Eigentumswohnung kaufen - Tipps für Einsteiger (2022) #baufinanzierung

Summary

In this video, Ricardo from Der Faktor discusses the essential steps and considerations for purchasing a condominium. He emphasizes the importance of location, accessibility to amenities, and evaluating the condition of the property, including potential modernization costs. Viewers are advised to examine the community documents, such as the meeting minutes and the declaration of division, to understand the responsibilities and financial implications of joining the homeowners' association. Additionally, he highlights the significance of the energy certificate and potential special assessments. The video aims to equip prospective buyers with valuable insights to make informed decisions in their real estate journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Location is crucial when buying an apartment; consider nearby amenities like supermarkets, schools, and parks.
• 🕒 Visit the apartment at different times of the day to assess noise levels and the overall atmosphere.
• 🔍 Inspect the condition of the apartment thoroughly to identify any renovation needs before purchasing.
• 💰 It's advisable to finance renovations before moving in, rather than doing them gradually after.
• 🤝 When you buy an apartment, you become part of a homeowners' association, sharing ownership of common areas.
• 📜 Review the last three years of homeowners' association meeting minutes to understand community dynamics and past decisions.
• ⚖️ Ensure you examine the declaration of division and layout plans to know your rights and responsibilities within the property.
• 🏦 Be aware of homeowners' association fees and potential special assessments for maintenance or renovations.
• ⚡ Check the energy efficiency of the property, as it may require future upgrades mandated by regulations.
• 🕰️ Holding the property for at least three years allows for a tax-free sale; ideally, aim for ten years to maximize tax benefits.

Q & A

What is the first important factor to consider when buying an apartment?

The first important factor is the location. It's essential to ensure that you feel comfortable in the area and have access to nearby amenities such as supermarkets, playgrounds, schools, and parks.

Why is it recommended to visit the apartment at different times of the day?

Visiting the apartment at different times allows you to assess the noise levels and overall ambiance, which can vary between rush hours and weekends.

What should you look for regarding the condition of the apartment?

Check for any necessary modernization costs. Inspect the walls, bathrooms, and windows to determine if renovations are needed before moving in.

What is the significance of the owners' association when purchasing an apartment?

When you buy an apartment, you become part of an owners' association, which involves shared ownership of common areas and responsibilities, including regular meetings to discuss community matters.

What documents should you review before joining the owners' association?

Review the minutes from the last three owners' meetings, the declaration of division, and the current land register to understand past decisions, potential disputes, and the overall financial health of the community.

What are special assessments, and why are they important?

Special assessments are additional fees that may be charged if the owners' association's reserve fund is insufficient to cover large-scale renovations or repairs. Understanding these can help avoid unexpected costs.

What is included in the declaration of division?

The declaration of division outlines the ownership structure, including which parking spaces belong to which apartments, house rules, and the ownership shares in the common property.

How can modernization costs affect the purchase price of an apartment?

If high modernization costs are identified, you can negotiate with the seller for a price reduction based on the expected expenses to update the property.

What role does the property management company play in the owners' association?

The property management company oversees the maintenance and operations of the property, allowing owners to focus on their individual responsibilities without managing the common areas directly.

What tax implications are there for selling the apartment after living in it?

If you live in the apartment for at least three years, you can sell it tax-free. If you decide to rent it out, holding it for ten years allows for a tax-free sale as well.