The condominium summary sheet (fiche synthetique de copropriete) is a one-to-two-page document that summarises the essential financial and technical data of a condominium building. Made mandatory by the loi Alur of 2014, it is the first diagnostic tool every buyer should consult before committing to a unit in Paris.
Introduction
In Paris, where over 85% of housing is in condominiums, the summary sheet is a document you will encounter systematically when making a purchase. In 2026, with average charges ranging between 40 and 80 euros per square metre per year depending on the building, understanding a condominium’s financial health before signing is not a luxury, it is a necessity. As a property hunter in Paris, I analyse this document for each of my clients before even confirming a first viewing.
Contents
- What is the condominium summary sheet?
- What the summary sheet contains
- Why read it before signing the preliminary agreement
- Warning signs to spot
- How to obtain the summary sheet
- FAQ
What is the condominium summary sheet? {#quest-ce-que-la-fiche-synthetique}
The condominium summary sheet is a standardised document created by the loi Alur of 24 March 2014. It brings together on one to two pages the main financial, technical and administrative information of a condominium. Its purpose is to allow any potential buyer to quickly assess a building’s situation without having to sift through the complete general meeting minutes.
In practice, this document functions as a simplified health check for the condominium. It complements the other mandatory documents you will receive before signing the preliminary sales agreement, including the condominium rules, the last three general meeting minutes and the maintenance log.
The property manager is required to prepare it and update it every year. Failure to do so exposes the manager to contractual liability vis-a-vis the co-owners’ association.
What the summary sheet contains {#contenu-fiche-synthetique}
The summary sheet covers several categories of information essential to the buyer.
Building identification. Building address, date of construction, number of main and secondary units, number of buildings. In Paris, a typical Haussmann-era building in the 9th arrondissement averages 15 to 25 main units.
Administrative organisation. Name and contact details of the current property manager, date of the last general meeting, whether a condominium board exists. The absence of a condominium board in a Parisian building with more than 10 units is a warning sign about the building’s governance.
Financial data. This is the most strategic section for the buyer. The sheet indicates the voted estimated budget, the current charges by category, any voted works not yet called, and crucially the amount of unpaid charges. In 2026 in Paris, a healthy estimated budget for a 20-unit building typically ranges between 80,000 and 150,000 euros per year, depending on whether there is a caretaker and a lift.
Technical data. The document mentions works carried out over the last three years, whether a comprehensive technical assessment (DTG) exists, and the building’s position regarding the collective EPC. A Parisian building rated F or G on the collective EPC faces mandatory energy renovation works that can represent 15,000 to 30,000 euros per unit.
Seller debts. The sheet specifies whether the unit seller is up to date with their charges. This point is fundamental because if there are arrears, the buyer may end up in a financially weakened condominium.
Why read it before signing the preliminary agreement {#lire-avant-compromis}
The summary sheet should be consulted as early as possible in the purchase process, ideally before even making an offer. Here is why.
It allows you to anticipate the true cost of acquisition. Condominium charges represent a significant recurring expense. A unit in a building with a caretaker, lift and collective heating in the 16th arrondissement can generate 5,000 to 8,000 euros in annual charges. This amount must be factored into your financing plan.
It reveals upcoming works. If the general meeting voted a facade renovation estimated at 200,000 euros for a 20-unit building, each co-owner will contribute according to their share. For a unit representing 50/1,000ths, that means an additional 10,000 euros.
It flags disputes. Significant arrears or ongoing legal proceedings may indicate a condominium in difficulty. In Paris, approximately 15% of condominiums have an arrears rate exceeding 10% of the estimated budget.
At Home Select, our property hunters systematically request the summary sheet from the seller or their agent before confirming a viewing. Over more than 1,200 mandates completed since 2011, this practice has allowed us to rule out numerous properties whose condominium presented financial risks not apparent during the viewing.
Warning signs to spot {#signaux-alerte}
Certain elements of the summary sheet should immediately catch your attention.
Unpaid charges exceeding 25% of the estimated budget. This threshold is recognised by professionals as an indicator of a fragile condominium. Beyond 33%, the situation is considered concerning and may justify alerting the judicial court.
Absence of a works fund. Since the loi Alur, condominiums with more than 10 units must establish a works fund funded at a minimum of 5% of the annual estimated budget. Its absence signals non-compliance with the law or a recently formed condominium.
Voted works without funding. If significant works have been voted but no levy calls have been issued, you need to understand why. The delay may indicate financial difficulties or disagreements among co-owners.
Frequent changes of property manager. More than two changes of property manager in five years may reveal governance conflicts or chronic dissatisfaction.
Collective EPC rated E, F or G. The building will be subject to energy renovation obligations in the coming years, with an average estimated cost of 200 to 500 euros per square metre of common area to be renovated.
How to obtain the summary sheet {#comment-obtenir}
Several avenues provide access to the summary sheet.
Via the seller. This is the main route. The seller must provide the summary sheet among the documents appended to the preliminary sales agreement, in accordance with Article L721-2 of the Construction and Housing Code. In practice, it is preferable to request it before signing.
Via the property manager. Any co-owner may request the summary sheet from their property manager. The manager has one month to provide it. In 2026, most Parisian property managers make this document available on their extranet.
Via the estate agent. If the property is marketed by an agency, they should be able to provide you with the summary sheet. A refusal or delay in providing it is a negative signal.
As a property hunter, I always recommend that my clients never make an offer without first reviewing the summary sheet, the maintenance log and the last three general meeting minutes. These three documents form the essential triptych for evaluating a Parisian condominium.
If you would like support in analysing these documents and in your Paris apartment search, our property hunters are at your disposal. Contact us for a no-obligation initial conversation.
FAQ {#faq}
Is the summary sheet mandatory when selling a condominium unit?
Yes. Since the loi Alur of 2014, the property manager must prepare and update the summary sheet every year. The seller must provide it to the buyer before signing the preliminary sales agreement.
Who prepares the condominium summary sheet?
The property manager (syndic) is responsible for preparing and annually updating the summary sheet. In the event of a failure to do so, the condominium board or any co-owner may formally demand that they produce it.
What should you do if the summary sheet reveals significant debts?
Unpaid charges exceeding 25% of the estimated budget constitute a warning sign. It is advisable to request the details of the debtor units, check whether collection proceedings are underway, and negotiate the price accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the summary sheet mandatory when selling a condominium unit?
Yes. Since the loi Alur of 2014, the property manager must prepare and update the summary sheet every year. The seller must provide it to the buyer before signing the preliminary sales agreement.
Who prepares the condominium summary sheet?
The property manager (syndic) is responsible for preparing and annually updating the summary sheet. In the event of a failure to do so, the condominium board or any co-owner may formally demand that they produce it.
What should you do if the summary sheet reveals significant debts?
Unpaid charges exceeding 25% of the estimated budget constitute a warning sign. It is advisable to request the details of the debtor units, check whether collection proceedings are underway, and negotiate the price accordingly.
