Service Fee in a New Build: What You Pay For and How to Compare Complexes

Service fee in a new building: quick overview 🏢

Buying an apartment in a new building means recurring costs beyond the purchase price. The service fee (maintenance fee) is a regular payment covering the upkeep of common areas and infrastructure. Names may vary, but the idea is the same: keeping the building safe, clean and functioning.

What the service fee typically covers ✅

• Cleaning of lobbies, corridors and common areas.
• Technical maintenance of systems: elevators, heating, sewage, ventilation.
• Security and video surveillance, access control.
• Lighting, landscaping and upkeep of the surrounding territory.
• Waste removal and routine small repairs.
• Administrative costs of the management company and reserves for unexpected repairs.

Note: packages differ a lot between complexes. One complex may include concierge service, another only basic maintenance.

What are you actually paying for — practical checklist 🔎

Ask the developer or management company for a breakdown: which services, how often, what is funded from the reserve, and which works are billed separately.

Good questions to ask:

• Are services provided by in‑house staff or subcontractors?
• How often are routine and major repairs performed?
• Is there a reserve fund and how is it formed?
• Can the service package be changed and how does that affect the fee?

How to compare service fees between complexes — step by step 📋

1. Compare the list of services, not only the fee amount. Identical fees can hide very different packages.
2. Request monthly and annual calculations. Ensure seasonal works are included (for example, winter preparation and snow removal).
3. Learn quality control and complaint procedures: how are issues logged and addressed?
4. Evaluate transparency — are there regular financial reports on executed work and spending?
5. Ask residents or buyers in similar projects about real experiences with the fee and services.

Operational maintenance vs. capital repairs 🛠️

Operational fees cover daily needs and small repairs. Capital repairs are financed separately and intended for larger works. Ask how the capital fund is collected and whether one‑off contributions may be required for major works.

For investors: include the service fee in your yield calculations 💼

If you plan to rent out the apartment, treat the service fee as a fixed expense affecting net yield. Clarify which costs the renter is expected to pay and how often fees change. Higher fees can be justified by better maintenance and steadier rental demand.

Negotiation tips and how to reduce risks 🔐

• Insist on clear contract terms: precise list of services and rules for fee changes.
• Check how fee changes are calculated—there should be a formula or indexation rule rather than arbitrary hikes.
• Check the management company's track record on other properties.

Questions to ask during a viewing 🙋‍♀️

• Can you provide a standard budget execution report for recent periods?
• Who provides cleaning and technical services—contractor or in‑house team?
• How are ad‑hoc repairs decided and paid for from the reserve?

Final advice — practical and empathetic 🤝

A service fee is part of responsible ownership, not necessarily a deal breaker. Prioritise transparency, a clear list of included services, and a reliable management company. If you'd like help comparing offers in Batumi and across Georgia, BuyHome agents can analyze service packages and advise on cost‑effective choices.

Contact us for assistance choosing the right property and understanding the true cost of ownership. Browse available listings: https://buyhome.ge/en/search