What to Check Before Buying an Apartment: Real-World Example with Experts

Buying an apartment is a serious step that requires thorough preparation. Unpleasant surprises may surface only after moving in. To avoid extra costs and disappointing surprises, it's important to understand what to check before purchasing property and how to do it.

INMYROOM and Yandex Market have prepared a fantastic joint project called "Repair DVI": we're going to buy and furnish an apartment together! You'll get a mini-series of five episodes, where we'll discuss each stage—from choosing the real estate object to planning the design. The first of five episodes has already been released.

Video (29 minutes)

Today we're preparing for property inspection with a professional in flipping, Ksenia Shahmatova, and an experienced realtor, Anna Pушкина. Together we'll go through the main aspects to pay attention to when inspecting apartments. Experts will share professional tips and useful tools that help assess potential real estate before renovation starts. They'll also give valuable advice and reveal a secret: how to choose an apartment that won't disappoint.

Which Apartment Are We Buying?

A three-room Stalin-era apartment from 1958 is located in the Lomonosov district of Moscow, on Nadежda Krupskaya Street. This is a quiet green area with developed infrastructure. The established building layout makes the district convenient for living: cozy green courtyards, no new construction or large-scale renovations disrupting the familiar environment. Nearby is the well-known School No. 1514, ranked among the top ten math schools in Moscow.

The building has brick walls, three-meter-high ceilings, and large windows. Despite its age, it is well preserved, and the apartment allows for flexible planning and renovation.

How to Prepare for the Inspection

Picking an apartment is a complex process that requires preparation. Before going for a viewing, it's important to arm yourself not only with knowledge but also with tools. You can check electrical wiring, detect wall unevenness, or understand if the ventilation system is in good condition before renovation, provided you bring the right equipment.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, you'll need the following for checking the apartment's condition:

• Voltage tester — helps understand if there are electrical issues. This is important because old wiring often causes fires and requires expensive replacement.
• Laser level — determines how even the walls and floor are. Uneven surfaces can increase renovation costs and complicate furniture installation.
• Gas and humidity leak detectors — useful in buildings with gas systems or poor ventilation. If you don't notice problems with gas or moisture, it can seriously affect living comfort and safety.

Pay attention: Digital Multimeter DEKO DT Smart Plus, buy

Laser Level Nocord, buy

Tools for checking apartment condition and other useful items needed during renovation can be found on Yandex Market: everything you need is already gathered in one place. There are over 8 million products for construction and repair—ranging from tools to finishing materials, including items from leading brands such as Makita, DEKO, Greenworks, Resanta, Zitrek and many others.

A voltage tester from Deko can help assess the quality of electricity, and examining surfaces more easily with a laser level from Nocord. These and other modern assistants will simplify the process of renovation and property inspection before purchase.

Neighborhood and Surroundings: Check Before Entering the Apartment

Before inspection, it's important to understand how comfortable living will be in this place. Infrastructure, surrounding environment, and the presence of educational institutions significantly affect quality of life.

• Location. The apartment is located in Moscow’s Lomonosov district. A district with developed infrastructure, quiet courtyards, and old brick buildings. There is no chaotic construction or danger of being next to new developments blocking the view from windows. This is important because a peaceful district creates comfortable living conditions and affects property liquidity.
• Infrastructure. Nearby are shops, kindergartens, and clinics. There is both a budget-friendly “Pятёрочка” and “Azбука Vкуса,” indicating a well-off area. Having necessary facilities within walking distance eliminates extra hassle.
• School No. 1514. Ranked among the top ten best math schools in Moscow and visible from the apartment window. A key factor for families with children, but Ksenia warns: “Choosing an apartment only because of the school is risky. Yes, it’s nearby, but getting into it is difficult. Even if you live right across from it, there’s no guarantee of admission.”

Building Inspection: Important Details

• Construction Type. The building is of series 208, late Stalin-era architecture from 1958. Brick walls, three-meter ceilings, and thick floors provide excellent sound insulation. This is important—good acoustic insulation and high ceilings create a comfortable space.
• Condition of the Entrance. The entrance hall is clean and bright due to large windows, but the building is old with visible signs of time. The flooring is still Soviet-era, but in good condition. The building is maintained at an acceptable level, but attention to details is needed to spot wear in time.