Thin Maintenance Reserve (Instandhaltungsrücklage)
What does it mean?
The building's maintenance reserve is low relative to the number of units. A thin reserve is the strongest predictor of a future Sonderumlage (special assessment) — when a big repair (roof, facade, heating, pipes) lands, owners are billed directly because the fund can't cover it. Your share follows your Miteigentumsanteil.
Is this a problem when buying?
Something to clarify before buying. Not an automatic deal-breaker, but worth checking.
What you should do as a buyer
Ask the Verwalter for the reserve's development over several years and the maintenance plan. Budget for a possible Sonderumlage and factor it into your offer.
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