One of the major milestones in a person’s life is to buy their dream apartment. However, you can’t just buy any apartment that fits your budget. 

You must take care of lots of considerations before finalizing a suitable apartment. For instance, one of the most important factors is cost. In Australia, for example, the average cost of an apartment is about $848,706.

So if you’re looking for tips before buying the perfect apartment, check out this article!

1. Look for a reputed real estate company

There’s no dearth of real estate agents in the world, but very few of them will be as efficient as they claim.

Of course, if you or any of your close ones have never bought an apartment, this can be a tough experience for you.

But it’s still not impossible if you connect with the right real estate agents. So, ask more people in and beyond your social circle to recommend you a few names. 

Ensure that the estate agency is conscious of the building materials used or how they source their materials.

Above all, they must be open to understanding and fulfilling your needs and desires about a dream apartment. 

For example, if you’re seeking apartments in Australia, one reputed real estate website is Sekisui House Australia.

2. Check the location and amenities

You must also keep the location of your apartment in mind. If you’re a working professional, you must ensure your office or workplace is as near as possible.

Even if it’s a little far away, see whether public transport facilities between your apartment and workplace are abundant.

If you have children in your family, the distance between their house and school is a big factor.

Of course, the apartments close to workplaces and schools with good transportation cost a little more, but the perks are worth it.

Does the apartment building come with the right amenities to suit your needs? Does it come with domestic appliances, or do you need to supply your own? Is there a gym in the building? What about a pool?

All of these factors make a difference when finding your dream apartment.

3. Hire a good interior designer

Your apartment’s interior will be important to your lifestyle and mood. However, when it comes to interior designing, never compromise on the quality of the building materials. 

Choose designs and colors that reflect your tastes but also make sure that the style installed in each room blends with the next one.

Both you and the designer need to work together and come up with new ideas on how to make your apartment look comfortable and inviting.

4. Beware of additional charges

Read and understand all the clauses in the necessary documents thoroughly, including the penalty clauses.

For example, if you don’t receive your apartment’s possession within the grace period, your builder must pay you a monthly penalty.

Other kinds of additional charges, such as stamp duty fees, home loan processing fees, and service taxes, might not be explicitly mentioned in the paperwork, so keep an eye out for them.

5. Get a legal check done

Before you seal the deal, a legal check of the property and its papers is a must. First, see that the flat is legally authorized and that it has permission to be built on that property.

Many homebuyers prefer not to pry too much into the paperwork, but that’s actually a big mistake. You have every right to check whether the developer has approvals or no-objection certificates from the local corporation sectors.

You might also need to look into the legal aspects of sewage, water supply, and electricity boards.

6. Know your credit score

Before buying the apartment, you must take a big bank loan. And getting approved for a loan depends entirely on your credit score.

If you’re not aware of your credit score, ask your bank about it ASAP. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of obtaining a home loan.

Banks and other finance companies will readily give you the loan only if they’re convinced that you will be able to pay it off within the given time frame, which is indicated by a good credit score.

7. Talk to others in the building

Remember, you’ll buy an apartment, not an entire house. So before finalizing it, it’s always a good idea to scan the neighborhood and see the people who will be occupying the same building.

There will be different kinds of people with different tastes and behavior. But you have to make sure that you and your family don’t feel alienated or uncomfortable after moving in. Your basic principles and values have to align with those of others around you.

Over to you

Your apartment will have a direct impact on the standard of your living. So think very carefully, follow these tips, and then invest all your time, money, and energy into your dream apartment!