Is the building of solid construction and well maintained? If there is a ?body corporate? then you become a member of the ?body corporate? or ?strata scheme? in the block of flats, units or apartments and this may present different issues for you, consumer.vic.gov.au, will have any information you need and OzFreeOnline.com will have information in its real estate listing about whether a property is handled by a body corporate. However, chances are that if the building and flats are cared for by the body corporate, that they will most likely be in good order.

If you have the time to walk around the flats, check out the entrance and gardens. Look for cleanliness, and good lighting inside and outside the entrance. Make sure the intercom and security system work.

If there is a foyer or lobby, is it clean and well looked after? Are the carpets clean and cared for.

Is there adequate lighting in the hallways and stairwells, are there fire extinguishers and hoses, smoke detectors and/ or a sprinkler system.

Drive around the area to make sure that you have shops, buses and trams close by.

Do you like the area the flat is in, or is it unkempt and uninviting? Just checking the types of buildings, houses, apartment blocks around you will give you the impression of whether you want to live there or not, and if you are familiar with the suburb, then checking the classifieds at truelocal.com.au, and OzFreeOnline.com, should be an easy method of doing the all important research that goes with finding a new home to live in.

Check that the car park of the flat has enough lighting and an easy way to get to the entrance of your flat. Are there any blind spots or unsafe areas where there is no direct lighting, and does the street have adequate lighting?

If you have checked everything on this list and perhaps some of your own needs and special requirements, then you all set up. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, sign up, and enjoy your new home!