Property Management in a Complex: What to Ask Before Buying

Why the management company matters 🏢

When buying an apartment, location and layout are important, but day-to-day comfort often depends on the management company. They handle maintenance, common utilities, security, and emergency response. A reliable manager reduces the risk of unexpected bills and poor service.

Who to check and what to ask first

• Clarify the legal form of management: private management company, homeowners association or self-managed building.
• Ask about their experience and whether they manage similar properties.
• Check if they have service contracts with suppliers and insurance for common areas.

Practical questions to ask the management company ✅

• How is the maintenance fee calculated and what services does it cover? Request a breakdown of typical expense categories.
• How often are financial reports provided and can you review reports from previous periods?
• How are major repairs and capital works initiated and financed? What is the process for collecting funds?
• Who handles emergency call-outs and what is their typical response process?
• Are there penalties for late payments and what are the termination terms with service contractors?
• How is communication with residents organized — apps, meetings, notice boards?

Which documents to review 📂

• Management agreement: check the scope of duties, contract duration and how service fees can change.
• Minutes of homeowners' meetings: they reveal recurring issues and decision-making practices.
• Contracts with contractors and suppliers: these affect service quality for cleaning, security and technical maintenance.

Red flags to watch for 🚩

• Lack of transparent reporting or refusal to provide documents.
• Frequent changes of management or contractors without clear reasons.
• Repeated complaints from residents about slow response times or poor maintenance.
• Unclear or steadily increasing charges without proper explanations.

Real-life scenarios and examples

• In a newly delivered building, ask who handled commissioning and what maintenance is included during any warranty period.
• For older complexes, check the history of major works: when key systems were replaced and whether there were disputes with contractors.
• If living in a gated development, request a list of additional services and costs so you can estimate total monthly spending.

How to negotiate management-related terms before buying

• Request copies of recent financial reports and contracts before signing a reservation agreement.
• Consider making access to full management documentation a condition of the purchase.
• If needed, ask the seller to secure commitments for priority repairs or service levels during the handover period.

Practical tips for a confident purchase 🧭

• Talk with current residents — their experience often reveals real issues not visible in documents.
• Look at trends in service charges rather than a single invoice to understand how costs evolve.
• Remember: unusually low fees can mean corner-cutting on essential services.

Conclusion

Checking the management company is as important as inspecting the apartment itself. By asking the right questions and reviewing key documents, you reduce the risk of surprises after the purchase.

If you want help reviewing documents or contacting the management company, BuyHome can assist you in choosing a property with transparent and reliable management. Browse listings at https://buyhome.ge/en/search or view apartments at https://buyhome.ge/en/apartments

Contact us and we will help make your purchase safe and comfortable.