What costs will you have after buying a property in Spain?

Yes. Just as in other countries, as an owner you pay certain taxes each year. The main ones are the municipal property tax (IBI) and, for non-residents, the non-resident tax (IRNR).

The exact amounts vary from one property and municipality to another.

That depends on the municipality, the location and the cadastral value of the property.

For an apartment you often pay a few hundred euros a year. For larger villas this can be higher. We can give you an indication of the annual IBI for a specific property before you buy.

Yes. Even when you keep the property purely for your own use, as a non-resident you normally pay an annual non-resident tax (IRNR).

This tax is calculated on the cadastral value of the property and stays modest for most owners.

When you let out the property, different tax rules apply. The rental income must be declared to the Spanish tax authorities. Depending on your situation, certain costs may be deductible.

We're happy to put you in touch with a specialist tax adviser who can guide you correctly.

Comunidad fees are contributions towards the upkeep of the shared parts of a residence or urbanisation. They cover things such as swimming pools, gardens, lifts, lighting, cleaning and sometimes security as well.

The level of these fees varies widely from one development to another.

That depends entirely on the facilities.

For a simple apartment block the costs can stay modest, whereas a luxury resort with several pools, wellness facilities and security calls for higher contributions. For every property, we let you know the exact costs in advance.

This depends on your consumption and the size of the property.

Those who only use the property for a few months a year generally have relatively low fixed costs. For permanent living, the costs are of course higher.

Although insurance isn't always a legal requirement, we strongly recommend it. Good insurance protects your property against damage, water damage, fire, theft and liability.

If you have a Spanish mortgage, the bank may require certain policies.

That depends on the size of the pool and the service you choose.

Many owners opt for a maintenance contract so the pool stays in perfect condition all year round. We can put you in touch with reliable local maintenance firms.

This too depends on the size of the plot and the planting.

A low-maintenance Mediterranean garden naturally requires less work than a large garden with a lawn, hedges and irrigation systems.

Yes. Many owners use their property for only a few weeks or months a year.

In that case a local manager can carry out regular checks, deal with the post and quickly flag up any problems.

With key-holding, a trusted local partner keeps a spare key to your property.

It can be used for maintenance work, checks, deliveries or emergencies when you're not there yourself.

Absolutely. Our support doesn't stop at the notary. We help you with things such as transferring water and electricity, insurance, taxes, key-holding, pool and garden maintenance, and local contacts and practical questions.

Many of our clients keep drawing on our network for years after their purchase.

That depends on the type of property and the facilities.

On the whole, many foreign owners find the fixed costs in Spain reasonable and easy to manage, especially when the property isn't lived in permanently. Throughout the buying process we always give you a clear overview of all the known annual costs.

After the purchase you receive, among other things, the notarial title deed, proof of registration and the documents needed for taxes, utilities and insurance.

We guide you through this administrative follow-up so that everything is properly arranged.