What to look for when buying a house in Taiwan?

[Incubus]

Back on topic. Does anyone here live on the ground(first) floor? What should I look for when buying a ground floor unit? My immediate concern is creepy crawlies and mosquitoes. And then there's the security issue. But then I'll get a front and back yard which is very hard to come by in the city.

[Rotalsnart]

Back on topic. Does anyone here live on the ground(first) floor? What should I look for when buying a ground floor unit? My immediate concern is creepy crawlies and mosquitoes. And then there's the security issue. But then I'll get a front and back yard which is very hard to come by in the city.

If you are in a flood-prone area, consider that.

Street noise can also be more of a problem at the ground level, though if you have a front and back yard that doesn't sound like it will be an issue (and likewise you are probably safe from pedestrians staring in your windows). Ground floor can also mean less natural light, depending on the surroundings, but again, if you have a yard, that is probably not such an issue -- and it can be cooler.

[Icon]

Light is a big issue because of the humidity. But I am in a second floor and also have issues with both light -lack thereof- and mold. So check the place at different times, and observe if there is anything green growing on the walls. Ventilation is also a bit of a problem.

You will have a separate drainage system from teh rest of the building. It usually gets stuck at the second floor, so you might get filtration there, but rare. The advantag is you can have more freedom and ease to fix issues with plumbing.

Safety and noise and parking and bugs and snakes and spiders, yep. Check. But as you say, you also get a front and back yard. I'd love that just for the doggies. But then the cats wouldn't have a perch to look out the window...

[sandman]

First-floors are more fun:


snake 2 by sandman1

[StuartCa]

Back on topic. Does anyone here live on the ground(first) floor? What should I look for when buying a ground floor unit? My immediate concern is creepy crawlies and mosquitoes. And then there's the security issue. But then I'll get a front and back yard which is very hard to come by in the city.

Look at the ceilings and signs of new paint . You probably won't hire a surveyor here, so look to find potential leaks from above

[suiken]

got a question, I am selling a house and my agent told me to meet with the buyer to discuss about he price...is this what they do in Taiwan normally? In the states the agent will discuss about the price for both of you, you don't meet them and discuss about the price. But so far I have 2 agents asking me to meet them face to face to talk about the price.

a little background, the seller offered 15% below what I am asking for, maybe if I agree to meet with them, then my agent will see it as I kind of agree with what they offer?

[Hamletintaiwan]

got a question, I am selling a house and my agent told me to meet with the buyer to discuss about he price...is this what they do in Taiwan normally? In the states the agent will discuss about the price for both of you, you don't meet them and discuss about the price. But so far I have 2 agents asking me to meet them face to face to talk about the price.

a little background, the seller offered 15% below what I am asking for, maybe if I agree to meet with them, then my agent will see it as I kind of agree with what they offer?

They want to buy the house below your price. Therefore, the potential buyer can't and won't sign any paper with the agency. If they did and you decided not to come down with the price, they either have to buy the apartment or owe you a compensation.