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Before buying property in Turkey as a foreigner, there might be lots of things to learn about the lifestyle of the neighborhood and the culture of the apartment to be lived in. That’s why doing meticulous research is the best way right before settling down in another residential area.
Especially understanding the cost of owning an apartment, aside from the essential purchase and investment expenses, is a big deal to adapt to the new living space as a new resident. At this point, knowing “What is a service charge in Turkey?” could be the very first step to be followed.
“What is a service charge on a property?” is a must-be-answered question for the new homeowners, whether the buyer is a Turkish citizen or a foreign investor. However, the service charges depend on the conditions, such as type, sqm, the number of rooms, and facilities included in the complex should be regarded as well.
As Bari Global Investment and Turkish Citizenship Firm, we will be discussing the answers to the following question: "What is a service charge in Turkey?" and try to explain the details in the best manner.
Let’s Get It Started: What Is a Service Fee on Real Estate?
First things first! For the most easy-going adaptation process in a new country or city, every detail should be learned. And the property owner should know the extent of every billing or fee before the payment. So we will focus on the meaning of the service fee by replying, “What is a service fee on real estate?”
The service fee on real estate is the English equivalent of Aidat paid in Turkey to the Site Building or Owners Association. The service charges of the properties may involve a variety of services, such as cleaning, repair, security, gardening, caretaking, and more.
But as we mentioned before, the scope of the service fee strictly depends on the facilities and services that the property provides. Thus, the service charge, or in other words, the total number, can show changes according to the property type (villa, residence, penthouse apartment, etc.), the number of rooms of the apartment, common usage areas, and electric or gas bills.
What Does Service Charge Include?
When it comes to the specific details of the following question: “What does service charge include?” we can add a wide range of services to the list. But investors must keep in mind that every property may not offer the in question services to its residents.
And luxury residential complexes’ service charges are higher than other regular buildings as they provide exclusive amenities. However, some services are essential for every building, no matter what type or how luxurious it is. The only matter is the fee depending on the offered facilities.
Here is the list of the real estate service charges:
- Cleaning services of the building
- General upkeep of the common areas and facilities, such as swimming pool, lifts, stairs, gym, lobby areas, meeting rooms, Turkish bath, or sauna,
- Technical maintenance and repairs,
- Landscaping and gardening works,
- Caretaker services, such as trash collection and plumbing,
- Security and reception services,
- Management of legal and administrative affairs,
- Electric bill of the common areas,
- Central heating system fees.
Determination and Payment of the Service Charges
Determination of the service charge is directly associated with the facilities and services of the site, complex, or building itself. Every residential complex and building has its site managers, who deal with the budget, payment, decisions, needs, problems, and service fees in general.
Site management meetings are usually held annually, and the decisions taken are noted in a book. Through that meeting, building rules, yearly budgets, and service charges are determined. On the other hand, the election of the building manager is carried out during these annual owners association meetings.
Payment of the service fee is another issue. Payments can be made monthly or annually. So this is up to the site management. However, there are some important facts the foreign buyers should regard. Some of these are:
- Making the payment to the authorized person in the building,
- Getting the receipt after the service charge payment,
- Having knowledge of the decisions and rules taken,
- Being sure about the additional fees and their costs.
If you need detailed guidance about investing in Turkey, read our article titled Things You Should Know Before Investing in Turkey 2022 and get further information!
Find the Best Property with Bari Global, Enjoy Your Residency!
If you consider real estate investment in Turkey and look for the best property to reside in, contact Bari Global now and enjoy all the procedures going smoothly. Plus, benefit from the guidance of our company’s experiences in the real estate sector without overthinking the details!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do service charges mean?
The service fee on real estate is the English equivalent of Aidat paid in Turkey to the Site Building or Owners Association.
2. What is a service charge when buying a house?
Service charge is directly associated with the facilities and services of the site, complex, or building itself. Every residential complex and building has its site managers who deal with the budget, payment, decisions, needs, problems, and service fees in general.
3. What is included in the service charge for a property?
The service charges of the properties may involve a variety of services, such as cleaning, repair, security, gardening, caretaking, and more. The service charge can show changes according to the property type (villa, residence, penthouse apartment, etc.), the number of rooms of the apartment, common usage areas, and electric or gas bills.
