What to look for when buying a flat? Interior designer advises

Projection is key - what you can and cannot do

The floor plan is the first document that should be carefully examined when buying a flat. The square footage alone does not determine comfort - load-bearing walls, the arrangement of windows, access to utility lines or the width and length of circulation routes are much more important. An architect will be able to determine at the inspection stage whether the layout allows for free modifications or rather closes the way for major changes.

When buying a flat from the primary or secondary market, it is a good idea to check:

• whether the rooms can be arranged in a set-up manner,
• whether storage space is provided in the layout,
• how communication between zones is planned - e.g. whether you have to cross the living room from the bedroom to reach the bathroom.

Such details are of great importance. They are what determine whether a flat will be comfortable on a daily basis or become a source of frustration.

Daylight and exposure - more than aesthetics

Daylight is one of the key factors that determine the comfort of living in a new dwelling. The direction of the sunlight influences the interior climate and the well-being of the occupants. When buying a property, the most favourable layout is for the living room and dining room to face south or west - then the space remains bright and full of warmth for most of the day. A bedroom or study, on the other hand, performs better with an eastern exposure, where the morning light acts as a natural alarm clock.

During the inspection, the architect will check the details inside the property that often escape future owners. The number and positioning of the windows are of great importance - one window in a large room can make the dream interior dark and less adjustable. These are the elements that, in practice, determine the arrangement possibilities.

Room height - design potential and breathability

The height of interiors is of great importance for living comfort. At a standard 250 cm, it is still possible to furnish a functional flat, but as low as 270 cm, it gives you an extra breath and sense of freedom.

Higher ceilings make it possible to create elegant buildings that extend almost to the ceiling, introduce multi-level lighting and improve the acoustics. Even in small spaces, this makes the premises look more spacious and everyday use more comfortable.

Distribution of installations - the hidden cost of renovation

Assessing the technical condition of a flat involves much more than looking at the walls or floors. The layout of the installations - water, sewage and electricity - often determines how expensive the renovation will turn out to be. If the kitchen and bathroom have been laid out „rigidly”, moving the sink or bathtub can generate a lot of additional expenses.

In old blocks of flats, the replacement of the electrical system can sometimes be another burden that is not apparent in the contents of the flat ad. The architect will pay particular attention to which changes can be made without too much trouble and which will consume too many resources.

What matters on a day-to-day basis (and you don't see it in the ad)

Price and location are just the beginning. It's worth looking at other elements that can weigh up the cost and your satisfaction with buying a flat

Environment

The location of a flat is much more than the distance from the centre. It is worth paying attention to the elements right next to the premises, such as the chute, the lift or the staircase, as they affect the acoustics and everyday comfort. Equally important is what the immediate neighbourhood offers - shops, transport, green spaces or proximity to the workplace. It is a good idea to visit the flat at different times of the day to check the noise and traffic levels and assess whether the surroundings suit your own needs.

The view from the window - psychological comfort and privacy

The pictures in the ad may look inviting, but once you have bought the flat, you may find that all you can see from the windows is the façade of the neighbouring block of flats, which reduces your sense of privacy. Meanwhile, a view of the greenery, even a modest one, increases the value of the property and makes everyday life more comfortable. When choosing a flat, it is therefore a good idea to check what perspectives the individual rooms offer. How the surroundings in a location are shaped has a direct impact on the comfort and atmosphere of the future home.

Lift, cellar, space for bicycle or pram

Often, it is only after taking delivery of the property that the homeowner realises the importance of the building's small infrastructure features. A lift, a spacious cellar or a room for bicycles and prams are amenities that prove invaluable in everyday life. The lack of such facilities can be particularly troublesome for families with children or the elderly.

Urban infrastructure

When buying a property, it is worth thinking ahead. Today, proximity to a crèche or kindergarten is important; in a few years, a school and convenient access will be just as important. When choosing a location, it is good to check the zoning plan and access to an outpatient clinic, shops and public transport. Mere distance from the city centre does not always determine the convenience of everyday life.

Promises from the developer are one thing; hard facts that you can verify yourself are another. Already during the acceptance of the flat, it is worth paying attention to possible defects in the flat that may hinder the enjoyment of the surroundings.

Legal status of the property

When buying a flat, legal issues are of paramount importance and often determine the security of the transaction. Regardless of whether you decide on a unit from the primary market or choose an offer from the secondary market, it is always necessary to carefully check the land and mortgage register to assess the legal status of the flat and make sure that it is not encumbered by mortgages or other claims.

When buying a flat from a developer, the procedure is simpler because the premises have not yet had any owners, whereas in the case of second-hand properties, you need to be particularly careful. It is worth remembering that tax on civil law transactions is added to the finalisation of the transaction, which increases the total cost of purchasing a flat.

Careful analysis of the documents and the support of a lawyer or notary allow you to avoid risks and make sure that the process of buying a flat goes without complications.

Analysing the layout with an architect is an investment in peace of mind

It is worth remembering that a contract or a check of the land register alone is not enough. What also counts is a practical look at the layout, functionality and potential of the premises. At DD Projekt, we help clients even before the transaction is finalised, so that when they buy a flat, they can consciously assess whether the space will work for them.

What do we do?

• we carry out a detailed assessment of the technical condition of the flat,
• identify constraints that increase the cost of renovation,
• we analyse the layout in terms of the householder's lifestyle,
• check for possible structural damage,
• we support you in negotiating a price in relation to the actual value of the property.

Our support is particularly useful if you are considering buying a secondary market home, which often requires major investment or general refurbishment. We look at how the standard of finish and local property prices affect the profitability of the overall investment. The analysis also includes a look at the future - whether a particular investment will really create the flat of your dreams or whether it will consume more money than makes sense.

By working with an architect and real estate experts, you can be sure that nothing will surprise you. Better planned expenses and a clear view of the big picture also make it easier to prepare for the additional costs of buying a flat.

Enlist the help of DD Projekt and get the living space of your dreams.