Buying a townhouse? Beware!

THE EDITOR: This is a letter to all citizens purchasing townhouses from developers. If we look around us we see that in almost every nook and cranny, townhouse complexes are being constructed. In some cases a complex of 15 may be built in a space that should accommodate ten. The properties are highly priced — 800,000 and up, over priced in most cases and owners are unknowingly subjected to unscrupulous practices by developers. My advice to first-time owners is before you purchase, check the following tips:

Ensure that the property has been treated for termites, subterranean particularly, as should be the case with any new development. Ensure that you have appropriate standard locks on all doors, in our case the developer purchased in bulk used locks that had been banned overseas. This had also been the case with the plumbing, particularly the toilets. It is advisable to change main locks as developers often have master keys. Look closely at the material being used in construction such as tiles; again rejects are purchased in bulk from overseas. also take note of the woodwork and the type of wood that is purported to be used. Enquire about the paint that will be used, and how many coats will be applied or you may discover that within six months of occupancy you will need to do a paint job.

Do not depend on water supplies that are shared by all residences. ensure that your property has its own plumbing for installation of tank supply. If parking is provided for 15 cars ensure that this is in fact so. Most developers do not live on compounds that they build and are not generally concerned about basic amenities. Really, the Consumers Division should be providing such guidelines to citizens, particularly as Town and Country Planning Regulations seem non existent.

A FORTUNE
Diego Martin