Would you consider this property?

[carryavan]

Pic attached. New block of flats going up the back wall of the block will be against the wall you see here. Top floor will be above the wall, middle floor (which we're looking at) will be mostly below ground at the back. What questions do we need to ask about drainage? Do you think it will mean damp through the walls?
The base you can see is for the underground parking etc.

Ah sorry, I thought the OP had said yes to the question as to whether she was in California. Same point stands though re the warranty- obviously depends on Swiss laws etc.

Taking into account the limited options you have financially, I would check the plans carefully to see what tanking methods are used and then investigate the individual materials with the manufacturing companies so you have a through independant knowledge of how good the tanking will be.

Looking at the floor plan I can see how the kitchen and bathroom will gain light however as the apartment is open plan, I feel it would eventually become "stale" with cooking smells throughout the open plan living. Opening a window in a kitchen and bathroom gives a far more fresh environment.

The above is my opinion though, you may find it acceptable however the major concern I have, some have already mentioned, no matter how much insulation and sound insulation (if any) will not stop the noise and cold from being directly above underground parking - you will be able to hear car doors opening and closing, exhaust noise and people speaking. Finally, I would not want to live over electric vehicles lithium batteries charging.

Cripes no. That is seriously... erm... <tries to think of a polite way of putting it - no, can't do it> ...fugly. Sorry.

It sounds as if your H is panicking.

I recall exH wanting to make an offer on every place we looked at many years ago, with unwarranted desperation as his motivation.

The main issue I would be concerned about is drainage, but I'd also be concerned about the stability of the hillside in an Alpine region. I'm assuming you're in a hilly area if there are hairpin bends.

@mathanxiety theres been a house on that plot for almost 100 years so I hadn't thought that would be an issue? And yes, he had an argument with the neighbour, decided we'd be moving and the following day that we'd be moving there....

@schloss we wouldn't be directly above the garage. It goes underground garage, then one layer of flats, middle layer (potentially us) top floor.

@carryavan Apologies I misread it was directly above the garage. I would still check the amount of sound insulation between each level of apartments, the last thing you want if you do make compromises on other areas is noise from below and above.

I know. I did ask and they have come back and said it's the standard. They said that about this place though and the poor neighbours in the middle, sandwiched between my DC and the child below ( who we can hear in our flat!).

The definition of standard! Meets the regulations but doesn't actually provide enough soundproofing for people to live their lives as you know currently.

Sorry if you have made it clear before, but would you be buying this one off plan? If so is there any chance you can amend some of the design of the layout and such things as sound proofing so it meets your requirements more?

If the locality isn't under threat of subsidence, then that's probably not an issue.

Drainage - I'd be concerned still.

Don't let your H rush you into moving or moving somewhere you dont want to live. Panic isn't a solid reason for spending so much money or making such a big decision. Any old different place won't do. There's more to finding a home than "not the old home".

If you're not completely happy, keep shopping. Dig in your heels, fold your arms, accept you'll be in the doghouse (let his frustration, exasperation, and impatience wash right off your back), and do not budge until you find the home you're satisfied with. You want the right place, not just any place that isn't your current one.

i actually love the floorplan and am looking for such a property in the future.
the carpark/underground garage may have damp but that in no way is an indication of the living quarters up above.
regarding light the windows are huge and certainly would flood into the kitchen during the day.
i'm both in canada and the west coast these modern designs are very popular and generally well built with soundproofing.
cost wise proper window coverings i suspect will be expensive.

Bearing in mind I think 100% of people have said they would not consider it, then if you want to sell, who is going to purchase it from you?

Is there a reason/law/restriction why you wouldn't consider selling your current place and renting until you find what suits both of you?

Rents are extortionate and I don't want to move twice!
@schloss weve had two flats now, both with the "norm". First, our neighbours didn't even know we had a baby - and he screamed pretty much all time time; second, we hear them move their chairs at the table. I don't think you can tell until you actually get there.

IL's are coming today so DH will at least have to listen to some of these points.

What effect will it have on heating? Would one wall underground make it cold in summer, warm in winter or cold in summer, freezing in winter?

@carryavan the walls are just the foundation? it really won't have much of an effect on the heating and cooling on the units built above. like a home with a basement, it really doesn't affect the heating on the first floor. there will most likely be a full cement barrier between the underground parking and the homes for health and safety reasons.
the windows however will be both a source of heat from sun load and a source of heat loss. again window covering choices will be expensive and important.

Are you not in the uk OP? I can’t think of anywhere in the uk which would be too hot for more than 2 weeks in the summer occasionally.

You should go to Reddit r/askswitzerland and ask there.
The Swiss (and Germans) are experts in this type of building. That rear wall will be insulated and built from solid reinforced concrete. It will be impervious to water, so forget about that as a problem.
The floors will be reinforced concrete, insulated and soundproofed.
The usual complaints in Switzerland is the finish and second fix.

I'm going against the grain re: windows- quite normal in any flat for some rooms to not have windows, if you consider that some flats will be in the middle of buildings. My last flat didn't have a window in the bathroom as we were in the centre of the building- the kitchen didn't either so we eventually knocked it through the living room for light and it was fine, so essentially ended up with what you would already have.

I don't know about the damp etc so that might be a separate issue.

a somewhat contradictory post given you clearly hated the absence of a kitchen so much you knocked through in to next room for the light!

@brocollilover Not really, as it ended up with the same as what OP is looking at- an open plan kitchen/living room with the windows at the living room end.

Plenty of flats don't have windows in every single room, was the main point I was making.

yes and it’s unpleasant enough to spend thousands changing the layout!

I don't really understand the point you're making @brocollilover, sorry. The OP wouldn't have to spend thousands to change the layout, the living room/kitchen is already open plan, therefore the window issue (in relation to me having to spend money to amend it in my old property) is moot.

indeed but you raised it and i referred to it 🤷