Buying an apartment — Part 2

Part Two

Continuing the thread on buying your first place …

TYPE OF PROPERTY

The next step is choosing the type of property. Are you interested in a new build, or do you prefer older buildings with character?

Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. New apartments often offer modern technical solutions and better insulation, while older buildings may have larger floor areas and a unique style. If you’re seriously considering an older tenement, check whether it’s listed as a heritage building — this can introduce extra formal complications during renovation.

Then there are the so-called „large-panel” blocks. Although the buildings are dated, they often offer location advantages — proximity to public transport, everyday shops, schools, kindergartens, and so on.

TECHNICAL CONDITION

It’s worth taking the technical condition of the building seriously. The roof, façade, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, ventilation — none of those can be evaluated by intuition alone. If you’re not confident, take an experienced friend, an electrician, a plumber, or pay for a professional inspection. The cost of a few hundred zlotys for an inspection is nothing compared to a tens-of-thousands surprise after purchase.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Modern buildings often have a much higher energy class than older ones. This translates directly into your monthly bills: heating, hot water, lighting. Ask the seller for the building’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — that document tells you the actual energy class of the property.

NEIGHBOURS AND COMMUNITY

Sounds trivial, but it really matters. A good homeowners’ association makes a difference: neat shared spaces, clear cost structure, transparent decisions about renovations. A bad one can mean conflicts, surprise increases in fees, and chaotic management. If you can, attend an HOA meeting before you buy — see who you’d be living among.

NEGOTIATION

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even on the primary market, developers often have small margins they’re willing to give up. On the secondary market there’s almost always room for a discount — especially if the apartment has been on the market for several months. Don’t fall in love with a flat to the point that you forget to negotiate — emotions are the worst negotiator.

Buying an apartment is a long process — but a careful one pays off for years. The next post will go into renovation itself — what to start with, in what order, and what mistakes are most common.