Essential insights into the costs of maintaining a house or apartment in Spain, including taxes, utilities, community fees, and rental management.

Real Estate Tax IBI

IBI, or Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, is the primary local tax collected annually by the town hall.
Its amount depends on the cadastral value of the property and its location.
For an average apartment on the Costa Blanca, the rate ranges from 300 to 800 euros annually.
The tax is mandatory for all property owners, regardless of whether they are residents or not.

Community Fees and Utilities

Property owners in urbanizations or multi-family buildings pay monthly community fees (gastos de comunidad).
These cover the upkeep of common areas such as pools, gardens, lighting, and cleaning.
The typical fee ranges from 40 to 150 euros per month, depending on amenities.

Additionally, utility bills include:
Electricity costing an average of 50 to 100 euros per month,
Water at 20–40 euros every two months,
Internet around 30–50 euros monthly,
Gas (if applicable) – variable cost, dependent on the provider and heating method.

Insurance and Maintenance

Property insurance in Spain is not mandatory but highly recommended.
The average annual policy costs between 150–300 euros, depending on the property's value and coverage.
Standard insurance includes fire, flooding, theft, and liability.
Additional running costs may include air conditioning repairs, appliance replacements, or minor renovations, which can range from 200 to 1,000 euros annually.

Property Care and Rental Management

Owners living outside Spain often use property care companies.
The scope of these services includes regular inspections, airing, cleaning, guest services, and emergency response.
Prices start at approximately 50 euros monthly but vary based on location and scope of tasks.
If you plan for short-term rental, obtaining a tourist license, paying income taxes, and ensuring adequate insurance are required.
Rental management companies typically charge a commission of 15–25 percent of rental income.

Monthly Maintenance Costs

The total monthly maintenance cost for a two-bedroom apartment on the Costa Blanca averages between 250 to 350 euros.
This amount covers community fees, utilities, insurance, and basic maintenance.
It's also important to remember the non-resident property income tax, which for EU owners is about 19 percent of the deemed fictional income.
Regular tax payments, maintaining the property's condition, and appropriate insurance ensure peace of mind and investment security.