When you buy a house, you’re not just purchasing square meters, you’re buying years of history. But how many of those years how much they affect your finances? Age and maintenance condition of the property components are the real estate agent’s secret keys to understanding the true value of a property.
The price of a house doesn’t depend solely on its location or size, but also on how aged its components are and how well they have been maintained. Imagine two apartments on the same street: one with new systems, modern windows, and updated finishes; the other with old pipes, worn floors, and dated fixtures, dated electrical and plumbing. It’s no surprise that the first one is valued much higher by the real estate agency.
But market value isn’t measured just on a single property. It also depends on the average condition of properties in the area. If most homes are 30 – 40 years old without major renovations, the price per square meter will be aligned with that level.
How long does a house really last?
There are indicative tables that estimate the useful life of main components:
- Systems: boiler 20 years, heating system 30 years
- Windows and doors: double-glass windows 25 years, wooden shutters up to 30 years
- Bathrooms and kitchen: ceramic sink 35 years, budget kitchen furniture 20 years
- Floors: solid wood parquet up to 40 years, budget laminate 10 years
These lifespans are not mandatory but help estimate when major components may need replacement or renovation. Even in rental situations, the landlord is required to repair defective systems, regardless of their theoretical “expiration.”
In summary: knowing the maintenance condition and age of a house helps you better estimate future costs, determine the real value of the property, and make informed decisions whether you are buying, selling, or investing.
As a reference, the life expectancy table, jointly prepared by the Swiss Tenants’ Association of German-speaking Switzerland (MV) and the Swiss Homeowners’ Association (HEV Schweiz), and supported by various sector organizations, can be used to establish the average lifespan of medium-quality infrastructures and installations under normal wear and tear.
For a precise, professional, and no-obligation valuation of your property, contact us: we turn years of history into concrete data and real advantages.
