1. Check the laws on short-stay letting / Air B n B.
Some developers choose not to monitor by-laws in relation to short-stay letting. This means that you could move into an apartment and realise that you are surrounded by short-stay properties which could impact not only on your peace and quiet but also on the Strata Company’s liability. It is important that you read the by-laws thoroughly, and if it is not evident, question the developer or sales agent for further clarification.
2. What you need to know about the strata management or owners corporation
Most developers will provide a strata management budget for one year, post completion of construction. However, as most builders’ costs are covered in the first year by the defects warranty, the budget can often be minimal and then jumps up (sometimes significantly) in the second and subsequent years. Requesting a three-year budget forecast (as a minimum) will let you know how your strata fees may increase over that timeframe and then you can consider your budget accordingly.
3. Check if there are any future capital works proposed
In older buildings, there can be major capital upgrades such as replacing roofs, lifts and the like. If the strata management does not have enough of a reserve fund, then the difference in the cost can be levied against the owners. There was a recent case, where each apartment owner was forced to pay $12,000 to upgrade a lift due to insufficient sinking funds to cover the costs. This is definitely an unexpected cost that you would rather avoid!
4. Be aware of future developments in the area
A river or water view can command a higher price – but if someone builds in front of you – and you lose your view – you lose the ambience and possible property value. It pays to speak to the local council about what is planned in the near future – but ultimately the only way you can guarantee a view is if there is no other land in front of you i.e. water’s edge or there is planning certainty for the area around you.
5. Make sure your apartment reflects a good quality design. Natural light is absolutely essential when buying a good quality apartment.
It is worth checking out the developer and builder online and seeing if they have won any awards or better still have testimonials from people who reside in their buildings and or/other developments. Otherwise, ask what aspects of the development meets design guidelines or better still ask the developer where they have exceeded the Australian Building Standards.
6. Check that the developer, builder and strata manager are not one and the same
In some developments, the developer, builder and strata manager are one and the same. This does not allow for any impartiality, especially if the developer has the bulk of the say on strata matters as they own most of the apartments. A degree of separation is definitely needed when it comes to professionally dealing with the finances and maintenance of your development.
7. How much do you want to pay for strata fees?
Moving into an apartment frees up your time and finances – but the one factor you have to consider is the ongoing strata fees. It has been determined that reducing car ownership, for example, can often offset the strata fee costs (savings on maintenance, fuel etc) and this is even more viable if you are living in a major city or town. Consider what is essential to you when it comes to amenity – if you don’t mind not having a pool, gym or even lift – then these are all costs that can save you strata fees.
8. Soundproofing
Privacy and soundproofing are the two biggest qualms for buyers and hence it is important that you ask about the building standard for the walls – especially on the shared walls. All building work must comply with or exceed the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). As such, you need to check if these standards are simply being met or if they are being exceeded. It is also worth seeing if you can stay in the development for a period to understand the building soundproofing and if it meets your expectations.
9. Future-proofing
In ten years, there is a prediction that 50% of the vehicles on the road will be powered by electricity and yet how many developments have green car charge points? Check to see if your building is also relying on copper wiring or fibre optics as this will impact the upgrades within the next decade and associated costs. Overall with the latest available technologies, you definitely want to be looking for a building that is future-proofed which will also provide medium-term cost savings.
If you need any assistance with buying, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Property Buyer Agents on +61 8374 7652 or book a Zoom call here
https://calendly.com/propertychat/discussion-with-industry-insider
Industry Insider Property
Level 3, 489 Toorak Road, Toorak 3142
+61 8374 7652
+61 402 346 810
industryinsider.com.au
