Society Maintenance Cost Calculator
Calculate the true monthly cost of owning a flat beyond EMI. Include maintenance, property tax, parking, sinking fund, and all hidden charges.
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Rs 9,967
Total Monthly Cost (Beyond EMI)
Rs 9.97/sq ft
Your maintenance costs are around the city average. This is normal.
Yearly Total
Rs 1.20 L
10-Year Projection
Rs 16.5 L
Expected Yearly Increase
7%
Cost per Sq Ft
Rs 9.97
⚖ City Benchmark Comparison
📊 Cost Breakdown
📈 10-Year Cost Projection
📋 Detailed Cost Breakdown
How to Use the Society Maintenance Calculator
- Enter Flat Size: Input your carpet area or super built-up area in square feet.
- Select City: Choose your city for accurate benchmark comparisons.
- Add Monthly Maintenance: Enter the amount charged by your society every month.
- Include Property Tax: Add your annual property tax (municipal tax).
- Add Other Charges: Include parking, sinking fund, club membership, water charges, and insurance.
- Review Results: See your total monthly cost, cost per sq ft, and how it compares to city benchmarks.
Understanding Society Maintenance Costs
What's Included in Maintenance?
Society maintenance typically covers:
- Common Area Electricity: Lighting, lifts, pumps, common AC
- Security: Guards, CCTV maintenance
- Housekeeping: Cleaning of common areas, lobbies, stairs
- Lift Maintenance: AMC for lifts
- Generator: Fuel and maintenance (often separate)
- Gardening: Landscaping and maintenance
- Pest Control: Regular treatment of common areas
- Administration: Society staff salaries, office expenses
What is Sinking Fund?
Sinking fund is a reserve fund collected to cover major repairs and replacements that will be needed in the future:
- Lift replacement (every 15-20 years)
- Waterproofing of terraces and walls
- Major plumbing repairs
- Painting of building exterior
- Structural repairs
As per Maharashtra law, societies must collect at least 0.25% of the property cost annually as sinking fund.
Why Property Tax Matters
Property tax is often forgotten when calculating ownership costs. In metro cities:
- Mumbai: 0.5-1% of property value annually
- Bangalore: 0.2-0.5% of property value
- Delhi: 0.3-0.5% of property value
Typical Maintenance Benchmarks
Per square foot maintenance costs vary by city:
- Mumbai: Rs 4-15/sq ft (Premium societies can go up to Rs 20+)
- Bangalore: Rs 3-12/sq ft
- Delhi NCR: Rs 3-12/sq ft
- Pune/Hyderabad: Rs 2-10/sq ft
- Tier-2 Cities: Rs 1.5-6/sq ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in society maintenance charges?
Society maintenance typically includes: common area electricity, security guards, lift maintenance, water supply (tank cleaning, motor maintenance), gardening, garbage collection, pest control, and general upkeep of common areas. It usually doesn't include individual flat electricity, water, or gas bills.
What is a sinking fund?
A sinking fund is a reserve fund collected by housing societies to cover major repairs and replacements in the future, such as lift replacement, waterproofing, and structural repairs. It's typically 0.25% to 0.5% of the property cost collected annually. This fund ensures the society doesn't have to collect large sums suddenly when major repairs are needed.
What is a good maintenance cost per sq ft?
Maintenance cost varies by city and amenities. For standard societies: Mumbai Rs 4-8/sqft, Bangalore/Delhi Rs 3-6/sqft, Tier-2 cities Rs 2-4/sqft. Premium societies with swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses can charge Rs 10-20/sqft. Compare with similar societies in your area.
Can I avoid paying maintenance if I don't use amenities?
No. Maintenance is mandatory as per society bylaws. Even if you don't use the gym or pool, you benefit from security, cleaning, lift maintenance, and common area upkeep. Courts have consistently upheld that maintenance must be paid by all members.
Why does maintenance increase every year?
Maintenance increases due to inflation in wages (security, housekeeping), electricity costs, equipment maintenance costs, and additional services. Typical annual increase is 5-10%. Well-managed societies keep increases to 5-7%.
Is parking included in maintenance?
Varies by society. Some include one parking spot in base maintenance, others charge separately. Visitor parking and additional car parking are usually extra. Check your society bylaws for specific rules.