Excerpts from 57-point checklist
I have generously exposed the content of the checklist in my previous articles. Now I am going to show you a few very practical insights.
Viewing. Checklist and photos
Checklist
I cannot emphasise this enough: USE A CHECKLIST, prepared beforehand. Humans are notoriously irrational beings and are easily manipulated, often by themselves. Your initial, and sometimes subsequent, impression is affected by so many factors you would not believe afterwards. “How could I possibly have failed to see those cracks?” (citing myself). While it increases viewing time by a factor of 3 to 4, it’s definitely worth it. View your selected apartments the second and third times.
Photos
Take photos. Wrong: take many photos. Same as above. Viewing photos at your leisure allows you to gain a much better understanding of the property. You will be able to discover details that escaped your attention during the viewing.
Floor height
Floor/height
In Riga, apartment prices tend to increase with floor height. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, higher floors usually receive more sunlight through the windows. Secondly, they tend to be quieter. There is also a third reason: if you're fortunate, you won't be staring into someone else's window, and vice versa. The Latvians value this highly.
There are a few disadvantages related to that height. Ceilings on the 6th floors are typically lower, and more often than not, those are mansard-style apartments, which is an acquired taste. Also, you might face an issue with water pressure.
In Riga, the water pressure in the mains can be as low as 3 bar. It’s quite frustrating if you live on higher floors and want to use your shower during busy hours. Check it beforehand by turning on the taps. Consider investing in a pump, unless you can persuade your neighbours to chip in (which is unlikely).
Windows direction vs sun movement.
Sunlight is a highly valued asset in Riga; there is never enough of it. The sun shines for approximately 1660 to 1760 hours per year, with 150 to 160 sunny days, but the distribution is uneven. Long winters have short days, and the sun rises quite low. What is a sunny room in summer may not be at all in winter. You will want to enjoy the sun in your living room when you're at home, in the dining room or kitchen when having breakfast. If you work from home, you will appreciate it in your study during the first part of the day. Advanced property listings publish sun movement, or you can use the following link: Sun and Shade in Riga.
View from the windows.
It is an important price factor. The worst that can happen is that some of your windows face waste containers. Unrenovated inner façade walls are not much better either.
A typical room should have a window centred on a wall. Many rooms in apartments in Centrs that face the backyard have windows in unusual positions, such as corners. Clearly, this reduces the room's utility and makes living in it less comfortable.
One of the versions of a mansard room
This view will soon be obscured by a newly constructed building.
Structural integrity
Carefully examine the building for cracks, paying particular attention to load-bearing walls, including those in the foyer, the front walls beneath the windows, and others. If uncertain, it is best to hire a quantity surveyor who can verify that the cracks are not critical. This is especially important if there is a nearby construction site, as vibrations can cause cracks to widen and heighten your concern. Do not rely on owners or agents.
Watch for such a sign, outside or inside the building. This is a so-called tell-tale. If it’s been installed, it indicates the crack is structural and will only worsen.
A pile hammer working nearby will likely make this crack grow faster.
Parking
Parking, including secure parking, is usually provided by restricting unauthorised access to the backyard, which is typical of the Centrs. Restricted parking outside the building is common in high-end developments. Your personal parking space is often purchased separately.
If there is no parking in the backyard, make sure there is parking on the nearby streets. As a resident, you are entitled to a monthly permit costing between EUR40 and EUR55 in Centrs (but not in Vecrīga), and EUR15 to EUR25 elsewhere.
Many streets in town prohibit parking. If there is no parking space in the backyard or underground, the property's value decreases significantly. Using your car becomes a real hazard, as do deliveries if you need to place any orders.
This is just a tip of the iceberg
The entire list consists of 57 points. I am positive you will find it useful.