I am considering buying an apartment. I have narrowed down to 2 properties. 1 is very nice, new, is in a block of about 20 units, along the way to a slum area in nairobi and service charge is 7k pm. The other is in a better location i would say (though they are about 5km apart), is more spacious,not so good finishes, (in my view so far)bad management company as poor job of cleanign and general tidiness, 80 units, service charge 5k pm. This latter one has been valued higher than the other though they are being sold for same price. I will be living there so either is fine for now. Can someone with some real estate buying experience offer some solid advice to the unschooled like me? How much sway would i hold with a management company if i feel they are stealing from me because of the service charge am paying without seeing real quality/commensurate service offering?

oak * ridge* apartments naivasha road sunning* hill* apartment mbaazi ave

I thought that as an owner you will be a director in the management Co.Then management Co signs contract with various providers i.e security,garbage etc..and employs caretaker to oversee that service is being provided..if services are poor,providers are replaced?