CONDO FEES: Here’s what you need to know

CONDO FEES: Here’s what you need to know

Condos have become the home of choice for urban dwellers, as first-time buyers and increasingly, move-up
buyers seek affordability and liveability. In fact, a recent RE/MAX report reveals that condominium
apartments and townhomes now account for 37 per cent of residential sales in the Greater Toronto Area.
In fact, condos were the only property segment to make gains throughout the 2017 housing market
correction. What’s driving the trend

Affordability is a big factor behind the boost in condo living, but it’s certainly not the only one. Condo living 

comes with many other benefits, including urban conveniences, public transit, employment and 

entertainment close to home, as well as a lock-n-leave lifestyle for when life takes you further abroad. 

Part of the package, is condo fees. What exactly are condo fees, how are they calculated, and what do 

they cover? Here’s what you need to know.

Every condo owner pays a regular, non-negotiable condo fee. This fee is calculated based on your share

of the condo building – the larger your unit, the greater your fee. This fee is adjusted annually based on

the condo’s operating budget.

Your condo fees are divided into three main categories: utilities, common areas and the reserve fund. 

Let’s take a closer look.

A chunk of your condo fee goes to utilities such as water, hydro and sometimes heat – but this isn’t always

the case. Most brand-new condominiums are now being built with individual heat pumps that are controlled 

by, and paid for by individual owners. Make sure you’re clear on your condo fees before you buy.

We’ve already mentioned that condo ownership means less maintenance on your to-do list. But 

somebody’s gotta do it, right? Your condo fees cover that expense as well.

And remember those awesome amenities that your family and friends come over to use? You have to 

contribute to their upkeep. The more amenities your condo has, the higher your condo fees will be. 

Think pool, gym, hobby rooms, sports courts, an in-house theatre, indoor and outdoor areas. Ask yourself 

if you’re going to actually use all of the amenities offered by your condo, because you’ll be paying for them.

Condo fees also pay for snow and garbage removal, cleaning and minor repairs of common areas, exterior

window washing and the like.

A portion of your condo fee is set aside in a reserve fund, which every condo board must maintain as a 

savings account for big-ticket items that inevitably arise. A roof replacement can cost upwards of half a 

million dollars, so this fund is essential.

Then there’s the Special Assessment. In the case that the reserve fund doesn’t quite cover the bill, each
condo owner will be required to pitch in their proportionate amount to cover the cost.

If you’re considering condo ownership, make sure you incorporate the condo fee into your budget. Make 

sure to leave a buffer in case your condo fees increase, which tends to happen as condos age. Any 

increases are at the discretion of the condo board.

Before you make an offer, get a copy of the condo’s status certificate, which contains important info about 

the condo’s financial status. Review it and make sure you understand it. The document will include things

like the condo’s budget, any legal matters the condo may be facing, information about the reserve fund, 

current maintenance fees and whether any increases are planned in the near future.

The fee for the status certificate? $100. The information? Potentially worth a great deal more to your 

investment.

Courtesy of RE/MAX Commercial 

Gelderman.ca Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty

www.gelderman.ca

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