Important Points When Buying Property

The increasing interest in Kalkan, the pearl of the Mediterranean, has also caused an increase in the construction of houses and villas. Although most buildings are constructed under the supervision of controllers, some buildings are built by individuals with no previous building experience, landowners or people who simply have money and want to make more, instead of architects and engineers.

As a result, I have been observing mistakes or omissions on quite a few buildings. A few of those mistakes are shown in the photos above. Below, I have set out some points to keep in mind when buying a house. Please remember that buying a house just because it looks nice or has a nice sea view can lead to great disappointments later.

• Does the house you want to buy have all the necessary permits?
  Has it been built on land that has been given building permission by the Municipality of Kalkan, according to plans drawn up conforming to construction procedures, and built under the supervision of the Municipality of Kalkan and under the responsibility of the building controllers?
  
• If the house has been built with all the necessary permits, has the habitation approval (permission to live in the house) been obtained from the municipality?
  
• If there is an empty plot next to the house, what will happen to your view when a building is erected on it?
  
• The first thing to do when buying a house should be to check the architectural and static plans. Does the finished house conform to the plans, or is it a different house? Are the weight-bearing columns where they should be?
  
• What are the foundations like? Are there any photos? Have concrete walls been placed where necessary, like between the pool and the house?
  
• If there is a basement or a storage area, is there drainage for water?
  
• How has the septic tank been constructed, and where is it? Is it big enough? How is the connection between the house and the tank? How thick are the connecting pipes?
  
• Does the house have a water tank and pump? Are they adequate?
  
• Is the technical outfitting of the pool complete and in place? Is there any water loss?
  
• Where does the pool drain? If it is to the neighbouring plot, there will be problems.
  
• Where does the water used to wash the platform surrounding the pool drain to?
  
• Are the water pipes embedded in the crosspieces?
  
• Have crosspieces been placed over door and window frames?
  
• What kind of material has been used on the walls? Is is adequate for sound and heat insulation?
  
• Are the claddings smooth and straight?
  
• Claddings should be made with cement and not lime.
  
• Concrete should have been watered for at least 15 days.
  
• Are the windows double glazed? What is the quality of the frames?
  
• Does water collect in the corners of balconies and patios, or does it drain away easily?
  
• Is there any water leakage through the roof?
  
• What is the quality of ceramics and workmanship in the kitchen, bathrooms and pool area?
  
• What is the quality of materials and workmanship of the electrical equipment used in the house and garden?
  
• What is the quality of materials and workmanship of the fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms?
  
• Is there air conditioning units in the rooms? Do they have guarantees?
  
• If any white goods have been installed, do they have guarantees?
  
• One of the most important questions that should be asked is if the builder has built other houses before. If he has, try and talk to people who are living in his houses, and ask them if they are satisfied. Even this conversation alone will give you a good idea of what to expect.

You should ask many such questions when you are deciding on buying a property. Buying a house you are going to live in is not easy; it is a very serious undertaking, needing much thought, experience and research.