How to Find the Perfect Apartment for Your Needs

Finding the ideal apartment to live in often gives future buyers a headache. Where to look for property, who to turn to, whether to handle everything yourself or seek help—these are the most common questions property buyers ask. Therefore, we bring you a few essential tips on how to decide and choose the right option.

Defining Your Needs and Priorities

The first step in choosing is to set the priorities that will guide you in selecting the ideal property. A priority might be the location of the apartment if proximity to certain amenities is important to you, the size and quality of the apartment, or the budget. Whatever criteria you follow, it is necessary to carefully consider all the mentioned aspects to reach a final decision.

Consider the Number of Rooms and Square Footage

One of the most important criteria when choosing the perfect apartment for your needs is the number of bedrooms you require and the square footage that will ensure a comfortable stay. This criterion needs to be carefully considered, especially if you plan to live in the apartment for an extended period. Due to the fast pace of life and constant changes, all parameters that influence the choice of an apartment should be taken into account.

Determine the Location and Neighborhood

The choice of where you want to live depends greatly on personal preferences and financial capabilities. When choosing a neighborhood, the purpose of the apartment purchase – whether for living or investment in the form of renting-should be considered. For urban living, proximity to as many amenities as possible is essential, while slightly different criteria apply when buying an apartment to rent out.

Thinking about Future Plans and Needs

When choosing the ideal apartment, future plans must also be taken into account. What is important now may not necessarily be important in the future. If you plan to live in the apartment for many years, future needs should also be considered so that the purchased property is suitable not just for a short time but for the long term.

Researching the Real Estate Market

When researching the real estate market, turning to a real estate agency can be very helpful, as they are already familiar with the available apartments on the market. Real estate experts know the market much better and are familiar with current offers as well as the advantages and disadvantages of available apartments.

Where to Find the Latest Apartment Listings

Nowadays, you can find the latest apartment offers on various online platforms, from real estate agency websites, online classifieds, to social networks, which play a significant role in today’s modern world.

Advantages of Using Online Real Estate Platforms

Online sites, where the entire real estate offer can be searched from the comfort of your home, are very important. With just a few clicks, you can access all the information related to a particular property and decide which properties meet your criteria for daily living or investment.

Viewing and Evaluating Properties

Once you’ve chosen the ideal location and are now deciding between several apartments, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of each property and its pros and cons. Some features are immediately visible during the first viewing, but others require closer attention so that certain drawbacks don’t become apparent later on.

What to Pay Attention to During the Apartment Viewing

During the viewing, it is essential to pay attention to all the technical specifications of the apartment that could be an advantage or disadvantage for everyday use – building size, floor the apartment is on, parking availability, apartment orientation, elevator, room layout…

How to Assess the Quality of the Building and Apartments

The quality of the building and apartment is visible in aesthetic features and easily recognizable. The most important things to look out for are moisture presence and cracks. Fortunately, these defects are visible to the naked eye and can easily be checked to see if they are just cosmetic flaws or more serious issues.

If you want to know more about property quality assessment, sign up for a free property assessment

Setting a Budget and Financial Terms

Financing can be done from your own funds or through a loan provided by banks. If the apartment is financed through a loan, it is necessary to find a bank that offers the most favorable terms for you. It is certainly advisable to pay attention to market cycles during which real estate prices rise and fall, as well as interest rates that change accordingly.

How to Calculate the Maximum Budget for an Apartment

The budget for purchasing an apartment can most easily be determined by considering the average price per square meter in a particular neighborhood and comparing the pros and cons of each apartment that affect price increases or decreases. In this regard, an agency can be very helpful with advice based on years of experience.

Considering Additional Costs

Additional costs when buying an apartment include agency fees, which cover attorney costs, translation fees, agency services, and real estate transfer tax. In some cases, renovation costs should also be included in the calculation if the apartment being purchased is older or requires adaptation and renovation.

After going through all these steps, you are ready to proceed with purchasing the ideal apartment for your needs.

If you need help in the process of buying an apartment in Croatia, feel free to contact our real estate agency, or see our current offer of apartments and flats.