One of the most common mistakes when buying an apartment is that buyers call subscription, metering, and connection the same thing. In fact, these are three completely different processes, and all of them are associated with additional costs.

What is connection?

Connection means that the apartment has an internal communications network, but this does not mean that it is connected to the general system. For example:

• Electricity - there may be wires in the apartment, but if the subscriber is not registered and the meter is installed, the apartment will not be supplied with electricity;
• Gas - there may be gas pipes in the apartment, but if it is not connected to the mains and the meter is not installed, you will not have gas in the apartment;
• Water - there may be pipes, but if the apartment is not connected to the central water supply system and metered, you will not have water.

Networking = internal wiring only. This does not mean that you already have the service!

What is a subscription?

Subscription means that the apartment already has an officially registered user and is connected to the central utility system. This includes:

• Registration with the electricity supply company;
• Connection to the gas network;
• Connection to the water supply network.

If the apartment is subscribed, this means that the user can use the services and pay the bill.

What is metering?

Metering means that the apartment has an individual meter that controls the consumption of natural gas, electricity and water.

Without metering, the consumer cannot pay utility bills and use services.

Meter installation is associated with costs, and some companies do not take this into account in the price of the apartment.

How does this affect the buyer?

If the price of the apartment includes only the connection, this means that all other processes are the responsibility of the consumer. That is, after purchasing the apartment, the buyer will have to:

• Go through the subscription procedures (for various services);
• Pay the necessary costs for metering;
• Deal with the bureaucratic side of the process, which sometimes lasts up to 2-4 months.

On the other hand, if the price of the apartment already includes the subscription and metering, the buyer will not have additional financial and time costs, which contributes to a faster move-in.

How to avoid additional costs and problems?

• Always ask what the price of the apartment includes – only the wiring, or also the subscription and metering;
• Require that these details be specifically indicated in the contract;
• Do not trust verbal promises – check how this issue is resolved in completed projects;
• If the price of the apartment is suspiciously low, there is a high chance that the subscription and metering will be considered an additional expense.

Having the right information when buying an apartment will save you from additional costs and problems. Therefore, you should not make a decision based only on the price per square meter — clarify all the details so that moving in is faster and easier.