New Buildings Mean Higher Monthly Fees for Residents

Apartment buildings, especially newer ones, come with significantly higher monthly maintenance fees compared to older structures, largely due to the increased number of systems and amenities requiring upkeep. While a simple, older building might cost residents between 100-200 shekels per month for upkeep, new buildings often include elevators, underground parking, advanced security systems, landscaping, and more complex shared spaces. These additions necessitate service contracts, regular inspections, and higher electricity consumption.

A report by the Ministry of Construction and Housing indicated that a new eight-story building had annual maintenance costs of approximately 160,000 shekels, compared to about 90,000 shekels for an older building of the same size. These costs are attributed to elevators, various systems, cleaning, gardening, electricity, water, insurance, and management fees. The article emphasizes that these costs are not arbitrary but directly linked to the number and complexity of systems that need to be operated and maintained.

Factors like the number of apartments in a building also influence individual costs. Larger buildings with more units can distribute shared expenses, potentially lowering the cost per apartment, even if the overall building maintenance cost is higher. Amenities such as gyms and swimming pools add further expenses for maintenance, cleaning, equipment upkeep, and utilities. A 24/7 doorman service is particularly costly, often requiring multiple staff members and adding hundreds of shekels per month per apartment.

For potential buyers, these monthly fees can add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of shekels over the years. For renters, high maintenance fees can make a seemingly cheaper apartment more expensive overall. The article advises prospective residents, whether buyers or renters, to inquire about the exact breakdown of monthly fees, the number of apartments sharing the costs, the types of systems and amenities maintained, and any expected future increases before committing to a property.