Service charges and maintenance fees in Hurghada: what to check before buying
The listing price is not the full cost of ownership. Ask for the current property-specific schedule, inclusions, billing frequency and the seller’s stated paid-through date.
Quick answer
The listing price is not the full cost of ownership. Hurghada developments may use recurring service charges, one-off maintenance deposits, amenity fees or separate operating costs.
Do not rely on a single “typical market percentage.” Ask for the current schedule for the exact unit or development, what is included, how often it is charged, and the seller’s stated paid-through date.
1. What to ask
Use the same questions for every shortlisted property.
Recipient and type
Who receives the charge, and is it one-off or recurring?
Calculation and frequency
How is it calculated and how often is it billed?
Included and excluded
Which services and amenities are included, and what is separate?
Current evidence
Is there a current invoice or fee schedule for this unit or development?
Payment status
To what date has the owner paid, are arrears disclosed, and has the fee changed?
2. What may be included
Common-area cleaning, landscaping, pools, security, lighting, lifts and technical maintenance are often mentioned by sellers, but the exact package is property-specific. Verify the written list.
3. What may be separate
Electricity, water, internet, in-unit AC servicing, repairs, appliance replacement and other personal consumption costs may be outside the development service charge.
4. Compare full running cost
For two shortlisted properties, compare the same cost fields rather than asking price alone.
| Item | Property A | Property B |
|---|---|---|
| Asking price | Record | Record |
| Recurring charge and frequency | Record | Record |
| One-off maintenance deposit | Record | Record |
| Mandatory extras | Record | Record |
| Likely repairs and equipment | Estimate | Estimate |
| Utilities | Clarify | Clarify |
5. Resale and new build
For a resale, ask for recent evidence of the current fee level where available. Record the seller’s stated paid-through date and any disclosed arrears, then verify before settlement.
For a new build, check whether the service charge is already fixed or only estimated. If the project is incomplete, future facilities and operating costs may differ from marketing material.
Red flags
Request clearer written information when costs cannot be tied to the exact property.
Vague percentage
Only an “about X%” answer with no current structure.
Unclear frequency
It is not clear whether the charge is annual or one-off.
Amenities without costs
Advertised amenities have no explanation of operating cost.
No paid-through status
A resale has no clear current payment status.
Mandatory extras obscured
A low asking price masks large required costs.
Nabiora links
Compare current listings first, then verify the running costs for each exact property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one standard service charge in Hurghada?
No. Structures vary by development and property.
Can I compare percentages from different listings?
Only if you know the calculation base and included services.
Does a low service charge mean a better deal?
Not necessarily. Compare what you receive and the full ownership cost.
Current Property on Nabiora
Sources & Editorial Method
Current Marketplace listings and a practical comparison checklist
Current listings support comparison of asking price, advertised amenities and property-specific running-cost information.