearby shops and services, such as supermarkets, schools, sports clubs, and healthcare centres.

Is the asking price fair?

The real estate agent will likely say yes, but take this opportunity to ask them to justify the price. Understanding how the seller and the agent arrived at the asking price will help you learn what features and conditions are driving the value of the property, from its location to the number of rooms.

Is the price negotiable?

It never hurts to ask! In general, apartment prices today are often set slightly above market value to give buyers room to negotiate. Before entering negotiations, though, make sure to research and compare the asking price with similar properties in the same area, so you can make an informed argument for lowering the price.

What are the payment conditions?

Take the opportunity to discuss the payment conditions. Check if they are favourable to your budget or if there’s room to modify them according to your needs and the timing of your purchase.

If you have a good real estate agent to ask these questions, you will leave the meeting well-informed and better prepared to make your purchase decision.