Are you a homebuyer or an investor planning to buy a condo? This article lists 12 things you need to consider when buying a condo.

A home is the most expensive thing most people will ever buy. Thus, it is essential to have access to relevant information at the right time in order to make decisions that are in your best interests. 

According to Forbes, condos can be more cost-effective than single-family homes when housing costs rapidly rise or you want to build a permanent residence in an expensive city. 

Although buying a condo can be a stressful experience, knowing your rights and responsibilities as a buyer, as well as the questions to ask before purchasing a condo, can help you feel less stressed and move the process along more quickly. Here are some essential factors to consider if you’re considering a condo.

1. Condition

When deciding on a condo to buy, it’s critical to consider not only the unit itself but also the building and the entire complex. The condition of the common areas, the overall maintenance of the unit and building, any existing or potential issues with the entire complex, and the need for any repairs are all factors to be considered.

2. Common areas

The term “common areas” describes the shared areas of a condo complex, such as the lobby, elevators, hallways, swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities. If you’re looking to buy a condo, make sure you ask about the upkeep of the common areas. 

It is important to inquire about these areas’ conditions because they can impact the condo’s desirability and market value. A lack of care for the common areas or insufficient maintenance funds could lead to future problems.

3. Owner occupied

One factor to consider when purchasing a condo is the percentage of units their owners occupy. Information like this can help you understand the building’s culture and financial stability. 

A high proportion of owner-occupied units may indicate a strong sense of community and financial stability within the building. In contrast, a high ratio of rental units may indicate a higher turnover rate and less financial stability. Consider these factors so that you can confidently purchase a condo.

4. Condo fees

The term “condo fees” is used to describe the monthly or yearly expenses that a condo owner is required to pay. These fees cover condo maintenance and upkeep, as well as the care and operation of common areas and facilities. The fees can change based on several factors, including the square footage of the unit and the number and quality of the included facilities.

5. Insurance

Condo buyers should think about insurance before making a purchase. The condo association’s insurance policy will likely cover the common areas and the building’s structure, but it may not extend to your individual unit. You may need to invest in additional coverage to ensure that your belongings and apartment are safe.

6. Debt

If you’re looking to buy a condo, you should research the association’s debt before you make any decisions. You should inquire about the association’s debt because it can affect the association’s financial stability as well as the market value of the condo.

7. Neighborhood

Before purchasing a condo, buyers should thoroughly investigate and assess the surrounding area. You can do this in some ways, such as by talking to current residents and asking them about their experiences living there or by visiting the area at various times (such as at night and on the weekends) to get a sense of the neighborhood’s character and the people who live there. 

This will help you figure out whether or not the area is suitable for you and your family, as well as whether or not it provides the level of safety and security you require.

8. Parking

There are a few parking-related factors to think about when purchasing a condo. Questions like, “Does the apartment have designated parking?” and “Where should visitors park?” or “Is there enough space for visitors to park their cars?” Before purchasing, you should ask these questions and learn all you can about the parking situation.

9. Storage

Condo buyers should consider whether they will require additional storage for items such as bicycles, old furniture, holiday decorations, etc. This can be important because many condos need more storage space for bulky or infrequently used items.

It is essential to find out if there is a specific place to keep these items or if you need to find another solution if you have any. Whether or not you intend to sell your condo in the future can affect its resale value and your enjoyment of living there.

10. Management

A good question to ask before purchasing a condo is whether or not a qualified professional company manages the condo association. This information can be used to assess the property’s financial stability, general maintenance standards, and the level of care and attention given to the property.

11. Rent

Suppose you intend to use the condo as an investment property. In that case, you should consider how the condo association’s rules on renting out units will affect your ability to turn a profit. Minimum lease terms and maximum numbers of rental units are just two examples of the renting restrictions many condo associations impose.

Before making a purchase, you should read the association’s laws and regulations and other documents that relate to the property’s restrictions and your ability to rent the unit before you commit to buying. Know these rules and make sure they fit with your plans for condo rentals if you plan to do so. Fines and other penalties may be imposed for violations of association rules.

12. Restrictions

When buying a condo, it’s important to consider the rules and restrictions imposed by the homeowner’s association (HOA) or the building management. Some HOAs have strict rules about making changes to the outside of a condo unit, like changing the color of the front door or the window coverings. 

Consider whether you are comfortable with these restrictions before purchasing if they prevent you from making changes you would like to make. These restrictions may be acceptable to some but highly frustrating to others.

Bottom Line

The high cost of buying a single-family home in some urban regions makes condos a more attractive housing option for permanent residency. Condos have a lot of great features, but they also have a few drawbacks that you should be aware of. Before deciding to buy a condo, it is important to consider these factors and conduct extensive research carefully.

To recap, the following are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a condo:

1. Condition
2. Common areas
3. Owner occupied
4. Condo fees
5. Insurance
6. Debt
7. Neighborhood
8. Parking
9. Storage
10. Management
11. Rent
12. Restrictions

About Ziba Property

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