Joanna James
Buying an apartment will be a great choice for those who wish to acquire an accommodation option that offers convenience and other benefits. But there are some things you should know before doing so, as listed below.
If you intend to purchase a strata title property, like an apartment or even a townhouse, you should make yourself familiar with the relevant by-laws. These will include the by-laws of your country as well as those that are imposed by the body corporate of the relevant building. For example, if you desire to keep a pet, you must ensure that the apartment building is suitable prior to making the actual purchase.
In the same manner that you would obtain building reports as well as pest reports regarding the property if you intended to purchase a house, you should take the opportunity to obtain a Strata Inspection Report if you desire to buy an apartment. By doing so you will be able to ascertain whether the building structure, wiring and other features are in acceptable order.
Since you will be a body corporate member, you will have to contribute in the form of regular fees for the upkeep of gardens, maintenance of the building, and so on. These strata fees may vary greatly, ranging from fairly reasonable all the way to exorbitant, so that the ongoing costs may make a selected apartment that seemed to be in your budget quite out of reach.
You should take the opportunity to request to have a look at the body corporate records so that you can see whether you will be able to get along with the other residents of the building. If you notice many disputes you should be wary; on the other hand, if the style of communication is amicable, that will indicate a more agreeable community.
Naturally, a property that has been maintained well indicates a body corporate that is pro-active. On the other hand, a property that has been neglected may indicate significant problems and costs in the future.
As you consider the pros and cons of the apartments that are available, make sure to take into consideration factors like the size and appeal of the balconies, the thickness of the interior walls (for the purpose of sound suppression), storage area, security facilities and car parking facilities, as well as common amenities like a gym, swimming pool or a barbecue facility. Of course, modern mixed use developments the likes of the up and coming Cinnamon Life Colombo, will not only offer luxury_ Colombo apartments_ but a wealth of entertainment, shopping and dining options too; a definite plus if you are looking to enjoy the very best of modern living.
It would be advisable to find out whether the complex of apartments that you are considering provides lettings during holiday periods or short-term type accommodations. By doing so you will be aware of any problematic hustle and bustle that may be disagreeable to you.
You may find that apartments that are comparatively older offer good value, due to the fact that they offer better soundproofing, larger rooms and relatively higher ceilings when compared with apartments that are new. On the other hand, an older apartment can look rather tired, needing fresh paint or upgrades to the bathroom and kitchen. If you happen to be interested in an apartment which requires a refresh, find out from the body corporate whether you can proceed with the necessary work, and check out the necessary procedure for obtaining permission.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
