Inspect the Exact Unit, Not the Listing

Walk through the property and test the practical details that photographs may hide. Review walls, ceilings, windows, plumbing, electrical points, cooling, appliances included in the sale, doors, storage, balcony, parking and any visible alterations. Record defects and clarify whether repairs, furniture or equipment form part of the agreed sale. Browse ready-to-move properties

• Inspect systems and finishes
• Record visible defects
• Confirm sale inclusions

Assess the Building and Ongoing Costs

The unit is only part of the ownership decision. Review common-area condition, lifts, parking access, security, facilities, maintenance response, building management and planned works. Check the approved service-charge rate and understand what it covers; compare the annual ownership burden with similar buildings rather than assuming a lower purchase price means a lower total cost. Learn how to compare service charges

• Review common-area condition
• Check management and planned works
• Compare approved recurring costs

Check Ownership, Occupancy and Restrictions

Verify the title deed, seller identity and authority, property status and any mortgage or other registered obligation. Confirm whether the home is vacant, owner-occupied or tenanted, and review the relevant occupancy documents and access arrangements. If alterations were made, ask for the available approvals and records instead of relying on a verbal explanation. Review how building age affects resale

• Verify title and seller authority
• Confirm occupancy status
• Request records for alterations

Test the Price and Practical Fit

Compare recent sales for the same building, property type, size range and condition. Then test the home against daily use: commute, noise, light, privacy, storage, parking and access to services. The area median is useful context but not a valuation for one unit; the final decision should connect price, condition, recurring costs and the buyer’s intended use. Use transaction data before an offer

• Use close transaction comparables
• Test daily usability
• Connect price to total ownership cost