Spanish community fees (cuota de comunidad) are monthly charges for shared facilities. Apartments typically cost €50-150/month, villas €80-250/month, townhouses €40-120/month. Fees cover pool, gardens, insurance, repairs, and administration. These are mandatory and continue as long as you own the property.
Every apartment, townhouse, and villa in a Spanish residential community (urbanización or bloque) must pay monthly community fees, regardless of property size or value. These mandatory fees fund maintenance of shared facilities, insurance, repairs, and administration. For new build properties, understanding community fees is essential—they're a significant ongoing cost that often surprises international buyers. This comprehensive guide explains how community fees work, what's included, how they're determined, typical costs, and how to investigate them before buying.
What Are Community Fees & Why Are They Mandatory?
Typical Community Fee Amounts by Property Type
What's Included in Community Fees?
The Community Administration & Leadership
Extraordinary Levies (Derramas Extraordinarias)
Checking Community Fees Before You Buy
New Build Communities: Special Considerations
Community Fee Payment Methods & Default Prevention
The Bottom Line
Community fees (cuota de comunidad) are a mandatory, ongoing cost of residential property ownership in Spain. Expect €40-250/month depending on property type, location, and amenities. These fees cover administration, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and a reserve fund for major repairs. Before buying, request complete community financial documents and check the reserve fund status—a depleted reserve means extraordinary levies (special assessments) are coming. New build properties typically have low fees initially (subsidized by the developer) but expect 20-40% increases within 3-5 years when the community fully matures. Attend annual AGMs, monitor the community's financial health, and pay fees on time. Community fees are legally enforceable, and arrears can prevent you from selling. Choose properties in well-managed communities with healthy reserve funds to avoid surprise assessments and disputes.
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