Does anyone have experience of Chauffage Collectiv, where there is one heating source in an apartment block and everyone pays equally? I have seen several apartments which I am interested in buying but I have never come across this idea before. If anyone has experience could you let me know if it is a good idea or not. It seems to me someone who doesn't use a lot o heating could be paying for other people, but maybe it doesn't work that way?
it's very common, you need to look at the charges that you'll be paying not only for heating but for maintenance etc., they can be extremely high. Good thing is that the block is (usually) kept heated and maintained and you have nothing to worry about ;-)