Hi !
My girlfriend and I have bought a flat and we’ll be moving in ~ 1 year.
In the mean time, I’m looking to build a set questions / checklist to ask the current owners.
I have
- Number of keys they have ?
- Set of good tradesperson they have worked with ?
- Area they declare to the tax authorities.
What would you add ?
Thanks
A lot of questions I would ask before buying it, I assume you did that already.
Did you cover receiving any and all documentation from building phase or renovations or services done? Like plans, technical documents, companies involved, even manuals from kitchen appliances? Contract and bills in case it still falls under some warranty period?
Since it’s a flat, maybe anything involving repair funds or whatever it’s called, or protocols from meeting with the other owners of the house?
Or are you more looking for neighborly advice, like where’s the next supermarket?
1 Like
I think this is a great question to ask an AI, which I did. I checked the following list and it all makes sense to me:
Regarding the Property & Systems (Increased Scrutiny):
- Utilities (Deeper Dive):
- Have there been any unusually high utility bills in the past? If so, what was the reason? (Could indicate insulation issues, faulty appliances, etc.)
- Are there any known issues with the utility connections (e.g., water pressure fluctuations, occasional power outages specific to the flat)?
- Where are the utility meters located, and are they easily accessible?
- If there’s a shared water meter, how is individual consumption measured?
- Heating & Cooling (More Technical):
- What is the energy efficiency rating of the heating system?
- What type of fuel is used for heating, and what is the storage capacity (if applicable, e.g., oil tank)? When was the tank last inspected (if relevant)?
- Are there individual thermostats in each room? How effective are they?
- Have there been any issues with radiators or underfloor heating (if applicable)? Any cold spots?
- If there’s a chimney, when was it last swept? Are there any regulations regarding its use?
- Appliances (Functionality & History):
- When were the major appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer) purchased?
- Have any of the included appliances required repairs in the past? What was the issue and who performed the repair? Do they have any invoices?
- Are there any known quirks or issues with the operation of any of the appliances?
- Maintenance & Repairs (Past Issues & Prevention):
- Can they recall any instances of blocked drains or toilets? How were they resolved?
- Have there been any issues with windows or doors (e.g., drafts, difficulty opening/closing, condensation between panes)?
- Has the sealant around bathtubs, showers, and sinks been regularly maintained? Are there any signs of past or present leaks?
- Have they ever had to deal with noise issues from neighbors or outside?
- How often have they had the flat professionally cleaned?
- Building & Community (Rules, Finances & Future):
- Can you see the minutes of the last few owners’ association (Stockwerkeigentümergemeinschaft) meetings? This can provide insights into ongoing discussions, financial health, and planned works.
- Are there any known disputes or disagreements within the building community?
- What is the current state of the building’s reserve fund (Erneuerungsfonds)? A healthy reserve fund is important for future maintenance.
- Are there any pending legal actions or disputes involving the building or the owners’ association?
- How are decisions made within the owners’ association (e.g., voting rights)?
- Are there any restrictions on renovations or modifications that owners can make to their individual units?
- What is the process for reporting issues or requesting maintenance for common areas?
- Keys & Security (Thoroughness):
- How many sets of keys exist in total for all access points (flat, mailbox, basement, etc.)?
- Have any keys been lost or stolen in the past? If so, were the locks changed?
- What type of security measures are in place for the building as a whole (e.g., intercom system, security cameras)? Are they functional?
- If there’s an individual alarm system, what is the monitoring company (if any), and what are the associated costs?
- Pest Control:
- Have they ever had any issues with pests (e.g., rodents, insects)? If so, what measures were taken to eradicate them? When was the last time they had pest control services?
Legal & Administrative (Deeper Checks):
- Mortgage & Liens: While this might be something your notary will handle, you could subtly inquire if there are any outstanding financial obligations or liens on the property beyond their current mortgage.
- Easements & Rights of Way: Are there any easements (Servituten) or rights of way that affect the property? These should be documented, but it’s worth asking.
- Building Regulations & Compliance: Were all renovations or modifications done in compliance with local building regulations?
- Noise Regulations: Are there any specific local noise regulations to be aware of?
Environmental Considerations:
- Radon Levels: Depending on the area, you might consider asking if they have ever had radon levels tested.
- Asbestos or Other Hazardous Materials: For older buildings, you could cautiously inquire if they are aware of any presence of asbestos or other hazardous materials.
Neighborhood & Local Information (More Specifics):
- Have there been any changes in the neighborhood that have affected them positively or negatively (e.g., new construction, road changes, changes in local businesses)?
- Are there any planned developments in the immediate vicinity that you should be aware of?
- What is the general sense of community in the building and the neighborhood?
Moving & Handover (Clarity & Prevention of Disputes):
- Create a detailed inventory of everything that will be included in the sale (fixtures, fittings, specific appliances). Both you and the sellers should sign this inventory.
- Discuss the condition in which the flat will be left (e.g., cleaned, any specific repairs to be done before handover).
- Agree on a specific date and time for the handover of keys and possession.
- What is their plan for removing their belongings? Will they need any access after the handover?
Your Own Due Diligence:
- Independent Inspection: Consider hiring a qualified building surveyor or inspector to conduct an independent assessment of the property’s condition. This is a crucial step for peace of mind.
- Review Documentation Carefully: Thoroughly review all legal documents, including the purchase agreement, land registry extracts, and any building regulations.
- Talk to Neighbors (If Possible): If you have the opportunity, speaking to future neighbors can provide valuable insights into the building and the community.
- Visit the Property at Different Times: Try to visit the flat at different times of day and on different days of the week to get a better sense of noise levels and the neighborhood atmosphere.
5 Likes
One important thing @logitacher did not mention : check for “Dienstbarkeitsverträge” in the Grundbuch (goes with the Servituten).
Those should be listed in the purchase contract afaik.
Yes they will be, but it is also important to check what is in it. Often overlooked : common wastewater/water supply/ pipes which are in private hand. (and especially wastewater can be easily another 50k to bring it back to standard).
I just wanted to jump in here and ask similar question. I am looking to buy an apartment in Switzerland which was built in 2021. I am from the US where regardless when it was built (unless it’s brand new and have builder guarantee), we usually hire a professional inspector to inspect the house for any problems (with foundation, termite, etc.). My husband is saying that is not common in Switzerland to hire someone especially for the apt that was built in 2021. Is it normal? Also, anyone has experience buying a flat in Switzerland and have a checklist to follow prior buying the flat? Thank uou