Holiday property - dream or burden? What you don't know about the maintenance fee

Owning a holiday property in a beach or ski resort in Bulgaria is a dream come true for many. But with time, some owners begin to feel that the maintenance of such a property requires not only time and attention, but also a stable budget. The mandatory maintenance fee often proves to be a key factor in deciding whether to keep or sell their property.




In this article, we'll tell you what this fee typically involves, what the pros and cons are - and why it's important to regularly assess whether it's justified for you.

What does the maintenance fee include?

The maintenance charge for a holiday property covers the cost of managing and maintaining the common areas and facilities in the building or complex. Depending on the type of building and the facilities involved, this amount can vary quite a lot - from a simple entrance fee like any standard residential building, to a detailed contract for various services related to the operation of the common areas.

See our offers for properties in beach resorts

When choosing a holiday property, we must calculate this mandatory fixed cost in the purchase decision, and we should also bear in mind that the value of this type of property and the possibility of rental income depends to a much greater extent precisely on the good condition and maintenance of the overall building and surroundings.

Buildings or complexes with minimal or no extras enjoy a small maintenance fee - this means no swimming pool, green areas and outdoor facilities. However, this turns our condo into an ordinary apartment with less rental potential at prices competitive for the resort.

Vacation properties located in a complex with a park environment, swimming pools and other facilities accordingly require a significant investment for maintenance and repairs. To ensure consistent quality, most often when purchasing a property in such a complex, the owner is obliged to sign a contract with the maintenance company.

According to standard contracts for holiday properties, it usually includes:
• Maintenance and repairs of common areas (lighting, plumbing, facades, infrastructure)
• Cleaning and maintenance of common areas and green spaces
• Security and CCTV
• Administrative management of the complex
• Organisation of reporting and cost allocation
• Troubleshooting and major repairs (often at extra cost)
• Use of swimming pool, spa, garden and other facilities on the complex

The fee is normally paid for the whole year. It is calculated on a per square metre basis and varies depending on the extras of the complex and the amount of services provided. It is usual to pay a higher fee in complexes in mountain resorts, which is related to the presence of more indoor facilities and the need to heat the common areas during the winter season.

View offers in mountain resorts

Data from BULGARIAN PROPERTIES shows that the amount of the fee in most cases varies between 8 and 15 ˆ/m², but can also be set as a fixed amount per apartment. It is often subject to annual indexation according to inflation.

Advantages of the maintenance charge

• Peace of mind that the complex is professionally maintained even when you are not there
• A well-maintained complex retains the high value of its properties
• Creates a good image and the ability to easily rent and sell the property
• A good property management company can also offer a property rental service on a hotel basis, but this is covered in a separate contract.

Possible disadvantages

💸 Mandatory expense regardless of whether you use the property
🚫 Inability to cancel services
❌ Lack of transparency or control over cost increases

Is it time to rethink your investment?

Our needs and priorities change over the years. If you're not using your property in Bulgaria regularly, renting isn't bringing you the income you expected, or maintenance fees are rising and feeling like a burden - it may be time to consider selling.

BULGARIAN PROPERTIES is here to help!




We offer:

• Free consultation and up-to-date market valuation of your property
• Professional sale mediation with maximum security
• Access to Bulgarian and foreign buyers

📢 Contact us today and find out if the time is right to free yourself from an unnecessary expense and invest your funds more efficiently.




  Read more news