What apartment owners ask us

In urban-renewal projects the developer customarily bears the project costs, and usually also the fees of the professionals acting for the owners (lawyer, appraiser and supervisor), rent during construction and moving costs. Exactly what is paid, and by whom, is set in each project agreement. When we organise the owners in dealing with a developer, owners pay the company nothing directly: the company is paid by the developer only, and that is written into the agreement. When we are the developer, that is said up front and written into the agreement.

The new apartment is larger, so municipal tax and building fees may rise. Some projects set a mechanism in the agreement with the developer that subsidises the difference for the first years, such as a maintenance fund. It is one of the things worth checking in an offer.

Usually a new apartment in a new building, often with additional area, a balcony, a protected room, parking and storage. What exactly you receive depends on the project financial viability and local authority policy, and is set in the agreement. Checking the consideration is part of checking the offer.

In most projects the developer pays monthly rent at the market rate for your current apartment, throughout construction and until you receive the key to the new one.

The agreement with the developer should include bank guarantees before construction begins: a Sale Law guarantee for the value of the new apartment, a rent guarantee, a defects guarantee and a registration guarantee. They are meant to secure completion of the project, or repayment of the value of the apartment if difficulties arise, which is why they are checked in the agreement before signing.

Most refusals come from concern or from not having the full picture - we approach it patiently and through conversation. Where a refusal is unreasonable, the law provides for a reduced majority and a legal route.

OpenDoor Group is an urban renewal and development company. In some projects we are the developer; in others we organise and support the owners: we organise the complex, bring in professionals on your behalf, run the tender with the developers and stay with you until you receive the key. Our role in each project is stated up front and written into the agreement you will hold.

Yes. As people in the field we know appraisers, lawyers and architects, and can recommend them. A recommendation is only that: you choose, and the professionals act for you.

Often, yes. We look at what is holding the project up: a developer who left, owners who object, an offer that no longer adds up, or planning stuck with the authorities, and build a plan to get it moving again. Not every project can be rescued; if yours cannot, we will tell you honestly and early.