Buying a new construction home can be an exciting stage in life, but with so many options available, finding the home you want can be a daunting task.
When choosing a new condo, there are various factors to consider. In this article, we'll give you seven tips to help you navigate the selection process. This will make it easier for you to find your dream apartment in Sofia or any other desired city that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
New construction apartment - why choose it
While old buildings often have poor energy efficiency due to outdated construction with outdated utilities and run-down common areas, new buildings offer modern amenities and well-maintained exterior and interior common areas.
A new construction apartment gives you the opportunity to customize and shape a modern and well-designed living space to your desires.
Among the many benefits of choosing a new construction apartment are: energy efficient features, the option to purchase a parking space, bonus amenities such as an indoor playground, recreational areas , beautiful panoramic views and more.
You can read more on this topic in our article "Why buying a new build apartment is a good choice".
7 tips for choosing a new build apartment
It's a good idea to identify the location of interest to you and the main criteria it fulfils and should satisfy right from the start of this venture.
Choose a location and research it
In addition to your top choice for a neighborhood, we encourage you to research all other neighborhoods that somehow satisfy your basic criteria for a place to live. Once you settle on a neighborhood it is advisable to check the following factors:
- Are there nearby basic amenities that are important to you such as proximity to work, public transportation stops, schools, grocery chains, sports or shopping that fit your lifestyle;
- Its safety and potential for growth and development to make sure you are making a wise investment.
When you familiarise yourself in detail with the location and existing facilities in the area where you are considering buying your apartment, you will be able to assess how the surrounding area is likely to change in the coming years. This will give you an indication of what the potential impact of this change will be on your quality of life and property value.
Set a budget
Also set a budget to guide your search. Consider your monthly income, expenses and any additional costs associated with buying a new home. Also consider whether you would benefit from options such as a loan or a buy-to-let and check what the options are for you. This will help you narrow down your search and save you time looking at properties that are significantly over your set budget.
Use online platforms and consult a real estate professional
Once you've determined the important first factors - budget and location - early on, you can narrow your search to properties that fit them exactly. Use the help of real estate professionals and online platforms to gather accurate information about suitable new construction apartments in your city.
Consider whether the home meets your needs
Once you have reached the viewing stage of a property or its floor plan, take time to think about how you will use the space; whether the layout of the rooms will be suitable for you and your family. Compare room layouts in other projects.
When choosing a new build apartment, it is also a good idea to consider the size and layout of the home and whether they suit your needs.
If you are looking for a one-bedroom apartment in Sofia, for example, consider how much space you need for your family or lifestyle. Pay attention to the natural lighting and overall aesthetics in the apartment and building. Imagine how you can customize it down to the smallest details and even get down to furniture, color schemes and finishes. This will help you more clearly appreciate the layout and ensure it is functional and meets your specific needs.
Pay attention to the building too
A key tip when choosing a new apartment is to also pay attention to the building itself, not just the home. New-build apartments often also provide many additional amenities to improve quality of life. These amenities may include a fitness center, swimming pool, underground parking, patio garden or playground. They add value to your living experience and help make your dream apartment even more appealing. But they can often confuse and hinder you when it comes time to make a decision. We recommend you make a list of the amenities that are important to you for two reasons: so you know what monthly outlay toward your budget will go toward them; so you can prioritize what's important to you when comparing your favorite properties and make an informed choice.
Research the contractor company
Don't overlook the following crucial tip - carefully research the construction company behind your liked new build apartment project. Look for their previous projects, read customer reviews and check the quality of their work. A reputable and experienced company is more likely to deliver a high-quality and well-designed apartment that stands the test of time.
Look for apartments built by reputable companies that follow all legal requirements and are known for their attention to detail and use of high-quality materials.
Don't hesitate to ask questions
It is also advisable to check what the warranty conditions are on the property and what potential problems they cover. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification for any doubts you may have. Check whether the flat in a new build comes with a warranty that covers potential defects. In addition, ask about after-sales service and maintenance. A reliable construction company should respond to any concerns and offer timely assistance when needed.
These were our helpful tips when choosing a new construction apartment:
- Identify the location and research it
- Define your budget
- Use the help of property specialists and online platforms
- Consider whether the new build apartment meets your needs
- Pay attention to whether the building has all the amenities you want
- Research the company working on the project
- Don't hesitate to ask questions
Choosing a new construction apartment is an exciting endeavor that requires careful consideration, determining needs and budget, and research.
By following the helpful tips on how to choose a new construction apartment that we've covered in this article, you can find a property that meets your needs and becomes the home of your dreams.
Take a look at our projects and contact us to help you choose your dream home.