11.05.2008
Buying an apartment
The following points may seem blindingly obvious
but in the heat of the day and faced with a beautiful view the senses and wit
may get dulled somewhat.
Without a doubt the views from the top of a tower
block across Joao Pessoa to the praia of Jacare for the sunset and/ or across
to the sea are breath takingly fantastic. However, away from the hot breath of
an estate agent one should consider several factors.
How is that persistent cool breeze which blows
across Joao Pessoa? Does it become a gale force wind when channelled between
two other structures? Can you actually sit outside on the veranda for any
length of time to enjoy the view, a book etc and does the sun shine directly
onto the veranda causing heat gains equal to a Plessey glass furnace? One
should be particularly vigilant if the view is a much vaunted and more
expensive southern view.
How long will you have that expensive view? If you
are outside the famous 500m beach zone where building height is restricted you
may be in a for a shock to discover a 42 floor super tower going up in front of
your block, surely affecting the value. Buildings are getting higher and higher
in Joao Pessoa. Look out for houses in front of your block as developers are
not shy to purchase several homes, particularly derelict homes, in order to
demolish and build towers. Just walk down the southern half of Cabo Branco.
Expensive homes were purchased for redevelopment as apartments. If you have
purchased a house to the rear of those blocks its value will be reduced to the
same proportion as the view!
Be equally careful when buying a north west facing
apartment. Most constructions are of rendered, single skin, terracotta block
work which absorbs and retains the heat. Under the baking gaze of Joao Pessoa’s
hot sun you will soon realise the consequences. The heat gains within the
property are considerable. You may be able to air condition the air (think
electricity bill) but you can’t cool down the walls! One solution is to have
balconies around the building which shade the walls or allow you to put screens
up ( If the Syndico allows it).
Speak to the Syndico about future plans for the
block. This will help when considering the monthly condo fee. More often than
not, small design features are left out (or forgotten) for inclusion at a later
stage.
Don’t be afraid to visit a property several times
and at different times of the day. Include for visiting the area too.
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