Owners of foreign real estate are often faced with incomprehensible expenses. One of the key articles is the support fee. It covers the maintenance of common areas, infrastructure and a number of related services. In this article, you'll learn how fees are calculated, how to control costs, and what official documents you should refer to.
| What we'll cover | Why is this important? |
|---|---|
| What laws govern support fees? | To act on the basis of official norms and not lose money |
| How is the amount formed and what does it depend on? | To plan your budget and not overpay |
| Ways to cut costs without losing quality of service | To competently build a dialogue with the management company |
| Where can I find official information? | To rely on trusted sources (eg Co-Ownership Law) |
| When to contact experts? | To resolve controversial situations in a timely manner or receive discounts |
Click on the aspect of the article you need and you will be taken directly to it.
What is a support fee?
A support fee is a regular payment (usually annual or quarterly) made for the maintenance of common areas, utilities and infrastructure. This includes:
- Cleaning entrances, parking lots, local areas
- Maintenance of elevators, lighting, security systems
- Maintenance of the pool and green areas
- Security and video surveillance (if provided)
Often, the payment amount is indicated in euro per square meter per year. Rates vary: from 5 € to 15 € and higher, depending on the set of amenities and location of the facility.
Knowing the composition of the fee will help you accurately assess what you are paying for and, if necessary, demand improved service.
Official Government Sources
In Bulgaria, there’s a law that states the proper approach and protocols regarding the management of apartment buildings (law for the management of floor property). The full text can be found on the governments official legal portal: in Bulgarian
This law regulates:
Responsibilities of owners for making payments.
Decision Rules about repairs and improvements.
Conflict resolution mechanisms, if residents or the management company do not comply with the terms of the contract.
Familiarization with the law helps you immediately understand your rights and responsibilities. If disputes arise with the management company (MC), you can refer to these provisions.
What does the amount consist of?
The main factors in determining the amount of the support fee:
| Factor | Description and price ranges |
|---|---|
|
Property type |
- Apartment in a complex with elevators, security and underground parking - requires a higher rate. - City residences – average prices: 7–10 € per m² per year. - Seaside resorts(Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach) – rates: 12–15 € per m² per year. |
| Notes | |
|
A higher level of service and infrastructure increases the tariff. |
|
|
Mood |
- Popular resorts – the infrastructure is larger, services (cleaning, pool care, landscaping) are more expensive. - Hinterland – the fee can be 5–8 € per m² per year. |
| Notes | |
|
Location affects the volume and quality of services provided. |
|
|
Additional amenities |
- Availability of a swimming pool, concierge service, secure parking – each such point increases the total bill. - Complexes with a garden and playground may require additional costs for maintaining lawns and playgrounds. |
| Notes | |
|
Any additional services increase the total payment amount. |
|
When comparing properties, pay attention not only to the base fee, but also to the range of amenities provided - this will help you avoid unexpected expenses in the future.
How much does it cost in practice?
| Region | Approximate rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia | 7–12 € per m² per year | The difference between modest and luxury projects |
| Varna, Burgas | 10–15 € per m² per year | Resort complexes, additional services |
| Small towns | 5–8 € per m² per year | Less infrastructure → lower costs |
If you live all year round and you use all the amenities, perhaps the expenses seem justified. At seasonal accommodation the total amount may seem too high, since it is paid for the whole year.
Legal Nuances
- Agreement with the management company (MC): before buying a home or immediately after it, you sign a document that stipulates the amount of the annual fee, the frequency of payment, late fees and a list of services.
- Late fee: according to the agreement, the rate can be from 0.01% to 0.05% per day.
- Collective solution: If residents want to revise the tariff or refuse part of the services, the law requires the consent of the majority (usually 67% or 51% of the votes).
Keep all payment documents and correspondence with the management company - this will help protect your rights in case of disputes.
How to pay less without losing quality
Case Studies
Case: Family in Varna
- Situation: The rate was 13 € per m², which seemed too high to the family.
- Actions: We contacted a lawyer and initiated a general meeting of residents.
- Result: They managed to eliminate the 24-hour concierge service (they didn’t need it), and the rate dropped to 11 € per m².
Case: Apart-hotel in a resort
- Situation: The owners paid 15 € per m², but only came for a couple of weeks in the summer. The rest of the time the apartment was rented out.
- Actions: We entered into a separate agreement with the management company for tenants, so that part of the costs would be transferred to tourists (within the framework of a transparent scheme).
- Result: Overall costs for owners have decreased by approximately 20%.
Case studies show that flexible payment terms adapted to seasonal use can significantly reduce your costs.
FAQ
— As a rule, no. Usually these are commercial relations between residents and management companies. However, for major façade or infrastructure repairs, local programs may apply in some regions. It is better to check with your local mayor's office or city administration.
— The class of real estate, the reputation of the management company, the presence of a brand (a well-promoted complex by the sea) are all influences. Plus, if the developer has laid out expensive materials and maintenance in advance, the tariff will be higher.
If you have questions that are not answered in the article or FAQ, please contact a lawyer or specialists familiar with the Bulgarian law on the management of residential complexes.
Summary
The support fee is not a “tax” or an arbitrary burden, but a way to provide residents with comfortable living and maintain the infrastructure in proper condition. If you study the contract, compare prices and, if necessary, discuss new conditions with your neighbors and management company, you can control costs and enjoy the amenities that suit you.
BolgarskiyDom has been advising its clients on the purchase of real estate and its maintenance for more than 16 years. During the purchasing process with BolgarskiyDom, you will learn how the support tax is determined specifically for your home, and what steps you can take to reduce monthly and annual costs. We will tell you where to go, what clauses of the contract to check and how to act in the event of a dispute.
The more information you collect and analyze, the more confident you will feel in negotiations with the management company and when planning your budget.
