Services: Experience has proved that it is difficult for co-owners to agree on the common servicing of the blocks. It is therefore advisable, especially if you are buying in a large block, to prefer to buy where the block has the lowest common services bill. Central heating has proved to be a major problem and the cause of many quarrels amongst co-owners. Avoid, also, flats which have common hot water facilities.
Another factor which is also related to the price, is the payment terms. A developer could be asking a high price for flats but he could be offering very attractive payment terms over a long period. Compare, therefore, not only the extent, quality etc. of a flat, but also the payment terms in order to ascertain who is offering you the best deal.
Quality: In all advertisements for the sale of flats you will find the word luxury. What is luxurious accommodation may be far distant from what you will get however. If the flat you are buying is not ready, have your property surveyor go through the specifications of the materials and finishes so that he can explain their meaning to you.
Accommodation: Avoid purchasing an one bedroom or studio type of accommodation (unless you are in a resort area) since you will have problems on resale. Prefer to get hired accommodation rather than think that you will sell your one bedroom unit and buy a larger one in the future.You may well find that selling the one bedroom flat is problematic. Flats most in demand are the three bedroom (around 120-130 sq.m.) and two bedroom (70-100 sq.m.) ones. This state of affairs is fluid however and changes from time to time and from location to location. In resort areas the most marketable accommodation are the compact one and two bedroom flats.
Never sign anything or pay any money until you have sought legal advice in a language in which you are fluent from an experienced solicitor (ideally, someone who has been recommended).Under no circumstances should you use a solicitor who has been introduced or recommended to you by a vendor, agent or developer.