Condominium fees

[claire tudge]

Seems our condominium fees have taken a massive hike from 150 euros to over 430 per annum plus an extra 280 euros for tarmac to the damaged walkways, I feared this when i purchased, if our agent is correct with the fees, we may have to think seriously about keeping the place on, as its getting too expensive for three weeks holiday a year, much as we love it. (Parco Flora). Although we are central, the fees dont include swimming pools etc like other condos.

[billy]

Hi Claire,
Could the extra 280 Euros not just be a one-off payment to take your payment this year only from 150 Euros up to 430 Euros? I can't see such a drastic increase in condo fees alone in one year.
I have an apartment in the Petrosa area and I also have extra money to hand over this year to go towards updating the water supply and upkeep of some of the surrounding roads. This is only a one-off payment. I have now had the apartment for six years and the annual condo fees have increased only by a minimal amount each year---nothing like the percentage increase you mention. I think,and hope,that you have nothing to worry about.
Hope this eases your mind a wee bit.
Billy.

[claire tudge]

I hope your right Billy, I think it may be a communication breakdown (if only I spoke Italian) I was expecting to pay extra for the tarmac around the appartments which didnt worry me, hoping the increase in condo fees takes this into account otherwise this is a drastic price rise, which wouldnt be so bad if things werent so damned expensive in the uk, many thanks for the reply, will no doubt find out in May

[Italy4me]

I was going to say the same as Billy, Claire.
In my experience there are one off charges every so often in any well-
managed complex.
I noticed there had been a lot of work in Parco Flora last year with the trees being lopped (their roots seemed to to be causing tarmac problems).
You should get notification of work that is going to be carried out from the condo managers as any proposed expenditure would have been discussed at the annual condo meeting.
Often there are notices posted at the entrance to the buildings too.
If you get any correspondence from them you don't understand, let me know and I will have a bash at translating for you.
Lesley

[claire tudge]

Many thanks for your reply Lesley, not sure how I would be able to get details outlining the work and costs but will look into it, it seems they are continuing to do extensive works at Parco Flora, but im glad the fees reflect needed improvements and are not just a price increase, thanks again, you have put my mind at rest. Hope the work is not due to be done whilst we are there, could be a noisy holiday

[fifi]

Hi claire we were over last month and the area was pulled apart good to see it been done, I would say it should be done for summer. Because not one car would be able to access the campus.Our fee was larger this year too. Fifi

[claire tudge]

Thanks for the reply Fifi, hope you and the family are keeping well, your right about the tarmac it needed doing badly, wish they could do the pool at the same time, wouldnt mind the extra costs, as I spend a few euros using the local hotel pools

[claire tudge]

Fifi, do you get updates regarding works at Parco Flora and the costs involved, I have no idea what they discuss in the condominium meetings, as I dont know when they are and speak enough italian to book a table and ask for the bill x

[fifi]

Not a clue as to whats going on really, although they do have the meeting in August.We have heard that they plan to re-plant the grounds with other trees, hope so purse seems to be open all the time now between here and there l.o.l.x fifi

[MarKel]

Hi Claire,

I'm going off thread a bit here, but would love to know the names of the hotels that allow you to use their pools. I thought their use would be confined to residents only. Do you only use them during July and August?
I can't swim myself, but am usually accompanied to Scalea by relatives and/or friends who would love the use of a pool.

Thanks,
Markel

[Italy4me]

Hotel Talao will let you use their pool and private beach for the day (we paid 7 euros for the day last year and got a armband thingy to wear). drinks and food on hand too if you need it.
That would have been in June/July. When it is the height of the season they may make it residents only- not sure as we have never tried it then?

There is a holiday complex on the way out of town in the direction of Santa Domenica Talao that also do something similar I believe - (Panorama family Club?)
I would have said most hotels with a pool would allow you to use the facilities for a fee if you ask nicely 8-))
Business is business after all.

[MarKel]

Thanks for that Lesley.
My sister-in-law and her children will be with me at Easter - all well able to swim. Although I suppose Easter would be a tad early in the season for the hotel pools to be open.

Regards,
Markel

[billy]

Hi Markel,
I E-Mailed the Talao Hotel today---I've stayed there a couple of times in the past---and I received a reply from Ada the daughter of the owner saying that the Hotel Pool will be open at Easter.
Ciao, Billy.

[JanetC]

Regarding pools at hotels, the San Giorgio Hotel on the S18 between Scalea and San Nicola has a very nice pool which is available to the public - cost 5 euros a person. They also have a bar and a very good restaurant.

Janet

[JanetC]

And one more item regarding the condo fees - our association meets in August (written notice is sent to all the residents about the time and place) and the minutes of the meeting is sent to all the residents in October. The minutes are in Italian but at least we have an opportunity to translate them into English (using Google Translator) - we get a general understanding of what is happening in the community. Claire, maybe you should contact the administrator of your association and ask for the minutes - it could clarify why your condo fees have increased.

Just a thought!

Janet

[MarKel]

Janet and Billy,
Thank you both so much for the information re swimming pools.
The children are aged from 4 to 12 (four of them), so I am planning a variety of activities/ venues to keep them entertained. I don't think they are expecting a Lanzarote style holiday, but driving around looking at mountain villages wouldn't be their "thing" either. Hopefully I won't hear them utter those dreaded words "I'm bored".
If anyone out there has any further suggestions, all are appreciated.
Apologies once again Claire, for hijacking this thread.
Markel

[claire tudge]

No problem Markel, I found the information useful and im happier now ive read the replies about the fees, thats why I love this forum, even when my lack of italian limits my understanding of whats going on, I can always rely on soomeone enlightening me on here, on a cheerier note, we are travelling over in July, the last time we were over, there was a boat offering trips from Scalea beach but my hubby wouldnt go, does anyone know where the boat goes and how long the trip is, as im going to insist he boards it this time.

[schiavoni]

Hello Claire
I was so shocked to read of the increase in fees at Parco Flora, thats 710 euros this
year instead of 150 euros if its a one off payment for tarmac etc that wouldn't be so bad,
but even finding that amount wont be easy as the flights from Ireland have also increased
a lot. We would hate to have to give up our appt in Parco Flora as we love it.
We use the bill paying services of Michela and Egidio but we haven't had any correspondence from them for a while I hope they are still offering this service as we have no Italian at all.Does anyone else use them?.we will be over at the beginning of May and July if anyone would like to call for a glass of vino or a coffee.We are in block F appt 2 and would love to meet some of you from the forum.

[claire tudge]

We are over from 2nd May, it would be great to meet up and share stories, we are at 16c Parco Flora, small world lol

[cool]

Hello Schiavoni,, Yes they are still working .They sent me my account details today ,so dont worry.They live in Rome now, but still handle my account no problems. Cool