Buying an apartment - what questions should I ask

[VPS]

So although I'm a bit reluctant to live in an apartment but I've found one I really like. They were built in 2004 and not just a standard block but obviously designed to be a more aeshetic rather than a concrete box.

What questions should I be asking?

 

[love_the_life]

Thanks for all the info - lots to chase up but as usual the real estate agent is not responding to requests and they want me to pay to see the strata minutes - I don't think so.

No pools and plenty of parking and visitor parking and there is free off street parking in the area as well.

Depending on the state, they can charge for outsiders (as in non residents or committee of the complex) to have access to the committee minutes and reports.

 

[cove]

Let’s say you are spending 6 or 7 figures for this apartment. Don’t be afraid to use a consultant or a valuer and pay for advice. I did that for my son‘s apartment which has a series of apartments with a pool and spa in the centre. The valuer didn’t like the fact that units on the other side of the quadrangle were looking at each other. Out came a young bikini clad lady from across the other side and the valuer cracked a smile.
Getting to read the minutes is worth the money if you have to pay.

 

[get me outta here]

One of the things my friend with the expensive unit overlooking the lake did not like apart from the fact that he was paying for the water from the restaurants, was not having his own garage. He had a small storage cage which he felt was insecure; he could not clean out or wash his expensive car, and did not feel any sort of privacy in the basement.

He ended up moving to a townhouse with an attached double garage.

 

[VPS]

Let’s say you are spending 6 or 7 figures for this apartment. Don’t be afraid to use a consultant or a valuer and pay for advice. I did that for my son‘s apartment which has a series of apartments with a pool and spa in the centre. The valuer didn’t like the fact that units on the other side of the quadrangle were looking at each other. Out came a young bikini clad lady from across the other side and the valuer cracked a smile.
Getting to read the minutes is worth the money if you have to pay.

It's definitely not 7 figures (unless you count the 2 after the decimal point) but I'm going back to have another look tomorrow with friends and will definitely pay for an inspection and maybe someone to review the strata minutes (when I get them)

 

[Buzzard]

It's definitely not 7 figures (unless you count the 2 after the decimal point) but I'm going back to have another look tomorrow with friends and will definitely pay for an inspection and maybe someone to review the strata minutes (when I get them)

The problem with building inspectors in SA is that they don't need a lot of qualifications.

 

[cove]

We use Acumentis valuers for our property purchases. They recently changed their name from LandMark White. we have used them in Perth, Sydney and Brisbane.
We have been shareholders for many years. I did 2 years of valuation at what is now Curtin University so I know the basics. It is the finer detail that may help you especially in a falling market.

 

[cove]

VPS I remember when apartments were 5 figures.
I looked at an apartment in Crawley WA that had a beautiful renovation done to an older apartment. They had spent way too much to get their money back as the view was partially blocked. It happens.