I’ve noticed more and more friends on the forum talking about buying property lately, so today I wanted to start a post dedicated to a topic no homeowner can avoid: community fees, or as the Spanish call it, “La Comunidad.” Many people assume it’s similar to property management fees in other countries, but there are some significant differences. It’s not just an expense; it directly affects your future living comfort and the value of your property.
What Exactly is ‘Comunidad’?
Simply put, if you buy a property in a building with multiple units, like an apartment or a townhouse, you automatically become a member of the homeowners’ association (Comunidad de Propietarios). All the owners in this community jointly own the common areas of the building, such as the stairs, elevators, facade, gardens, swimming pool, etc. The monthly community fee we pay is the fund used to maintain these common areas, and its use is decided collectively by all the owners.
What Do Community Fees Cover?
The use of this money is varied, but it primarily relates to the maintenance of common facilities. I’ve compiled a list of common expenses for your reference:
| Item | Description |
|---|
| Daily Maintenance | Cleaning of common areas, garden care, pool cleaning and disinfection |
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular inspection and repair of elevators, central heating, and water pumps |
| Utilities | Water and electricity bills for common areas |
| Building Insurance | A mandatory insurance that covers the building’s structure |
| Administration Fees | Paid if the community hires a professional property management company |
| Special Levies (Derramas) | Very important! Used for unexpected or major repairs, like renovating the facade or replacing an elevator |
The cost depends entirely on your property. Generally, the better and more extensive the facilities, the higher the fees. A high-end complex with a 24-hour doorman, heated pool, gym, and paddle tennis courts might have community fees as high as three to four hundred euros per month. In contrast, a standard apartment building with just stairs and an elevator might have monthly fees of only €50-80. My apartment in Barcelona, which has no pool, costs me €65 a month, just to give you a reference. This fee is calculated based on your property’s share (cuota de participación) in the entire community, which is specified in your property deed.
Finally, a word of advice for those preparing to buy: before signing the contract, always ask the seller or agent for the minutes of the homeowners’ association meetings from the past year! This will give you insight into the community’s financial health, reveal any outstanding debts, or show if any major, costly repairs (‘Derrama’) are planned. If the previous owner was in arrears, you might be liable for that debt after you buy the property, so be very careful to avoid this pitfall!
How much do you all pay for your monthly Comunidad? Have you encountered any bizarre expenses or major repairs? Feel free to share in the comments below to help out future buyers!
