What should you check when buying a home?

For many people, buying a home is the biggest purchase of their life. Mistakes usually come from emotion: people like the apartment and say “we'll look at the documents later”. Go through the list below before paying a deposit.

1. Documents

• Title extract (kupça). The owner's name, the area and the address in the extract from the state real estate register must match the information in the listing.
• The seller's identity. The name on the ID card must be the same as the name on the extract. If the property is being sold under a power of attorney, check that the power of attorney is valid.
• Other owners. If the apartment is in joint ownership, the consent of all owners is required.

2. Make sure the apartment has no encumbrances

The property may be mortgaged, pledged or under seizure. You can check this by getting a certificate from the register. An apartment with an encumbrance either cannot be sold at all or poses a big risk to the buyer.

3. Debts

Ask about debts for gas, electricity, water and building maintenance services and, if possible, confirm them with receipts. Old debts often end up with the new owner.

4. Technical condition

• are there damp marks on the walls and ceiling;
• what condition the wiring and plumbing are in;
• what the building entrance, lift and roof are like;
• what the noise and light are like during the day: come to viewings at different times.

5. Extra questions for new builds

Clarify the building permit, the developer's previous projects and when the title extract will be issued. A new build without documents is cheaper, but the risk is also higher.

6. Put the agreement in writing

If a deposit is paid, the amount, the deadline and the obligations of the parties must be set out in a written contract. The sale itself is formalised before a notary.

Buyers trust an agent who suggests these checks on their own initiative more, and recommend them to their friends.