Listings and builders will tell you the good parts. Neighbours will tell you the real parts. A short, polite chat can reveal things no brochure mentions.
Ask about water supply and power cuts. Is water available 24/7? Are there pressure issues on higher floors? How frequent are outages, and is there a functional backup system?
Check society maintenance quality. Are common areas cleaned regularly? Do lifts work reliably? Are repairs handled quickly or dragged for months?
You can also ask about noise levels—nearby traffic, loud businesses, or frequent late-night events. Some people don’t mind a lively area; others want quiet.
If you have kids, ask about the general mix of residents: Are there families with children? Are there safe play areas?
Money questions matter too: What’s the monthly maintenance charge? Have there been big surprise contributions for repairs or projects recently?
You don’t need a detailed interview—just a friendly conversation in the lift lobby or outside can give you a sense of whether this building fits your lifestyle.