garfunkel
2011-06-26 10:33:44
- #1
hi
I don’t really want to build a house, but maybe afford a condominium.
Now, of course, the first question is whether I can afford it. You obviously can’t answer that just like that, but maybe give some tips.
I currently have equity of about 25-30k euros. The exact amount I would clarify with my bank. Real estate prices vary depending on the location; unfortunately, I live in a relatively expensive area and therefore don’t necessarily want to move further away. But that doesn’t matter for now :)
I thought of spending about 120k euros for the apartment.
That would give me the 20% equity, which I’ve read should be at least that amount.
1. Financing duration?
Now I’m curious over how many years one typically pays off a condominium. What is the average independent of available money, 10 years, 15 years, or even 20 years? I mean, I don’t want to be in debt for 20 years just for an apartment...
2. Advantage/disadvantage of many owners in the house?
Would it be financially better to buy into a building with several apartments?
I think, for example, if I live in a house with only 2 units, a broken heating system would cost me significantly more than if there were 10 units, or am I mistaken?
Whether it is more pleasant to live with only one neighbor or not is up to each person.
3. Upcoming renovations and repairs
Let’s assume I’ve found an apartment I like. How recent should the last renovation be at most, how old can the heating system be at most, and what about the windows and the roof?
I know you can’t exactly answer that comprehensively either, but what are typical reference values? I think, for example, a heating system that is 15 years old will probably need to be replaced in the next 5-10 years??
Let’s further assume I buy the apartment, and after 5 years the windows are replaced. Do I have to participate or can I say not in my unit yet?
How is that paid for, do I pay only for my windows, or is the total amount divided among all owners regardless of how many windows each has?
What about other renovation measures?
4. Monthly costs
What monthly costs come together?
installment to the bank
house money (service charges)
additional costs (electricity, heating, water, garbage, etc.)
property tax and other taxes?
insurance?
what else is there?
5. Government subsidies and tax deductibles
Are there still government subsidies?
Can I deduct anything from my taxes?
6. Insurance and damage cases
Which insurances should one definitely take out when buying a condominium?
I don’t know what the insurance is called that covers, for example, fire, but what if a fire breaks out in another apartment and burns down the whole building? Which insurance must then cover my apartment and valuables in it, mine or the one of the person causing it? If I’m unlucky, am I out of luck and everything is gone?
These would be some basic questions, I hope someone is willing to read the text even though it has become a bit long now. I’m sure some more questions will come to mind :)
I don’t really want to build a house, but maybe afford a condominium.
Now, of course, the first question is whether I can afford it. You obviously can’t answer that just like that, but maybe give some tips.
I currently have equity of about 25-30k euros. The exact amount I would clarify with my bank. Real estate prices vary depending on the location; unfortunately, I live in a relatively expensive area and therefore don’t necessarily want to move further away. But that doesn’t matter for now :)
I thought of spending about 120k euros for the apartment.
That would give me the 20% equity, which I’ve read should be at least that amount.
1. Financing duration?
Now I’m curious over how many years one typically pays off a condominium. What is the average independent of available money, 10 years, 15 years, or even 20 years? I mean, I don’t want to be in debt for 20 years just for an apartment...
2. Advantage/disadvantage of many owners in the house?
Would it be financially better to buy into a building with several apartments?
I think, for example, if I live in a house with only 2 units, a broken heating system would cost me significantly more than if there were 10 units, or am I mistaken?
Whether it is more pleasant to live with only one neighbor or not is up to each person.
3. Upcoming renovations and repairs
Let’s assume I’ve found an apartment I like. How recent should the last renovation be at most, how old can the heating system be at most, and what about the windows and the roof?
I know you can’t exactly answer that comprehensively either, but what are typical reference values? I think, for example, a heating system that is 15 years old will probably need to be replaced in the next 5-10 years??
Let’s further assume I buy the apartment, and after 5 years the windows are replaced. Do I have to participate or can I say not in my unit yet?
How is that paid for, do I pay only for my windows, or is the total amount divided among all owners regardless of how many windows each has?
What about other renovation measures?
4. Monthly costs
What monthly costs come together?
installment to the bank
house money (service charges)
additional costs (electricity, heating, water, garbage, etc.)
property tax and other taxes?
insurance?
what else is there?
5. Government subsidies and tax deductibles
Are there still government subsidies?
Can I deduct anything from my taxes?
6. Insurance and damage cases
Which insurances should one definitely take out when buying a condominium?
I don’t know what the insurance is called that covers, for example, fire, but what if a fire breaks out in another apartment and burns down the whole building? Which insurance must then cover my apartment and valuables in it, mine or the one of the person causing it? If I’m unlucky, am I out of luck and everything is gone?
These would be some basic questions, I hope someone is willing to read the text even though it has become a bit long now. I’m sure some more questions will come to mind :)