Apartment, Duplex or Penthouse? Test Usable Space

A single-level apartment reduces vertical movement, but fit still depends on net area, room layout, lift access and the household's actual needs.

For a duplex, account for stair area and how each floor works. For a penthouse, verify roof-use rights, waterproofing and maintenance responsibility rather than assuming the terrace is fully owned space.

Print the dimensioned plan and place real furniture, circulation and storage. In a duplex, count stair area and daily-use impact; in a penthouse, match roof-use rights, limits, waterproofing and maintenance to the contract rather than a verbal presentation.

Compare furnishable internal area separately from terraces or gardens, then add operating and maintenance cost. Visit a similar built unit where possible because height, daylight, privacy and heat exposure are not fully visible on a two-dimensional plan.

Obtain dimensioned plans and test circulation, furniture, storage, stairs, and genuinely usable outdoor space. Two units carrying the same label can provide very different living experiences.

Test operating cost too: cooling double-height space, maintaining a garden, waterproofing a roof, or using stairs every day. Extra area is not value if it is unusable or raises cost without benefit.

Build a three-column check: what is documented, what has only been said, and what still needs independent verification. If an undocumented point is the main reason to buy, pause until evidence exists.

Stress-test a less optimistic case: handover slips, a variable cost rises, or you need to sell early. A sound decision remains manageable when events do not follow the sales presentation.