Ancillary costs have become an essential part of the costs of a commercial lease and are not referred to as "second rent" for nothing. On average, ancillary costs for commercial properties in Cologne are now over €3.50/m². This is a significant increase since 2018. They include all costs incurred in addition to the basic rent for the maintenance and operation of an office, practice, or warehouse. But which items are included, and how can these costs be better tracked?
What is included in the additional costs?
The additional costs consist of various components, most of which are billed annually or monthly. These primarily include operating costs such as garbage collection, elevator, building cleaning, janitorial services, garden maintenance, heating, energy, and water costs, as well as insurance and property tax. Depending on the location of the property and the terms of the lease, the costs can vary greatly. Disposal costs and various maintenance costs may also be additional ancillary costs in the commercial sector.
Why ancillary costs are rising
In recent years, ancillary costs have risen significantly in many places. Reasons for this include higher energy prices, rising costs for services such as cleaning and maintenance, and the introduction of new fees. Tenants and landlords should therefore keep themselves well informed about developments in ancillary costs in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when the bill arrives. Inflation and higher labor costs are also driving up ancillary costs and placing an additional burden on tenants who are already suffering from rising basic rents.
How do you maintain control?
To keep ancillary costs under control, it is worth checking and documenting your own consumption on a regular basis. Taking a look at your annual ancillary cost statement also helps to identify potential errors or unnecessary expenses. It can also be useful to talk to your landlord and your employees about possible savings, for example in heating or water consumption.
Advantages of digital building technology for monitoring ancillary costs
The integration of digital building technology enables efficient monitoring and control of ancillary costs in commercial properties. IoT sensors and intelligent energy management systems enable consumption data to be recorded and analyzed in real time. This ensures greater transparency in energy, water, and maintenance costs.
In addition, deviations can be detected at an early stage and optimization potential identified, for example by automatically adjusting heating, lighting, or ventilation to actual requirements. This not only reduces operating costs but also protects the environment through the sustainable use of resources.
In the long term, digital building technology increases the profitability and attractiveness of the property and helps to increase tenant satisfaction. It is therefore an indispensable tool for modern and future-oriented property management.
Conclusion
Additional costs can be a challenge for many tenants, especially when they rise continuously. However, being informed and keeping an eye on your own consumption can help reduce the financial burden. Checking your own usage behavior is often an important first step. In the future, digital sensors with appropriate building technology and software can be evaluated and the results used to achieve corresponding savings measures.
Rising ancillary costs are placing an increasing burden on landlords and tenants and leading to higher financial burdens. At the same time, they are increasing pressure on older existing properties and their rental prices. Modern new buildings have a significantly better balance sheet in terms of ancillary costs in the long term.
