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Two units with the same price can cost very different amounts to own.
A base-price sheet tells you what the unit costs to buy. It rarely tells you what it costs to hold, run and eventually let or use. Those ongoing costs vary between projects, between formats and even between floors, so ask for them in writing before you compare.
Ask how each charge is calculated (per square foot of which area, a fixed amount, or metered), when it starts, who revises it and how often. A charge you understand is far easier to plan for than one you discover after possession.
THE USUAL ITEMS
Four groups of cost to put on one sheet
Not every project has every item. Ask which apply to the unit you are considering.
Common-area maintenance
Housekeeping, security, lifts, common lighting and upkeep, and whether the charge is based on carpet, built-up or super area.
Utilities and backup
Electricity connection and load, power backup, water and any metering or deposit arrangements for your unit.
One-time and advance charges
Advance maintenance, sinking or reserve funds, utility deposits and any fit-out or connection charges at possession.
Statutory and ownership costs
Property tax, insurance, and whether GST or other taxes apply to particular charges. Confirm with your adviser.
CHECKLIST
Questions that reveal the real running cost.
Ask for the answers in writing, with dates.
- Which area is the maintenance charge based on?
- What does the charge cover, and what is billed separately?
- When do charges start, and are any payable in advance?
- Is there a sinking or reserve fund, and how is it held?
- How are electricity, backup and water billed for the unit?
- Who revises charges, how often, and on what basis?
- Which taxes apply to which charges?
COMPARING PROJECTS
Compare the same cost lines for every option.
Put every property you are considering on one sheet with the same rows: purchase price and inclusions, one-time charges at possession, monthly or quarterly recurring charges, and statutory costs. Note the date and source of each figure.
Where a figure is an estimate, mark it as one. Where a project cannot yet give a figure, write that down too; an honest gap is more useful than a guess.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Ongoing costs buyers often ask about
General guidance. Confirm figures for the specific unit in writing.
Is maintenance included in the base price?
Usually not. Ask the team for the current cost sheet and which charges are payable at possession and afterwards.
How is the maintenance charge calculated?
It varies. Ask whether it is based on carpet, built-up or super area, or charged another way, and what it covers.
Can maintenance charges go up?
They can be revised. Ask who decides revisions, how often, and on what basis.
Who pays maintenance if I let the unit?
That depends on your lease. The owner remains responsible to the building unless the lease passes it on.
Does GST apply to maintenance?
It can apply to some charges depending on the circumstances. Ask the team how charges are billed and confirm the tax position with your adviser.
Where can I see current Delta project charges?
Ask the Delta Square team for the current cost sheet for the specific unit you are considering.
NEXT STEP
Ask for the complete cost picture.
Tell the team which project and unit you are considering, and ask for the current cost sheet with recurring and one-time charges.
