Anyone considering buying an apartment, townhouse, or property within a residential complex on the Costa del Sol will quickly come across the term community fees, or gastos de comunidad. For many international buyers, particularly those new to Spain, this can be an unfamiliar concept — and one that often raises important questions.
In this article, Keith from Target Property Spain explains what community fees are, what they cover, how much they typically cost, and what buyers should check before committing to a purchase.
What Are Community Fees?
Community fees apply to properties that form part of a shared residential community. This includes most apartments and townhouses, and in some cases villas where there are shared facilities or communal infrastructure.
For buyers familiar with property ownership in the United States, community fees are very similar to HOA (Home Owners Association) fees. For many European and international buyers, however, they are a completely new concept.
In simple terms, community fees cover the maintenance and upkeep of all shared areas within the boundaries of the community — everything outside the private living space but inside the complex itself.
What Do Community Fees Cover?
Community fees are used to pay for services and facilities shared by all residents. These typically include:
- Cleaning and maintenance of swimming pools
- Lift and elevator maintenance
- Gardeners and landscaping
- Communal area cleaning
- Building insurance
- Security services, where applicable
- Maintenance of shared amenities such as tennis courts or gyms
The more extensive the communal facilities, the higher the associated costs are likely to be.
How Much Are Community Fees on the Costa del Sol?
There is no single answer to this, as community fees vary significantly from one development to another.
At the lower end, fees can be as little as €50 per month in modest complexes with limited shared amenities. At the other extreme, luxury developments — particularly in high-end areas of Marbella — can exceed €1,000 per month, especially where there are heated pools, 24-hour security, extensive landscaping, and concierge-style services.
Two main factors determine the cost:
- The level of amenities within the community
Developments with more facilities naturally cost more to maintain. - The number of properties sharing the costs
Lower-density, more exclusive communities may offer greater privacy but often result in higher fees per owner.
How Are Community Fees Decided?
Community fees are not arbitrary. Each community holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), where owners review budgets, discuss expenses, and vote on financial decisions.
Property owners are entitled to attend these meetings and take part in decisions about the running of the community, although involvement is entirely optional.
Why Community Due Diligence Matters
As part of the conveyancing process, a buyer’s lawyer will request copies of the community accounts and the minutes from recent AGMs. This ensures that the buyer is purchasing into a financially stable and well-managed community.
This step is crucial, as it can highlight potential issues such as outstanding debts, mismanagement, or upcoming major expenses.
Reserve Funds and Unexpected Costs
One commonly overlooked aspect of community ownership is periodic maintenance. Over time, communities may need to repaint buildings, re-tile swimming pools, or carry out significant repairs.
If a community does not have a sufficient reserve fund, owners may be asked to contribute additional payments to cover these costs. For this reason, buyers should always ask their lawyer to confirm whether a reserve fund exists and whether it is adequately funded.
Final Thoughts
Community fees are a normal and essential part of owning property within a residential complex on the Costa del Sol. When understood properly, they ensure shared spaces are well maintained and that the value of the development is protected.
With the right legal checks in place and a clear understanding of what the fees cover, buyers can proceed with confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises.
For more practical advice on buying property in Mijas Costa and across the Costa del Sol, contact us today.