Buying at the right price

Consider the environment

The environment is a major factor in assessing the price of a property.
Identify any sources of nuisance, noise or odour, the presence of businesses, factories, or farms that might likely generate a disturbance of any kind.
Think about what makes everyday life easier; are there any amenities nearby? Does the neigbourhood benefit from public transportation? Is it easy to park? Do the immediate surroundings include a park or a particularly value enhancing component ?

If the property is in a building

Be aware that a low-rise apartment building is more sought after than a high-rise building. Crucial advantage: the availability of a private locked garage rather than a simple parking spot. Other "perks": the existence of a private locker in the lobby; an intercom, the presence of a security guard, a landscaped environment and, in the South, a shared swimming pool (but find out what the costs are). As of three stories, the absence of an elevator is definitely a negative.

Prefer well-designed properties with good exposure

These are qualities that will ensure your property keeps its value.
A property with good exposure (south or south west), that is well equipped and that, lacking a garden, has a balcony, terrace, or loggia, scores big.
Today, the trend is spacious living rooms and a small kitchen is a major inconvenience, unless the space can be used in a very practical manner.
Another negative: direct views on other properties, the absence of a view, and a northern exposure.

A bonus for “upgradable” properties

Place more value on a property where you could gain more space and to which you could consequently add more value: an au pair suite, even in bad shape; small attic or roof space that can be finished; basement, even small, that can be transformed into a game room; high ceilings with potential to install a mezzanine; reinforcements, cubby holes, a storage room that could become an extra shower, powder room, closet; long halls or large vestibules, which could later integrate larger rooms...

Not all additional fixtures are equal in value

Renovations undertaken by the former owner (including a built-in kitchen) have very little impact.
A pool on the other hand, adds value to the property.

Think technical ...

Find out how old the property you're interested in buying is, when work was done, and which materials were used (stone of course, but also brick, are better rated than concrete block).
Verify dwelling area to avoid paying for non existent cubic meters. If you don’t know how to do this, call a professional surveyor for information.

Assess any inconveniences linked to the nature of the property ...

Verify whether there are any servitudes (rights of way, water drawing rights, utility pole installation rights, etc.). Contact the land registry office (private servitudes) and check the zoning certificate (public servitudes).
If the property is unserviced, evaluate the cost of hooking up to the different networks in order to be able to negotiate accordingly.
You could also negotiate based on the nature of the soil and the sub-soil, which affects the depth of foundations and costs related to drainage. Ask neighbours whether there are any defects they are aware of (unstable land, flooding, etc.).