Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to public this weekend

Feeling a little fatigued in anticipation of another weekend spent eyeing off the competition at open home inspections? Perhaps – but even at a busy suburban inspection, you aren’t likely to encounter up to 10,000 other punters as you wander through another family’s home. That’s how many people are expected to turn up this weekend to view the apartments from The Block: Fans v Faves. Ahead of their open for inspection, Property Observer talked to hockingstuart’s David Wood, the agent selling Steve and Chantelle’s apartment.

According to Wood, an open for inspection is a vital opportunity to contextualise your prospective purchase.

“The inspection is the window for buyers to get a real features and benefits of the property,” Wood says.

“Buyers should look at the properties immediately surrounding the property they’re looking at. They should also have an understanding from the local city council about potential developments, and any restrictions they might have to making changes to the property.

Albert Park [where the apartments are located] is suburb that’s very tightly heritage controlled, for example. So people should see if there’s anything that’s going to immediately restrict their ability to renovate or rebuild."

Going to an open for inspection enables a buyer to engage all their senses in a space that may very well be their next home. Rather than just looking around, try listening as well.

“[Buyers] should check out noise levels at open for inspection, to see that the property’s not impacted by traffic or businesses and other homes,” says Wood.

But traffic conditions at 11am on a Sunday may not entirely prepare you for the hustle and bustle of peak hour. So Wood advises that prospective buyers visit a property multiple times to gain an understanding of the overall feeling of the neighbourhood.

“They should look at the home at different times. They should actually visit the street at night – so have a drive or have a walk down the street at 11pm and see what it feels like. You can then get a better idea of whether it’s an area for quiet families, or a more busy area with younger residents.

“If you’re getting mugged when you’re walking down the street at night,” jokes Wood, “that’s probably not an area you want to buy into.”

As for what buyers can expect when they head down to the open for inspections at The Block’s Albert Park apartments this weekend, Wood says that those who have been watching at home will be pleasantly surprised by just how big the properties are.

“The swimming pool is shared by only four occupants, unlike a hotel which has 100 or so. So it really will feel like your own pool. And remember, there are three levels – living spaces, the bedrooms and the rooftop terrace. I think people will be pleasantly surprised.”

Wood says that Chantelle and Steve’s living spaces will set their property apart from the other teams’ apartments, as well as the couple’s master bedroom.

“If they’re comparing the four apartments, the buyers probably should look at the living space,” says Wood.

“The two apartments at the front [of the building] face out to the street, so they should have a look at the light, especially in Steve and Chantelle’s master bedroom, which has really good light, and is great for a luxurious weekend. And you can actually see the city from their master bedroom.”

For those interested in viewing the four apartments of The Block: Fans v Faves, they are open for inspection from 10am to 2pm this Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23.