Find out exactly what the management company's responsibilties are before buying. Is it only the landscaping or as gipimann says are they responsible for lighting, road maintenance, bins, etc. etc. You're right, the costs could really escalate, the directors of the management co. will decide anually what the service charge is and how it is to be spent. Yes you could find yourself contributing to the maintenance of the apartments but they should have their own service charges with entirely separate maintenance costs. They should, but sometimes they don't. Check that out too. Most residents associations charge €100 annually for grass cutting and maintenance so €500 is high and the difference with a management co. is that you're legally bound to pay it.