The search for the perfect apartment or house begins with a listing. But not every description is completely transparent. Sellers and realtors often use specific language to highlight advantages and obscure disadvantages. As a buyer, how do you decipher this "code" and make a well-informed decision?

We have prepared a detailed guide to help you correctly analyze real estate listings.

1. The Title: The First Filter

A quality title must contain the main key characteristics: property type, number of rooms, and location.

• Example: "Sale of 2-room apartment in a new development near Obolon Metro, renovated"

• What to avoid: Overly emotional (like "Dream Apartment!") or excessively generic titles. They might indicate a lack of substance in important details.

2. Key Characteristics: What Must Be Included

Ensure the listing contains clear information on:

• Area (Square Footage): Total, living, and kitchen. Pay attention to:

  • If only the total area is listed, the living space might be quite small.

  • Layout (especially for apartments) – added floor plans significantly simplify space evaluation.

• Floor and Building Height:

  • The top floor often comes with benefits (view, no neighbours above) but also risks (roof leaks, overheating).

  • The ground floor is convenient for the elderly but can be colder, less secure, and noisier.

• Building Type and Year Built: Panel, brick, monolithic-frame. This affects sound and thermal insulation, as well as the possibility of future remodelling.

  • "Stalinka" (buildings from the Stalin era) – high ceilings, thick walls, but old utility systems.

  • "Khrushchevka/Panel" – typical layouts, often requiring major overhaul.

  • New Construction – modern technology, but the unit may lack internal finish.

3. Property Condition and Marker Phrases

This is where the most common listing "secrets" lie. Learning to decipher them will save you time.

4. Infrastructure and Location

These are some of the most crucial factors affecting price and comfort.

• Transport Accessibility: Availability of metro, public transport stops, and convenient access for cars. Check how long the commute to work takes during "peak hours."

• Social Infrastructure: Proximity to schools, kindergartens, hospitals.

• Recreational Areas: Presence of parks, squares, and reservoirs.

• Neighbours and Ecology: Check for noisy establishments, industrial zones, or major highways nearby.

5. Photographs: What to Look for Between the Lines

Photos are your visual verification tool.

• Quantity and Quality: Listings with 1-2 blurry photos of a room's "corner" often conceal the general condition of the property.

• What's Missing in the Photos: Pay attention if the seller "forgot" to photograph the bathroom, kitchen, entrance hall, or the view from the window. These could be problem areas.

• Lighting: If all photos were taken during the day with bright light, inquire about how dark the apartment is in the evening or on a gloomy day.

6. Price and Negotiation

A clearly stated price is good. If it says "Negotiation is appropriate" or "Urgent sale," it often means the seller is willing to significantly lower the price.

• Always compare the price with similar properties in the same area and with comparable characteristics. If the price is significantly lower, it's a reason to check the documents in detail.

Conclusion: Your Next Step

A quality, complete, and truthful listing is a sign of a responsible seller or realtor. Your job as a buyer is always to verify the information provided.

Don't be afraid to ask many questions! Requesting additional photos, documents, or floor plans is a normal process. Successfully "reading" a listing will save you time viewing unsuitable options and help you find the best real estate at the optimal price.