Ownership & running costs FAQs
What it typically costs to own a property in Spain each year, including local taxes and community fees.
What are the yearly costs of owning property in Spain?
Owning a property in Spain comes with annual running costs, even if the property is not rented out or if you haven’t been there.
The main costs usually include local property tax (IBI), community fees if the property is part of an urbanisation, home insurance and utilities. Depending on the property type, you may also have maintenance costs such as pool or garden services.
If you are a non-resident, you may also need to pay an annual non-resident property tax declaration. Your total yearly costs will depend on the location, property size and whether the home is part of a community.
What is IBI tax in Spain?
IBI is the annual local property tax in Spain, similar to council tax. It is paid to the town hall and is charged every year by the registered owner.
The amount depends on the property’s cadastral value and the municipality. It is a standard yearly cost and one of the main taxes you should expect as a property owner in Spain.
What are community fees in Spain?
Community fees are annual or quarterly fees paid by owners in apartments, gated communities and urbanisations.
These fees cover the maintenance and running costs of shared areas such as gardens, swimming pools, lifts, security, lighting and general upkeep.
The amount varies depending on the community and the facilities offered. Before buying, it is important to confirm the exact community fee and whether there are any outstanding payments linked to the property.
