Priorities vary depending on the buyer’s profile. “Investors think above all in terms of yield, integrating from the start the cost of work“, she explains. Conversely, residential buyers focus more on the property itself, sometimes to the detriment of its environment or practical constraints.
If location is among the first criteria analyzed, its practical consequences are sometimes relegated to the background. “Proximity to transport is decisive, especially in Paris, but its real impact on daily life, in terms of travel time or flexibility of travel, is not always anticipated», observes the professional. The question of accessibility is even more acute for households with vehicles. “Many realize too late that the parking is a real subject. No longer having to look for a place quickly becomes an essential comfort.»
Aspects too often neglected
Energy performance is another frequently underestimated parameter. If the diagnosis is now scrutinized, its concrete implications sometimes remain unclear. “We see that many buyers target properties classified D, without always measuring what this implies in terms of insulation, charges or changes to the rules.», notes Charlotte Barthes. Brightness is also one of these criteria whose importance is often poorly assessed during the visit. “Sometimes goods are discarded solely because of exposure», she notes. However, each orientation does not imply the same comfort: the south brings light and warmth, the north more constant brightness, while the east and west influence the rhythms of life. Concrete parameters that have a lasting impact on the feeling in housing.
Outdoor spaces are also often relegated to the background. “For a first purchase, a balcony or a terrace is seen as a luxury. But in the long term, it is an element that changes the life experience.»
The heaviest omissions
The most serious omissions, however, concern co-ownership. “Many buyers do not take the time to analyze what was voted on or what will need to be financed. A facade or roof can represent 20,000 to 30,000 euros», recalls the real estate agent. Added to this is sometimes insufficient anticipation of financing. “We still see sales fail very late because the budget was not validated upstream or was poorly evaluated.»
Finally, the environment of the property remains a determining factor, often underestimated at the time of purchase. “The price of a home does not only reflect its walls. The neighborhood, urban projects or transportation have a direct impact on quality of life and resale.»
>> Real estate prices and rents in 100 cities in France (Capital/Fnaim/Clameur Indicator)
