1. Poor sound insulation — the invisible problem

Buildings from this period typically have:

• thin concrete slabs,

• minimal insulation between floors,

• outdated window frames,

• noisy elevator shafts or service ducts.

The issue:
Noise problems are extremely hard to fix.

If sound enters from:

• neighbors,

• the street,

• the stairwell,

• the elevator machinery,

the apartment will always suffer in value, comfort, and rental demand.

Tip:
Visit the apartment morning and afternoon — noise levels vary dramatically.

2. Old electrical installations — outdated and unsafe

Electrical systems from 1960–1990 often include:

• obsolete wiring,

• insufficient load capacity for modern appliances,

• missing safety switches (RCD),

• old distribution panels.

Upgrading may require:

• wall chiseling,

• rewiring,

• a cost of €2,000–€5,000 or more.

Tip:
Request a full electrical inspection before purchase.

3. Moisture and ageing plumbing — the most expensive hidden danger

Common problems in older buildings:

• rusted or outdated vertical pipes,

• leaks behind tiles,

• moisture trapped in wall cavities,

• recurring damp spots even after renovation.

Cost to fix:
€2,000 to €15,000, depending on severity.

Tip:
Inspect ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, wardrobes, and balconies.
Moisture always leaves a trace.

4. Old windows and frames — energy loss and noise

Most buildings from this period still have:

• single glazing,

• outdated aluminum frames,

• no thermal break,

• gaps that allow noise and drafts.

Result:

• high energy bills,

• poor sound insulation,

• reduced comfort,

• lower resale value.

Replacement cost:
€3,000–€10,000 — an important investment that instantly improves value.

5. High building fees due to old elevators or heating systems

Aging buildings frequently have:

• old elevators with high maintenance costs,

• central oil heating systems,

• inefficient boiler rooms,

• poor insulation that increases shared expenses.

This leads to:

high monthly building fees = lower rental demand.

Tenants avoid apartments with:

• €120–150 monthly shared costs,

• unreliable heating,

• outdated systems.

6. Structural wear — especially in buildings from 1960–1980

Older buildings were constructed under:

• outdated seismic codes,

• lighter reinforcement requirements,

• inconsistent supervision standards.

Most are safe — but some have hidden issues.

Signs to check:

• cracks in beams or columns,

• movement in load-bearing walls,

• uneven floors,

• visible stress points.

Tip:
Always involve a structural engineer for pre-purchase inspection.

7. Poor building management — the silent value killer

Even a great apartment suffers if the building is poorly managed:

• unpaid building fees,

• zero maintenance culture,

• neglected common areas,

• internal disputes among residents,

• dirty entrances and stairwells.

The building’s “image” affects:

• value,

• rental demand,

• buyer psychology.

A neglected entrance instantly reduces the perceived value of the apartment.

Conclusion: Older apartments can be great opportunities — but only with the right due diligence

Buildings from 1960–1990 offer strong investment potential, Poli Real Estate can assist you in selecting the right apartment
with:

• technical inspections,

• electrical and plumbing checks,

• moisture evaluation,

• renovation budgeting,

• structural verification,

• assessment of management and shared costs.

With the right expertise, an older apartment can become a high-value asset.
Without it, it can turn into an expensive mistake.