A guide to choosing the perfect property: or how to choose the best deal for you.

Here are some main points to keep in mind when looking for the optimal deal:

• Purpose of the property – the most important step is to determine the purpose of the purchase. We determine and prioritize such things as where it is to be located or whether we are going to live there personally, and how much square footage is appropriate for us. It is also good to consider how long we intend to live there in the future. Are we only interested in living there for a few years or do we want it to be our final haven for the so-called autumn of life. Let’s take into account possible life changes that we may not expect. If we are interested in acquiring a property for short-term or long-term rental, let’s pay attention to the increase in value of the area. This is influenced, for example, by increased rental demand or new shopping centers in the neighborhood, as well as transportation including its future development.

• Type of property – when choosing a type of property, keep in mind the characteristics associated with them. If our choice is an apartment or condo we are likely to share daily life with neighbors but also our privacy may be limited in some way. Benefits include amenities such as greater security, access to increasingly common common areas such as a gym, pool or chillout zone, or urban infrastructure. Detached houses or villas mean greater privacy, access to one’s garden, space but also greater maintenance costs associated with the daily use of such buildings. When acquiring a plot of land, we reckon that our place on earth is yet to be built in the near future. We ourselves will decide on the form and shape of the property that will be built on it. Therefore, one of the most important things when choosing such a property is to check whether the plot has access to adequate infrastructure such as water, electricity or sewage disposal. Checking the formal status is also a very important thing to remember. In addition, let’s keep in mind that we may have to reckon with commuting in order to use basic services, health care or transporting children to school to neighboring towns.

• Location and neighborhood – these factors play a major role in determining the value of a property. Amenities nearby and the degree of development of neighboring areas are very important factors. Properties in the city center and those on the outskirts of the city will have different prices. Security is also something to pay attention to. Low crime rates in an area or neighborhood definitely affect the starting price. A gated estate, good lighting, hassle-free access to public transportation, as well as good quality roads and hassle-free parking – all of these things are sure to make the price reflect these infrastructure elements. Remember also that there is such a thing as growth potential. Properties in areas where more developments are planned in the near future will likely fetch a higher price.

• Cost of the property – remember that the total cost of a given property is not only the price you pay for it, but also additional fees associated with the purchase process, such as stamp duty, deed costs or the purchase of a parking space or storage unit, if any. There are also costs resulting from long-term use, such as annual property tax rates or rent obligations in relation to, for example, use within a housing community. Often there are many promotional campaigns and discounts. Taking advantage of such buying opportunities can reduce the aforementioned costs. This is because developers, fighting for customers, try to attract the attention of customers in many ways. Buying the apartment of your dreams with a storage room free of charge or a parking space for a symbolic zloty is a good example of this.

• Credibility of the contractor – if you entrust the realization of your dreams to a company that is to build your dream property try to take into account the reputation it enjoys in the market. You will get the expected quality of workmanship and reduce the risk of an unsuccessful end result or one with workmanship defects. In case it is the developer who builds a particular building or block of flats, make sure that he has the required financial stability. You will then bypass a mass of problems resulting from cash flow problems and delays in the project. Take advantage of the benefit of the Internet these days. Check forums and online reviews from buyers who have already transacted with a particular contractor or developer.

• Quality of workmanship – make sure that the materials used in the construction of the property you plan to buy are of high quality. This way you will be sure that the quality of workmanship will not leave you in doubt, but will also guarantee safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Quality will translate into profit because you will avoid the resulting additional repairs. Don’t be afraid to visit the property before you buy. If it comes from the primary market it is good to observe the next stages of its construction, watch it being built. In such a situation, it is also advisable to read the opinions of residents and owners of the developer’s previous projects in order to have an idea of the approach to the quality of construction it provides to customers. Try to get the so-called instructions for use of the premises to be sure of the correct operation of the property.

• Sustainability – in this day and age, we are trying to emphasize making properties as environmentally friendly as possible. In addition to the positive impact on the climate, our gain will be the money saved from daily use in the future. All kinds of solutions that promote energy efficiency, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems or energy-efficient appliances, are very welcome. If we are planning to buy a house, let’s check whether we will be able to use, for example, a composting facility or any kind of recycling systems on the premises. Wise and conscious waste management will definitely pay off. By the way, let’s remember that a well-maintained and landscaped green space or garden has a positive impact on our daily well-being, not only physically but also mentally.

• Completion time – if you are interested in a property that is still under construction and not fully completed pay attention to the construction schedule to know when the building will be fully operational. Remember that any construction can have delays and the developer’s declared dates can slip. So taking into account a time buffer is highly advisable and good to keep in mind. By the way, check how the developer in question has performed on time in the past with its other completed Developments. This will definitely be the best showcase for his offer.

• Resale value – in the long run, pay attention to the potential that the property may have after a few years. In other words, profitability on a possible sale after a few years is a very important consideration. Placement in a well-connected area with a fast-growing neighborhood containing, for example, business centers, shopping centers or simply conveniently urbanized areas, will always work to your advantage. It is also advisable to check historical appreciation rates which will allow you to estimate the future value of the property. Keep in mind that a well-kept and well-maintained property will be worth more on the secondary market in the future.

We hope that this short guide will help you to make optimal decisions related to your purchases and the properties you acquire will be the ones that you, without hesitation, consider to be the ones of your dreams and most suitable for you.