Evening is the best time to schedule an apartment viewing, according to Sofia Kalnitskaya, brand, product and communications director at developer Dar, who spoke to Lenta.ru about how to assess noise levels before buying.
For new-build apartments, Kalnitskaya said buyers can ask the developer for the airborne sound insulation index, which underpins current SNiP and GOST building standards. The standard for impact noise is around 60 decibels, while the standard for airborne noise is around 50 decibels.
What affects noise levels
Kalnitskaya said the building material alone does not determine soundproofing quality. Panel buildings are widely considered noisier than monolithic or brick ones, but she said wall thickness, material structure, extra layers such as insulation and air gaps, and how walls join noisy zones all matter. Aerated concrete blocks, she noted, absorb extra sound because of their porous structure.
Timing the visit
Kalnitskaya said viewers can use noise-meter apps during a visit, though readings differ from lab measurements because of microphone calibration. She recommended visiting between six and eight in the evening, when roads are congested, neighbors are returning from work and children are coming home from school, allowing for the most accurate read on external noise.
A realtor previously shared tips for successful price negotiation when buying an apartment, saying buyers most often err by opening with "give me a lower price," which tends to make sellers defensive, and that visibly complaining about defects can also put sellers off completing a deal.
