{"id":72614,"date":"2016-07-07T14:30:26","date_gmt":"2016-07-07T12:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/?p=72614"},"modified":"2020-11-09T16:34:42","modified_gmt":"2020-11-09T15:34:42","slug":"buying-an-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/buying-an-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying an Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Are you planning on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/flats-for-sale\"><strong>buying an apartment<\/strong><\/a> or a house? You should be aware that it is a decision requiring a lot of thought. Two phases are notably crucial before taking a decision: <strong>the first contact with the seller<\/strong>, and the&nbsp;<strong>visit to the apartment or house.<\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In order to help you make the most out of these two phases,&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/\">ShBarcelona<\/a><\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>has made a list of&nbsp;&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;questions you should ask<\/strong>&nbsp;before taking a final decision.<\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-104533\" style=\"max-width: 850px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-20-3 metaslider metaslider-responsive metaslider-104533 ml-slider\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_104533\">\n        <ul id='metaslider_104533' class='rslides'>\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/flats-for-sale\" target=\"_self\"><img width=\"850\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/en-9.jpg\" class=\"slider-104533 slide-104536\" alt=\"buy apartments in barcelona\" rel=\"\" title=\"Banner medio venta inquilinos\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/buying-an-apartment\/#Different_questions_when_buying_a_property\" title=\"Different questions when buying a property\">Different questions when buying a property<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/buying-an-apartment\/#During_the_first_contact\" title=\"During the first contact\">During the first contact<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/buying-an-apartment\/#During_the_visit\" title=\"During the visit&nbsp;\">During the visit&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Different_questions_when_buying_a_property\"><\/span>Different questions when buying a property<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"During_the_first_contact\"><\/span>During the first contact<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">You have set your eyes on an <strong>apartment<\/strong> or a house you like and have decided to dial the number in the ad to set the date for a visit.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This first contact is extremely important: before you launch yourself into the visit without a second thought, ask the following adequate questions on the phone, as it will make you win a considerable amount of time and will guard you against big disappointments on the day of the visit.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_72615\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72615\" class=\"wp-image-72615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/flat-bcn-3.jpg\" alt=\"yellow house, buying an apartment\" width=\"640\" height=\"479\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-72615\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo via Pixabay<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Even if it sounds repetitive, it is very important to&nbsp;<strong>inquire about each of the characteristics mentioned in the ad<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">By allowing them&nbsp;to expand on the characteristics, you will learn a whole lot more than by reading the ad and you will perhaps find out more about the possible flaws not mentioned in the ad.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-before fa-chevron-circle-right\" style=\"background-color: #850909; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/flats-for-sale\">Buy your property in Barcelona<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Here are several things to know before buying an apartment, if not answered while reviewing the points in the ad:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Make sure all the rooms advertised have a&nbsp;<strong>surface&nbsp;<\/strong>according to the law (in Spain, a room cannot be under 6m2, or at least cannot be advertised as being a room).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lighting<\/strong>: what is the orientation of the apartment? How many windows are there and what are their sizes?<\/li>\n<li><strong>General state:<\/strong> when were the last construction or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/low-effort-kitchen-renovate-techniques\/\">renovation&nbsp;works<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>done in the apartment? Is it necessary to renovate?&nbsp;If so, how much money would need to be spent on it? If the <strong>apartment<\/strong> is being sold furnished or equipped with home appliances, what was the date of their purchase?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_104443\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-104443\" class=\"size-full wp-image-104443\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Foto-6-door-Burst-via-Pexels.jpg\" alt=\"bed and night stand\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-104443\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Burst via Pexels<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>If it is a&nbsp;<strong>condominium<\/strong>, it is very important&nbsp;to request information about the soundproofing of the walls and the maintenance of common areas.<\/li>\n<li>Another important aspect: the&nbsp;<strong>bills<\/strong>. Will you be required to pay condominium fees? How much are the&nbsp;water and electricity bills&nbsp;on average?<\/li>\n<li>Is it a calm&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/safest-neighbourhoods-barcelona\/\"><strong>neighborhood<\/strong><\/a>? What are the&nbsp;<strong>closest<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>facilities<\/strong>?&nbsp;(transport, shops, schools in case you have children\u2026)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Do not hesitate to ask any question you feel is necessary before setting a date for the visit of the apartment or house! There are so many things to check when buying a flat&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Related article:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/buy-real-estate\/\">How to Buy Real Estate During and After Covid-19<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"During_the_visit\"><\/span>During the visit&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If the <strong>apartment<\/strong> or house has convinced you after this first telephone conversation, it is now time to think about the visit and how to take advantage of it. What are questions to ask when viewing an apartment?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Some advice<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Arrive a little bit&nbsp;<strong>before the visit<\/strong>. This will give you the opportunity to take a tour of the neighborhood&nbsp;or to even talk to the neighbors or the guardian, if it is a property. This way you will learn more about life in the neighborhood (and if it is noisy, for example).<\/li>\n<li>Remember to observe every detail, whether it is the state of the ceiling or the windows. We do not always think of these details, and yet they are very important.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_104439\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-104439\" class=\"size-full wp-image-104439\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Foto-2-via-Pexels-2.jpg\" alt=\"kitchen in white and wood\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-104439\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo via Pexels<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Do not hesitate to ask to&nbsp;<strong>visit several times<\/strong>, at different times of the day. This will give you a better idea of the apartment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Some good questions to ask:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>If it is a condominium , ask to see the minutes of the latest general meeting. These documents are very useful to know the costs of the latest works, or even any nuisances and complaints that have been identified.<\/li>\n<li>Feel free to check for yourself that everything works perfectly: the faucets, windows etc ; if there is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/types-of-fireplaces-to-warm-and-decorate-your-home\/\"><strong>fireplace<\/strong><\/a>, ask the seller if it works. If any equipment is not in good condition, ask about the repair&nbsp;work required and how much it would&nbsp;cost.<\/li>\n<li>What is the amount of property tax, land tax and local taxes? You can also ask to see the latest bills, it will also inform you about the possible extra monthly expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-before fa-chevron-circle-right\" style=\"background-color: #850909; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/\">Get to know ShBarcelona<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Finally, do not hesitate to ask any questions you find useful regarding the <strong>history of the house or apartment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>How long did the owners live in the house\/ apartment?<\/li>\n<li>What works did they do to it?<\/li>\n<li>Were the works or renovations after its building made by a professional?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_72617\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72617\" class=\"wp-image-72617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/flay-bcn-1.jpg\" alt=\"living room with white chairs at table\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-72617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo via Pixabay<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>How long has it been for sale? Attention: if it has been for sale for a long time and its price has continuously fallen, there might be a flaw they haven&#8217;t told you about. Moreover, you have nothing to lose by asking directly if the house has any flaws and which ones exactly they might be.<\/li>\n<li>Are there any other properties for sale in the neighborhood? If there are, at what price? This will allow you to make a comparison.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If other questions seem useful to you, do not hesitate one bit to ask them! This way you will be able to decide whether to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/flats-for-sale\">purchase the property<\/a><\/strong> or not with peace of mind.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What do you think is most important when buying an apartment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"\n    class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-valign-bottom kksr-align-left \"\n    data-id=\"72614\"\n    data-slug=\"\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 150px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-legend\">\n            <strong class=\"kksr-score\">5<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\/<\/span>\n        <strong>5<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">(<\/span>\n        <strong class=\"kksr-count\">2<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\n            votes        <\/span>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">)<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you planning on buying an apartment or a house? You should be aware that it is a decision requiring a lot of thought. Two phases are notably crucial before taking a decision: the first contact with the seller, and the&nbsp;visit to the apartment or house.&nbsp;&nbsp; In order to help you make the most out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":72616,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8873],"tags":[4801,4800,4799,4802,1926],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72614"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72614"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104911,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72614\/revisions\/104911"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}