Hi everyone, I’ve been a lurker here for a while and just got my VPO in Madrid. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I finally have my own place. On the other, the various fees are starting to pile up, especially the community fees, which I’m a bit confused about. So, I’m starting this thread to discuss community fees and to give a heads-up to others who are applying.
Are VPO Community Fees Different from Those for Private Housing?
Many people think that once they get social housing, they’re all set. That’s not the case. Just like with private properties, if you live in a comunidad (community of owners), you can’t avoid the community fees. This money is primarily used for the maintenance of common areas, such as:
- Elevator operation and maintenance
- Cleaning of hallways and main entrances
- Upkeep of communal gardens
- Maintenance of the swimming pool
- Salary for the building administrator/concierge
In theory, the community fees for a VPO should be cheaper than for a private property in the same area, as the construction standards and amenities are usually less luxurious. However, this isn’t always true. It really depends on the specific details of your community.
How Much Are the Community Fees Exactly?
There’s really no standard price; the variation is huge! I’ve asked around, and for VPO properties in the same Madrid region, some friends pay around €40 a month, while others pay nearly €100. Many factors affect the cost, such as the size of the community, the age of the building, whether there’s an elevator, a pool, a garden, and so on. The better and newer the amenities, the higher the fees. I’ve compiled a table with some general estimates based on what I’ve learned, for your reference:
| Community Amenities | Approximate Monthly Fee (€) |
|---|
| Stairs only, basic cleaning | 30 - 50 |
| With elevator, concierge | 60 - 90 |
| With elevator, pool, garden | 80 - 120+ |
It’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate. In cities like Barcelona or Bilbao, the prices for community fees may be different. The best way to find out the exact cost is to ask the community administrator or your future neighbors for a recent bill before you move in. That’s the most accurate method. Don’t just assume the cost, or you might find yourself in a tough situation when you realize the fees are much higher than you expected.
While a VPO can save you a significant amount on the purchase price, you still need to do your homework on the running costs, especially the community fees. I hope my experience helps, and I welcome anyone who has already moved in to share their community fee situation. It would really help us newbies know what to expect! Thanks, everyone
!
