Before visiting: check what the listing includes
Save the listing and ask for the home's full address and cadastral reference. Also check what is sold with it: garage, storage room, terrace or other spaces. A phrase such as ‘with parking’ does not by itself explain how that space is documented.
If the listing and paperwork show different areas, do not reach a conclusion yet. One may describe interior space while the other includes walls or shared areas. Ask what each figure measures so that your comparison makes sense.
- Confirm the entrance, floor and door of the home you will visit.
- Ask whether the advertised area is usable or built area.
- Have the garage, storage room and terrace described separately.
During the visit: try out your everyday routine
Look beyond the finishes. Think about carrying in shopping, storing your belongings and which rooms you would use for sleeping or working. Open and close the windows, listen for a few minutes and check the access you actually need.
If possible, return at another time of day. An area visited on a quiet morning can feel different at night or when school finishes. The aim is to understand what matters to you, rather than find a home perfect in every respect.
- Walk through the entrance, stairs, lift and garage access.
- Listen in the bedrooms with the windows open and closed.
- Note smells, marks or repairs you want to ask about.
Before negotiating: resolve the important questions
An attractive price does not resolve a discrepancy in the documents. There may be a simple explanation, but you need to know it. Ask what is missing and who can provide it before deciding what to pay or which conditions you need to proceed.
Prioritise matters that could change how you use the home, require building work or create an unexpected expense. If an answer affects your purchase commitments, discuss it with your adviser and ask for it to be made clear in writing.
- Request documents explaining differences in area or description.
- Clarify known repairs or expenses still outstanding.
- Identify which question must be answered before you commit.
Ask the same questions when comparing two homes
One home may appear cheaper per square metre because its listing uses built area and another uses usable area. It may also include a garage or need renovations the other does not. Compare the same concepts and note the differences that really matter to you.
Prepare a simple sheet for each home: price, area, condition, known costs, surroundings and questions. Leave a question mark where you have no answer. This helps you remember what you know without treating missing information as an advantage.
- Use the same type of area when comparing prices per square metre.
- Separate the purchase price from outstanding work and costs.
- Consider your journeys, nearby services and space requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start if I only have the listing?
Save it and ask the agent for the full address and cadastral reference. Then check that the documents and photos belong to the flat you will visit.
Should I reject a home if a document is missing?
First find out which document is missing, why and who can obtain it. Some questions are easy to resolve; others may affect your decision. Do not assume they are resolved just because you like the home.
Where to consult this information
These official pages help you learn more and prepare your questions.