First time buying resale flat and very inexperience.

Will like to seek advice on what to check/ look out for etc during flat viewing.

Will it be ok to open up the cabinets / drawers in the flats to see the interior condition.

Also is it ok to try flushing the toilet, turn on the tap to check on the water pipe.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Edited November 20, 201510 yr by star77

I'm first timer too, just got valuation.

Check for:

1. Window facing direction (if you are particular about sunlight)

2. How many owners before?

3. If seller require extension of stay.

4. Ghost.

5. Loansharks.

6. Reason for selling.

7. Chitchat with neighbours (be discreet about this)

No 4 and 6 quite hard. More importantly, you must like the place

In general, base on my past experiences with other homeowners, 3 keys budget you would plan to set aside base on you abilities:

1) Selling Price

2) Renovation cost

3) Cost in buying of appliances & furniture

If price is not a factors, nothing can stop your selection ....

Happy shopping & Good luck sir

My experiences:

Set the(macro) right before viewing:

- Already defined what you need/want (home work) - set your targets= only you know yr ammunition power = where/how big/$ range/property age/height/reno $/

(unless you have no intention to buy, just see see)

- Know the rules of game (Cov, downpayment, option to purchase, 1st/2nd appt......)

- Understand the 24 JieQi.

Then hunting (micro):

- Traffic issue.

- Day time, night time, sunny day, raining day.

- Neighbour issues.

- Corridor/lift issues

- Windows/doors/room/hall/kitchen airflow & sunlight issues.

- Observe ambient noise level

- Always be prepared for reno

You have to check first price amount is worth for the flat And check facilities like hospital, schools, Transport is it close to your flat.

Well, i just bought a resale flat last Aug 2015

You have to check "what you're looking to" - i assume you already read in www.myhdb for OTP and T&C to purchase a resale flat (bank loan,etc).

For me is :

1. Location

2. Sun Light

3. Air circulation (try to open windows and feel the air circulation). It's important for me as i don't like aircon in living room.

4. Layout - you could change your design but hard for the layout (and costly as well).

5. Market price

6. Move in period (extension required?)

Complimentary :

1. tile condition - as tiling is expensive

2. existing cabinet - demolition cost is not cheap

3. electric point/lamp switch location

4. Last but not least - door condition

Go ahead and check all interior fittings. OMG, you are buying it over. There's nothing to be paiseh about.

Walk around and touch...feel the conditions. Somethings might be masked over, as the owners know they have an imminent viewing. I have been to viewings with my friends, and they couldn't notice see the yellow patches all over the house. Turns out it's algae growing. As it's a low floor unit, and ventilation is bad.

Just be bold, and ask. It's a pricy investment for a house in Singapore. If you choose to be shy and not be prudent, the consequences might be costly.

Cheers!

must see how you feel the moment you step into the house, if you feel windy and happy (it is good)

if you are  particular on facing the main road direction of the car, you  have to stay at the door and look for detail (normally if the car driving toward the house, not so good)

look at the ceiling especially toilet to check for leakage

checking with neighbour is good but sometime false information might be given

the best is look around the flat inside and outside, if you see CCTV outside the flat must ask the agent

I ever viewed a unit that had 2-3 CCTV were installed outside the unit and I immediately asked the agent, then he told me that the owners owed Ah Long