Apartment living is a lifestyle choice, and whether you are buying the apartment for yourself or buying an apartment as an investment, there are a number of key things that you need to check before splashing out and buying one.
Apartment Location
Regardless of building style, the location is the most important factor when it comes to buying any real estate, whether you are buying a house or an apartment or a unit. The prime qualities of location is that the property is close to transport, so look for train lines that are close or run express trains to the CBD. Access to the freeway system or main arterial roads is also a plus, and whilst you don't want to actually live right next to a train line or a main road, easy access to them is very important. Also look for good access to shopping and other lifestyle facilities like restaurants, parks or beaches. Apartments near the waterfront often attract a lot of attention because of the lifestyle facilities
Shared or common walls
The fewer common or shared walls, the better. This also applies to floors and ceilings, and that is why being on the top floor is a prized location, because there is no-one living above you, so no noisy footsteps in the middle of the night!. Being on the top floor will probably give you a much better view of the neighbourhood, and so if you have picked a good location, the view from the top should be good too, our next item on the checklist.
Apartment Position
The top floor is often considered the prized location of an apartment block, but remember that access to your apartment is important. If you are on the top floor and there are no lifts, then living on the 4th floor might not be quite as appealing if you need to climb the stairs everyday!
The quality of the building
You will need to do a proper check of the building, but before you do, some preliminary checks will help determine if this is the apartment for you. Is the apartment well constructed and built by a quality builder or developer. Does it have nice surroundings, a security system, off street parking, is it surrounded by nice gardens or cracked concrete? You should be able to determine the basic quality of the apartment block by its basic appearance, but also check to see what it is constructed of. Is it double brick?
Aspect
Go North! having an apartment with a northerly aspect is often advantageous because you will get more natural light into your apartment. Also if there is an entertaining area or balcony, look for that northerly aspect.
Good Views for you and for your neighbours
A good view from your apartment is vital. There is nothing worse than having a great view of your next door neighbours washing line, or looking straight into the neighbours kitchen. When checking an apartment, make sure that you have either stunning views, or at the very least, non offensive and neutral views. A view overlooking the surrounding neighbourhood is fine. When checking the view, you should also be checking for views of your apartment. Can your neighbours see you? Are you going to be living in a fish bowl. Your privacy is important too!