Don’t forget to check these important amenities when you are looking for your condo for the first time!

Congratulations! After all the hardships, sacrifices, and overtime at work, you can now afford to upgrade your standard of living and purchase a condo unit for yourself. Now, the last thing you want is to waste your hard-earned money on a unit that is incapable of providing you with the best life possible, correct?

Contrary to popular belief, location, developer, and price are not the only factors to consider when purchasing a condominium unit. Here are some additional seemingly insignificant but critical condo amenities to consider before making the big move.

1. Superior security

As is customary, safety comes first. You’d like to have peace of mind and not have to fear danger in the safety of your own home. Verify that the building has cameras and video surveillance, well-lit hallways and parking areas, locked exterior doors, and security guards on duty 24 hours a day.

Apart from these safety measures, the condo should have a sound emergency plan and alternate escape routes in the event of a natural disaster, such as a flood, fire, or power outage.

2. Sufficient storage space

Although cramped quarters are an unavoidable part of condo living, you’d want at the very least enough space to store your belongings. You should look for ample kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage, bedroom closets, and living and dining room cabinets within the unit.

If you are not very organized with your belongings (or have hoarding tendencies), it is more prudent to look for buildings that offer tenants basement or attic storage.

3. Consistent internet access

The internet has evolved into a necessity for everyone over the years. Daily information (e.g., the weather forecast or the state of traffic in a particular area) can be found online, so it’s important to stay connected not only at work but also at home.

Certain condominium communities include complimentary Wi-Fi in each unit or in common areas such as hallways and lobbies, while others offer internet installation upon unit occupancy.

4. Recreational characteristics

With all the stress that work, personal relationships, and living in a large city bring, maintaining a balanced life is always ideal and something that everyone should strive for. After a long day of hustling, you are more than entitled to unwind, let go, and breathe.

A swimming pool, a gym, and a jogging lane are all examples of recreational features to look for. And while your building will not have all of the special features (because the reality is that you cannot have everything), it should have at least some of them.

5. Eco-friendly characteristics

Green living not only benefits the environment, but also protects you from the city’s worsening pollution. An eco-friendly condominium should include at least one area for breathing, whether it’s a garden or a landscaped outdoor space. This will be a welcome change from the day-to-day inhalation of smog and vehicle exhaust.

The property must be energy-efficient ready or equipped. Items that are not only environmentally friendly but also significantly reduce your utility bills.

Purchasing your first condo is an accomplishment to be proud of, but one that should be approached with caution. If the building includes some (or all) of the above-mentioned amenities, you may have found the perfect space for you.