The 125 questions to ask (yourself) when viewing an apartment

You’ve found an apartment you’re interested in and have scheduled a viewing? Now it’s time to prepare, because an apartment viewing goes by quickly and there are many questions to cover. These depend largely on the type of apartment you want to buy (new or in need of renovation) and your specific requirements. In this article, we have listed the most important questions to ask (yourself) to help youevaluate the quality of the apartment from every angle. From electricity and plumbing to insulation, natural light, heating, additional costs, and co-ownership… Maison Kyka is here to accompany you on your viewings, ensuring you don't miss any important details for your real estate project.

Age and property diagnostics

At the start of the viewing, find out the year the building was constructed. If you are looking to buy a property to move into, knowing the building's construction date helps you determine which property diagnostics are required.

If you are planning to buy an apartment to rent out, the building's construction date can influence the rental price. For example, since the Élan Act of July 1, 2019, rent control in Paris varies based on the property's year of construction, the number of rooms, and the type of rental (furnished or unfurnished).

Next, verify with the seller or real estate agent that all mandatory property inspections have been completed. Depending on the property you are visiting, several inspections are required:

• Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) : mandatory for all apartments, it assesses the quality of insulation by analyzing the property's energy consumption.‍
• Carrez Law measurement : mandatory for all apartments, it certifies the exact surface area of the unit (after deducting areas with a ceiling height of less than 1.80m, as well as the space occupied by walls, door frames, etc.).‍
• ERP report (State of Risks and Pollution) : mandatory for all apartments, it informs buyers or tenants of the various risks to which the property is exposed (pollution, natural, mining, or technological risks, etc.).‍
• Termite inspection : mandatory for all apartments located in infested areas or areas susceptible to infestation (such as Paris). This inspection is valid for 6 months.‍
• Asbestos inspection : mandatory for any property built before July 1, 1997.‍
• Lead inspection : mandatory if the building was constructed before January 1, 1949.‍
• Electrical inspection : valid for 3 years, this is mandatory for all apartments with an electrical system older than 15 years.‍
• Gas inspection : valid for 3 years, this is mandatory for all apartments with a gas installation older than 15 years.‍
• Sanitation inspection : mandatory for properties equipped with an individual sanitation system.

Finally, take the time to talk with the seller or ask their real estate agent a few questions:

• How long has the owner lived in the apartment?
• Why is the apartment for sale?
• Has the owner carried out any renovation or improvement work?

Call on Maison Kyka to be guided by a real estate expert who knows how to ask the right questions during an apartment viewing. Are you looking to buy and renovate an apartment ? Maison Kyka supports you at every stage of your project. During the first visit, we pay particular attention to what cannot be changed (co-ownership, natural light, the building, common areas...). As for the interior of the apartment, the Maison Kyka magic happens: everything can be transformed and designed according to your tastes and desires.

“Despite my lack of time and experience in this area, Maison Kyka turned the purchase of my primary residence in the 15^th arrondissement into a smooth and pleasant experience. Their team managed to find a property with great potential, handle the renovation work with expertise and style, and support me at every step of the process. The result exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend their services!”
Nans R.

Floor and wall condition

Once inside the apartment, walk through the different rooms and assess their general condition by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do you see any signs of mold or dampness on the walls or ceiling?
• How clean is the paint or wallpaper? Do the walls need a fresh coat?
• In the bathroom, what is the condition of the bathtub, shower, and sinks? Stains on the walls and ceiling can be a sign of poor ventilation.
• Open a window and check the frame: are there any water streaks indicating excess moisture? 

Next, observe the layout and flooring of each room and imagine yourself living in the apartment. The following questions can help you visualize it:

• Are the floor coverings suitable for each room? For example, hardwood or slippery tile in a bathroom is rarely a good idea.
• Does the floor creak? Will you have to step onto cold tile when getting out of the shower?
• How far is the bathroom from your bedroom? Walking through the living room to take a shower is rarely ideal.
• Do you have children? Where are their bedrooms located in relation to yours?
• Stand at your bedroom window—is it overlooked by neighbors? What about the other rooms?
• Is there enough space for your appliances (e.g., washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, etc.)?
• In the kitchen, are the cooking appliances old or modern?
• What is the condition of the sink? Is it large and deep enough? Does it have one or two basins?
• Are there any walk-in closets or cupboards large enough to store your belongings?

Questions about electricity

In the age of digital technology and remote work, the quality of the apartment's electrical installation is important. As mentioned earlier, if the electrical system is more than 15 years old, the owner is required to have an electrical inspection performed (valid for 3 years).

Take a look at the electrical panel :

• What condition is it in?
• Is it equipped with residual current circuit breakers? These allow you to cut off electricity to a specific part of the apartment in the event of a problem.
• How many circuits do you see? Are they clearly labeled so you can easily identify which outlets or appliances they power?

If the apartment is new or renovated, its electrical installation must comply with the NFC 15-100 standard (also known as C 15-100). For example, depending on the size of the living room, this standard requires 5 to 7 grounded outlets and a telephone and/or internet jack.

Once again, it is important to imagine how the rooms will be laid out and to visualize yourself living there : 

• Are there enough outlets to power your electrical equipment without needing extension cords and/or power strips?
• Does the electrical system support ceiling or wall-mounted light fixtures?
• Is the apartment connected to fiber optics? If not, is it eligible for connection?
• Does your mobile phone get a signal and 4G/5G coverage in every room?

Questions about plumbing

A plumbing inspection is not mandatory for a property sale. However, it may be wise to have one done by a professional heating and plumbing contractor, especially if you buy your first property.

Find out about the type of domestic hot water system : is it communal or individual?

• If it is an individual hot water system: What type is it? (Boiler or water heater?) Is there a hot water meter?
• If it is a communal hot water system: how are the costs divided among owners?

Furthermore, assess the quality of the drinking water supply system by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is the condition of the pipes? Are there any signs of a leak at a connection point?
• If the apartment needs renovation: check that the supply pipes are not made of lead, as this can be harmful to your health.
• What type of faucets are installed? Do you see traditional two-handle faucets, single-lever mixers, or thermostatic mixers?

• Is the kitchen faucet high enough? (Generally, the higher it is, the more convenient it is to use.)
• Under the sink, do you see any signs of moisture?
• Turn on a faucet and observe the water flow and pressure. Is the faucet easy to turn off completely? Does the water drain quickly?
• Fill a glass with water: is the water cloudy, discolored, or does it have an odor?
• Is there enough water supply to allow you to install your appliances?
• In the bathroom: what is the condition of the seals? Is there a water softener to prevent limescale buildup?
• In the toilet: do you see any signs of moisture on the floor or around the shut-off valve? Does the flush work properly? Do you see any cracks in the bowl?
• Is there a shut-off valve for the water? Is it easily accessible and easy to turn?

To answer all these questions, we recommend preparing a checklist for your apartment purchase and having someone accompany you during the viewing. To move forward with confidence in your real estate project, call on Maison Kyka and benefit from the experience of our real estate experts.

“I was supported by Maison Kyka in carrying out my project and I am very satisfied with the result! The entire team listened to me and perfectly understood my expectations. I am delighted to have been supported by the Maison Kyka service and I recommend that anyone who wants to carry out a bespoke and innovative real estate project go for it!”
Olivier Dhalluin

How the apartment's heating works

To live comfortably during the coldest months, evaluating the heating method and quality in an apartment is crucial.

To start, ask the owner or real estate agent about the apartment's heating method : is it individual or collective heating?

• If it is individual: you control your consumption, but system maintenance is your responsibility. How old is the boiler? Is it easily accessible?
• If it is collective: find out how the central heating costs are distributed.

Next, look into the type of heating installed by asking the following questions:

• Is it electric, gas, or oil heating? Is there a pellet stove?
• Are there hot water radiators, radiant panels, or inertia heaters?
• Is there a heat emitter in every room?
• Where are the radiators positioned? (under the windows is ideal)
• Does the bathroom have a heated towel rail?
• Is there underfloor heating? What is the exact area it covers?
• If there is a fireplace: is it in working order? When was it last swept? What is the condition of the hearth?
• Is the apartment equipped with a control system to adjust the temperature in each room?

Thermal and acoustic insulation of the apartment

The insulation of an apartment is also a very important factor to consider before buying.

Indeed, poor thermal insulation can significantly increase your energy costs. The energy performance certificate (DPE) rating, ranging from A to G, provides an idea of the apartment's energy efficiency. On average, a well-insulated home (rating A) consumes 9 times less energy than an "energy sieve" (rating G).

‍Therefore, assess the level of thermal insulation in the apartment by asking the following questions:

• Do the windows have single or double glazing?
• Are the radiators working properly?
• Run your hand near the window frames or the seals of the front door: do you feel a draft?

If you notice signs of dampness in the living room or bedrooms, this is a sign of poor insulation and poor airtightness.

Furthermore, find out about the ventilation system in the apartment :

• Is there natural ventilation? Is it a single-flow or dual-flow mechanical ventilation system (VMC)?
• Is the kitchen equipped with a range hood?

Finally, pay attention to the acoustic insulation of the apartment : 

• Do you hear any noise coming from the apartment? (e.g., radiators, boiler, refrigerator, etc.) 
• Do you hear noise from common areas or neighbors? (e.g., footsteps, elevator, etc.)
• Do you hear noise from the street? (e.g., vehicles, school playground, etc.)

Natural light in the rooms

An apartment's sun exposure has a significant impact on energy costs and your mental well-being. A south-facing orientation generally provides excellent natural light, but it can be uncomfortable during heatwaves.

A dual southeast or southwest exposure is ideal. A south-facing orientation is perfect for the living room or dining room, an east-facing bedroom is particularly pleasant, and a west-facing orientation is ideal for a balcony or terrace.

To check the orientation of the property you are visiting, you can ask the owner for the floor plan; North is often indicated on the document. If you are already on-site, your smartphone can serve as a compass.

That said, evaluate the brightness of the apartment you are visiting by considering the size, number, and type of openings present:

• Is the apartment equipped with a bay window or a French door?
• How many windows are there in the living room and other living areas of the apartment?
• Are there any rooms without windows?
• Which floor is the apartment on?
• Do any obstacles (trees, neighboring buildings) limit sun exposure?
• In the middle of summer, can shutters or blackout curtains keep the apartment cool?

Service charges and additional costs

The selling price of the apartment is not the only factor to consider. It is important toanticipate other additional costs by asking the person you are speaking with the following questions :

• What is the amount of the apartment's utility charges (water, electricity, heating)?
• How much are the maintenance costs for the equipment in the home (e.g., boiler servicing, chimney sweeping, etc.)?
• How much is the property tax?
• How much is the home insurance?
• What are the annual co-ownership fees?

Anticipating potential renovation work

Renovating an apartment means budgeting for the work. And buying a property that needs work is also an excellent way to increase its value and make a profit when selling your primary residence to buy another.

During the viewing, it is important to estimate the cost of renovating the apartment or building by asking the following questions:

• Given the general condition of the apartment, are you planning to carry out any layout improvements?
• Do the windows need to be replaced?
• Does the electrical system need to be upgraded?
• Is there any building-wide work planned (e.g., facade restoration, stairwell renovation, etc.)? If so, how many co-owners are there? What is the share of the lot?

Pay close attention to the energy performance certificate (DPE). If the property you are viewing has a low rating, improving the apartment's energy efficiency may involve significant work.

Call on Maison Kyka to be guided through every step of buying and renovating your apartment. Our real estate experts are at your disposal to help you find that rare gem, and our interior design studio is here to help you renovate, furnish, and decorate to your taste.

“My experience with this team was exceptional. My architect perfectly understood my expectations and the project team was always attentive. My project was delivered on time and the final result is fantastic. I am very satisfied with the service received.”
Lyrod Levy

Presence of building amenities

Before finishing the viewing, take the time to ask a few questions regarding the building and its available amenities:

• Is the building entrance secured by a keypad? Is there a vestibule after the first door?
• Is there a building superintendent or concierge?
• Is the apartment door equipped with a 3-point A2P lock for effective protection against break-in attempts?
• Does the purchase of the apartment include a parking space? Is it large enough to accommodate your vehicle?
• Is there a bike storage room?
• What is the condition of the building's basement? Do you have access to a cellar?

Condition of the building, common areas, and homeowners association

Unlike the questions to ask when buying a house, viewing an apartment involves specific questions about the building and the neighbors:

• How is the homeowners association managed? What are its bylaws?
• Do the owners live in the building, or are the units rented out?
• Are there any commercial spaces in the building?

Questions about the neighborhood

Last but not least, it is important to get a feel for the atmosphere and amenities of the neighborhood where the apartment is located. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life and the value of the property you are viewing:

• What shops are nearby? (bakery, supermarket, pharmacy, etc.)
• Is there a market nearby? If so, when is it open?
• If you are looking for a property for your family: is there a daycare or school nearby?
• Is there a green space near the apartment?
• How far is the apartment from your workplace?
• What means of transport do you have access to? (subway line, bus, train station, etc.)
• Is there a restaurant, bar, or nightclub nearby?
• Is the neighborhood safe?
• Are there any public construction projects planned for the coming weeks or years?

You now know the most important questions to ask when viewing an apartment. Do not hesitate to request a second viewing if the first one did not allow you to cover all the points listed in this article.

Of course, there are other questions, depending on the type of property you are looking for and your personal preferences. Book an appointment with our team to benefit from personalized support!

“A big thank you for your support. I immediately felt confident and understood regarding my needs and expectations. Kudos to the whole team for your attentiveness, availability, and respect for deadlines, which was very important to me. I am delighted with the final result: thank you so much.”
Muriel Bardoux