In the primary and secondary real estate market of the Republic of Moldova there are more and more apartments for sale. Customers are in the situation to choose between immediately buying an old block apartment at an attractive price or opting for a new block apartment that has much more modern living conditions.
Even if the price is one of the most important factors in buying an apartment, we will try to make an analysis of the characteristics of the old and new block apartments, to list all the advantages and disadvantages, so that customers can make the right decision.
Old Block Apartments
- Price per m2
The price per m2 of the old block apartments is much lower, but here we have to take into account the general condition of the apartment and the fact that the costs for the renovation could be very expensive, especially when it is necessary to change almost all the engineering networks.
- The surface of the apartment
Old block apartments are usually smaller, have standard plans with very modest surfaces of the kitchen, bathroom, etc. Also, many apartments built up in the 80s have very small windows, that are not as bright as the apartments in new buildings.
- Quality of building materials
Building materials used at the construction of old blocks already have an expired validity period. The facade, the entrance to the block, hallways, elevators are old and have a less attractive esthetic appearance.
- Engineering networks
Engineering networks such as water pipes, sewerage or electricity system are outdated and their replacement requires considerable investments. Infrastructure Apartments in old blocks are located in much better, more strategic areas: near public transport, asphalted roads, socially-minded objects such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals or shopping: shops, restaurants, recreation areas.
- Maintenance prices
Prices for building maintenance are much lower (cleaning, lack of video surveillance) but also can be much higher for heating due to old apartment connection to the centralized heating system.
- Seismic resistance
Old apartments have a low resistance to earthquakes due to the degradation of the building over time.
Apartments in new blocks
- Price per m2
The price per m2 of apartments is higher with about 200 euro / m2 if we compare the apartments in the white version and the old apartments without repair. At the same time, it is important to consider that the price is higher simply because the overall condition of the whole block is a very good one and all engineering networks are new.
- The surface of the apartment
New apartments usually have more spacious kitchens and / or have generous living rooms where we can spend much more enjoyable time with family. Here we can also include the fact that owners can make changes to the planning of the apartment. Quality of building materials Building materials used to build new blocks are modern and more resistant.
- Engineering networks
Engineering networks such as water pipes, sewers, or the electricity system are all new. Their exploitation time is much higher than in the case of engineering networks in the old blocks.
- Infrastructure
New apartments are usually located on the outskirts, so it takes more time to travel and have poorly developed infrastructure. However, there is also the advantage of living in a quieter area away from the noise of the city.
- Maintenance prices
Prices for block maintenance are much higher for cleaning, video surveillance or security. But at the same time, it gives you full autonomy by having an individual metering system and an autonomous heating system that allows you to master the expenses you incur and no longer depend on the authorities.
- Parking places
New blocks are usually provided with outdoor parking, underground car parks and closed garages. Thus, for an additional cost you can solve the parking problem once and for all.
- Seismic resistance
The new blocks are built on modern technologies - monolithic concrete casing with a 8-degree Richter strength. Block housing is reliable, designed to resist seismic disturbances, with earthquake tests and simulations. The strength of the buildings is calculated very carefully so that they correspond to the current normative and technical characteristics.
Conclusion
Apartments in old blocks have several advantages: strategic location in areas with well-developed infrastructure, lower maintenance costs and lower purchase price. Among the disadvantages we can list: the modest surface, the poor condition of the building and the aesthetic appearance as well as the lack of parking spaces.
The new apartments have the following advantages: more generous living areas, new engineering networks, a modern aesthetic aspect of the courtyard and the block inside, respectively increased comfort, positive energy (no one else lived in the apartment), the existence of parking spaces and a much higher resistance to seismic disturbances.
Among the disadvantages we can list: higher costs per m2, higher maintenance costs, lack of developed infrastructure.
Acces Imobil - helping you to make the right choice!
Address: Chisinau, 12/1 Grigore Vieru street.
Phone: +373 78 888 900
