What are the costs of maintaining an apartment in Spain – is it expensive?
The dream of living in sunny Spain is often associated with relaxation, beautiful weather, and a peaceful daily life. However, before deciding to purchase an apartment or house, it’s worth understanding the details of property maintenance costs.
What are the costs of maintaining an apartment in Spain – is it expensive?
The most important fees affecting the cost of maintaining an apartment in Spain include: community fees (Comunidad), electricity and water bills, internet, property tax (I.B.I), and optionally, alarm and insurance.
The amount of these fees will depend on the location, size of the apartment, and the number and type of amenities available in our development, such as a garden, elevator, or swimming pool.
For example, community fees (Comunidad), which cover the maintenance of common areas like swimming pools, elevators, and the gardener’s or cleaner’s salary, typically range from 50 to 150 euros per month (some developments with, for instance, 5 pools, a gym, sauna, and tennis courts may have community fees exceeding €200). The payment frequency is set by the residents’ community – monthly, quarterly, or even annually.
Fees for a house in Spain are slightly different. If our property is located on a separate plot, for example, with a private pool, and we do not belong to any residents’ community, we eliminate the Comunidad fee. However, we will certainly pay a higher property tax, known as I.B.I (Impuesto Sobre Bienes Inmuebles). The cost of this tax primarily depends on the property’s location, the market value of the land, the size of the house, and even the age of the building. The average annual value of this tax ranges between 150 and 900 euros.
Cost of living in Spain – how much do I need to earn?
The answer for many may not be satisfying… It depends… just like anywhere in the world, costs depend on individual needs and lifestyle.
To ensure comfortable living conditions, including small pleasures and occasional travel, it is estimated that approximately 1600 euros per person per month is sufficient.
Water: Bills are regulated every three months and depend on the region, with an estimated cost of about 2 euros per m³.
for example:
Electricity: The cost is calculated proportionally to consumption, with an average rate of 0.2–0.25 euros per kWh, which amounts to approximately 100 euros per month per household.
Internet + phone: approximately €35 per month
Insurance: depending on the type, size, and location – from €200 annually
Alarm: for a two/three-bedroom apartment – installation from €250 + fixed fees from €40
Property maintenance costs in Spain
To the property maintenance costs, we can also add one-time fees at the purchase stage: tax, notary, and administrative fees.
It is also important to remember that without settling community fees, utility bills, and IBI tax, it will not be possible to sell the property smoothly in the future.
If you have additional questions regarding the costs of maintaining an apartment or living in Spain, please send us a message: contact
