Annual Maintenance Costs of Turkish Apartments
Annual Maintenance Costs of Turkish Apartments
Owning property in Turkey means enjoying a comfortable Mediterranean lifestyle — but it also comes with regular maintenance fees and household expenses. Understanding how site fees (aidat) and utilities work will help you plan your annual property expenses accurately and avoid surprises.
Let’s break down the average annual maintenance costs for apartment owners in Turkey, including repairs, utilities, and service charges.
1. What Is “Aidat” — Monthly Site Maintenance Fee
Every residential complex in Turkey charges an aidat — a monthly fee paid by all apartment owners. It covers the common area maintenance, cleaning, security, and sometimes shared facilities.
What Aidat Includes
- Cleaning and lighting of communal areas
- Elevator maintenance
- Gardening and landscaping
- Pool cleaning and operation
- Security and CCTV systems
- Building insurance and management staff salaries
In luxury complexes, aidat may also include:
- Gym, spa, and sauna upkeep
- Concierge or reception services
- Shuttle transfers or private beach access
Note: The site management (Yönetim) determines the monthly amount through an owners’ meeting, usually held once a year.
2. Average Aidat in Different Regions
The following table shows average monthly aidat costs across different regions in Turkey:
| Location | Standard Complex | Luxury Complex |
|---|---|---|
| Alanya | €20–€50/month | €70–€150/month |
| Antalya | €25–€60/month | €80–€160/month |
| Istanbul | €40–€100/month | €150–€250/month |
So, the average annual maintenance fee for a Turkish apartment ranges from €250 to €1,800, depending on the location, size, and facilities.
3. Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Internet, Gas)
Besides site fees, every property owner pays for utilities, which vary based on usage and occupancy.
Monthly Utility Costs (Approximate)
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €25–€60 | Depends on air conditioning usage |
| Water | €10–€25 | Calculated by meter reading |
| Internet | €10–€20 | Fixed monthly plan |
| Natural Gas | €20–€50 | Heating cost in winter (mainly in Antalya/Istanbul) |
Note: For holiday homeowners, utilities are minimal during vacant months — you'll mainly pay basic service connection fees.
4. Annual Property Expenses to Expect
To maintain your apartment in good condition, plan for annual upkeep costs in addition to monthly fees.
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Site Maintenance (Aidat) | €250–€1,800 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Internet) | €400–€800 |
| Repairs and Minor Renovations | €150–€500 |
| DASK (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) | €10–€25 |
| Voluntary Home Insurance | €100–€250 |
| Property Tax | 0.1–0.2% of declared value |
Total average annual property maintenance budget: €900–€3,000.
5. Hidden or Occasional Costs
In addition to regular bills, there are occasional expenses property owners should be aware of:
- Elevator or roof repairs (shared equally among residents)
- Pool renovations or system replacements
- Painting and exterior maintenance
- Furniture replacement (for rental apartments)
Most of these are announced in advance by the site management and divided fairly among owners.
6. How Property Management Services Simplify It
Many foreign owners prefer hiring a property management company to handle all payments and supervision — especially if they live abroad.
Professional property management in Turkey includes:
- Paying aidat and utility bills on time
- Overseeing repairs and inspections
- Handling communication with site management
- Cleaning and maintenance of apartments
- Reporting expenses with full transparency
7. RestProperty — Full-Service Property Management
RestProperty, founded in 2003, is one of Turkey's leading real estate agencies, officially licensed by TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies).
The company provides comprehensive property management and maintenance services for apartment and villa owners in Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul.
What's included:
- Payment of aidat, taxes, and utilities
- Coordination of cleaning and repairs
- Annual DASK and insurance renewals
- Tenant and rental management
- Monthly financial reporting for owners abroad
With RestProperty, you can own property in Turkey worry-free — all maintenance, utilities, and legal requirements are handled professionally.
8. Tips to Reduce Maintenance Costs
Tip: Choose energy-efficient appliances — they lower electricity bills.
Tip: Opt for auto irrigation in gardens to reduce water usage.
Tip: Schedule seasonal maintenance (AC servicing, sealing, painting) — it's cheaper than emergency repairs.
Tip: Join your building's owners' WhatsApp group to stay updated on management decisions.
9. Common Mistakes Foreign Owners Make
Warning: Ignoring aidat payments — leads to legal penalties.
Warning: Relying on unlicensed caretakers for maintenance.
Warning: Forgetting annual DASK renewal.
Warning: Overlooking small leaks or electrical faults until they become costly repairs.
Partnering with a professional, TÜRSAB-licensed company like RestProperty eliminates these risks completely.
10. Key Takeaways
✓ Aidat is the main recurring cost of property ownership in Turkey.
✓ The average annual maintenance fee ranges between €900–€3,000 including utilities.
✓ Hidden expenses (repairs, renovations) should be budgeted annually.
✓ Working with RestProperty ensures transparent, legal, and stress-free property management.
Conclusion
Owning an apartment in Turkey comes with manageable and predictable maintenance expenses — far lower than in most European countries.
By understanding aidat, utility bills, and insurance costs, you can easily plan your annual property budget.
With RestProperty, all your maintenance, management, and reporting needs are handled efficiently — so you can enjoy your property without any hassle.
RestProperty — your trusted partner for property management and maintenance in Turkey.
