13 key questions to ask at a showflat

When the salesperson at the showflat asks “do you have any questions?” you can immediately spot the first-time buyers.

They’re the ones who can’t think of anything to ask, while the more veteran property buyers already have five or six issues to bring up.

We get it though – when you’re buying a home for the first time, you likely won’t even know what’s important to ask.

That’s why we’ve put together a quick checklist, for the next time you decide to visit a showflat. This will ensure you cover most of the bases (but it’s by no means exhaustive).

We can break this into:

• Questions about price
• Questions about day-to-day running
• Questions about facilities
• Questions about quality and finishing

Questions about price

1. Why should I pay this amount when (any other nearby property) costs less?

As you’d know by now, new launch condos are always priced higher.

By asking this question, you’re getting a clearer picture of the development’s key selling points.

The agent will usually respond by highlighting the features to pay attention to, such as the development being freehold, having a wider range of facilities, being an integrated development with a mall downstairs, etc.

Take note of these differentiating features, and decide if they mean anything to your specific lifestyle or financial plans. Not everyone needs a condo that’s closer to a school, or that has a concierge service.

2. What is the price difference compared to (unit X)?

This is a follow-up to the first question. You know the unique selling points; now find out how much you’re paying for them.

On a per-square-foot basis, what’s the price difference between your development and a neighbouring development, which have mostly the same amenities?

Within the same development, what’s the price difference of the specific unit you’re looking at, versus other units in the same stack?

For example, you might want to know that the price difference of a unit two floors above you is just another $150 per square foot; that may be well worth paying, if the view’s less impeded.

Likewise, you might find that your property costs almost 1.5 times more than the older condo 10 minutes away. Perhaps it’s because it’s closer to the MRT station, which you don’t intend to use anyway as you drive.

If you have doubts about what you’re hearing, you can drop us a message on Facebook – we can help you verify the facts.

3. How much of a discount am I getting, compared to the next phase of your launch?

One of the main advantages of buying early – besides getting to pick your ideal unit – is the discount. These tend to be found during the “VIP Preview” phase of the launch, and a discount of roughly 10 per cent is the norm.

But they can be even higher than this, if the developer is pricing to stimulate early sales.

In any case, you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal here, otherwise you may as well wait till closer to the completion date.

If price is the ultimate factor for you – if you’re comparing between two developments; who’s giving you the better discount?

If a developer gives you a 10 per cent discount on a $1.5 million unit, then the very moment the discount is lifted and normal valuation applies, you’ve indirectly made yourself $150,000.

(Now you know why, way back in the early 2000’s, many people would sell even before the condo was finished. That doesn’t work anymore though, due to the Sellers Stamp Duty).

Questions about day-to-day running

1. What is the probable maintenance fee?

Most condos charge maintenance fees on a quarterly basis. For the average condo, this will come to roughly $1,200 to $1,400 every quarter. For higher end luxury condos , well, we’ve seen $8,000 per quarter and up.

More facilities usually means more maintenance

Your maintenance fees are determined by your share value, which is a topic we’ll get into in a future article. For now, just make sure the figure given is not something that makes your eyes bulge.

2. Are the current list of services going to be maintained indefinitely?

There may be a free shuttle bus service to the CBD right now; but is that ongoing, or is it free for the first few months only?

Likewise, if the condo offers courses or activities in the clubhouse (e.g. children’s enrichment, pottery classes, and so forth), are these ongoing or just there for the first month?

Of course, no one can guarantee the continued running of everything over the next 10, 20, or 30 years – but you want to make sure all the cool specials you’re getting aren’t over after just a few weeks.

3. What shops and services are already planned within the development?

Ask if there are going to be commercial spaces with a grocery, or if there will be childcare centres and clinics. Some condos have these on the ground floor, and they can represent a massive convenience if you’re in a more fringe location.

Questions about facilities

1. What are the closest facilities to your unit?

No one wants a unit so far from the pool, their children are shivering like blocks of grass jelly by the time they’re home.

Try to find units that are closer to the facilities you use most often – if you’re a tennis fanatic, for instance, you may want to be closer to the tennis court than to the BBQ pits.

If you love lounging in high places, then perhaps you want to pick a unit on a floor closer to the sky garden.

2. Will the noise travel from this facility?

Do you like listening to people yelling, laughing, and playing a guitar at 9pm right outside your ground floor unit? If not, better consider a unit further from the BBQ pits.

In general, the closer you get to the facilities, the more noise you’ll get – but some facilities are quieter than others. The yoga garden is probably less rowdy than the children’s playground.

Decide based on your own tolerances. While it might be hard to tell from the model at the showflat, it is still the best gauge available to you.

Questions about quality and finishing

1. Is what I see in the showflat exactly what I’m getting?

Don’t assume the countertops, floor, wood panels, etc. in the showflat are all similar to what you’ll get. The kitchen counter in the showflat might be marble, but what you’re supplied might be some good old-fashioned plastic laminate.

Also, note that some showflats remove partition walls, and only mark them on the floor with tape – you may not even have noticed. So do ask whether the walls are also exactly where they’ll be.

For more showflat “tricks” to be aware of, we’ve listed them here.

2. Are all the white goods included?

Check if the fridges, washing machine, dryer, or any other such appliances come with the unit. These days, it’s a norm to include these, but it always pays to check.

Also, note that even if white goods are provided, they may not always be the same brand or model as what you see in the showflat – so it’s just good to always check.

3. What happens if there’s a defect?

It is usual practice for developers to include a defects-free period of 12 months. During this time, they will fix any defects you spot at no cost.

Do ask when the defects-free period begins (e.g. is it upon key collection or earlier?), and on what the procedure is if you need to rectify something.

4. What’s the liveable space I’m getting?

A 1,200 sq.ft. unit doesn’t actually give you 1,200 sq.ft. Some of it is taken up for things like air-con ledges, or the mandatory bomb shelter. Ask about the exact amount of room you’re truly getting, to compare between units.

Worst case scenario questions

Finally, just in case the absolute worst happens, ask how liquidated damages will work.

If the completion of your unit is significantly delayed, you should be entitled to liquidated damages (check the terms of the Sale & Purchase agreement as well).

This is usually payable if your condo unit isn’t ready by the date of vacant possession. The damages are usually set at late completion interest of eight per cent per annum (pro rated to the number of days delayed).

Never assume that the norm applies though, and always ask. This can be a major headache later, if you end up spending a lot more on rent because your home wasn’t ready on time.

This article was first published in Stackedhomes.