In 2022 I bought an apartment in Brunswick West. Something I wanted for a long time. I started looking in June or July that year but didn’t find my ‘perfect’ apartment until October. Of course I had a ‘list’ of what I wanted in an apartment. Actually it was more a list of what I didn’t want. Here are my tips on how to find and buy your perfect apartment.
Find a mortgage broker and getting pre-approval
I’m always looking at property. I see for sale signs in my area and find them online to check them out. What their features are, size and the asking price. But before I started seriously looking for myself I found and engaged a mortgage broker.
The mortgage broker I worked with is part of the Liberty Network and I met her through my business network. We actually met at least 12 months prior to getting pre-approval from a bank. So I could prepare myself and my finances.
I followed her advice. So when the time came I reached out to her and she managed to get pre-approval from the ANZ bank. Admittedly not my preferred bank but I had access to funds. Now I could start seriously look.
Make a list of what you want and don’t want for your apartment
Before I started attending inspections I knew I wanted a two bedroom apartment, because I work from home. I knew I wanted an apartment in Brunswick or Brunswick West. I also preferred older apartment blocks because they tended to be bigger with a quality build.
I did see some of the newer apartments on the market and was not impressed. The wear and tear was too high for their age, the rooms small and the noise levels high.
It was important to me that the apartment didn’t look onto another apartment or a concrete wall. Each room needed a window. I hated the new apartments where the bathrooms specifically didn’t have window.
Natural light was important to me, as was location. But I soon realised that my pre-approved amount wasn’t going to be enough for a two bedroom apartment in Brunswick.
I started to look at neighbouring areas such as Asoct Vale but this didn’t feel right. I’ve been in Brunswick a long time and have roots there so I wanted to stay.
My dilemma at this point was do I look for a one bedroom place and work from a co-working space? So much to think about.


Go with your instincts
After seeing so many apartments there were only two that stood out for me. Primarily because they both were in older developments, had good natural sun light and windows in all the rooms.
As time went on I was getting discouraged and then I received a unexpected gift. An inheritance which meant I could afford the two bedroom apartment I fell for.
My apartment has cons. It’s on a main road, therefore noisy. It gets a lot of sun light, so it’s hot, especially in the afternoon. The windows don’t have double glazing.
Life requires balance and understanding. There is no such thing as perfect. Therefore, I prioritised my ‘needs’ and ‘wants’. Then I outweighed the pros and cons and bought the right apartment for me. I love my apartment.
I love the size, the location, the natural light, it’s ideal. To recap on my tips on finding the right apartment, start with finding a mortgage broker. After going to a few inspections, start making a ‘must have’ list of attributes for your apartment. Also, make an ‘absolute not’ list. Finally, trust your gut.