Tips for buying a property

The age of the building can indicate whether you can expect a costly renovation in the near future. Especially in buildings built before 1975, a layer of thermal insulation is often missing. This increases the need for heating.

Get an idea of the age of the building components and find out about any due renovation work. Each component has a limited service life. While this amounts to about 50 years for a pitched roof, you should replace a window after 25 years or a boiler after 20.

Check the building for mould. Grey corners are a sign of mould. In such cases, countermeasures should be taken promptly. It is advisable to consult a specialist to estimate the extent of the mould infestation and the cost of its removal.

Older windows release quite a lot of energy to the outside. A window replacement reduces your need for heating by about 13%. Triple-glazed windows are now standard.

Check that the windows have already been replaced and meet the current standards.

In the case of the façade, check whether moisture has formed on the walls. Missing or incorrectly installed insulation layers lead to heat loss or mould.

You should also take a close look at retrofitted wall and ceiling cladding. It may be concealing any moisture problems.

Building technology such as ventilation, heating or air conditioning systems should be coordinated with each other. Also check the electrical appliances for their condition and energy efficiency. Odours and moisture are signs that action is needed.

In addition, find out about the age of the heating system – the service life is limited to about 20 years. Many buildings still have old-fashioned oil, gas or electric heaters installed. If a renewal is due, you should consider alternatives such as heat pumps or district heating.