Owning a property in Spain is rewarding — but it comes with ongoing taxes and running costs that expat owners need to plan for. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay each year after you have bought.
Annual Property Taxes
IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles)
The Spanish equivalent of council tax, payable annually to your local town hall (ayuntamiento). Amounts vary by location and the cadastral value of the property — usually between €200 and €1,500 per year for typical homes. See our IBI guide for expats.
Basura (Rubbish Collection Tax)
A small annual charge for waste collection, typically €100–€300 depending on the municipality. See our basura guide.
If You Are Non-Resident: Modelo 210
Non-resident owners must file Modelo 210 annually, even if the property is not rented out — Spain charges imputed income tax on second homes. If you do rent it out, rental income is also declared via Modelo 210. See our Modelo 210 guide.
Comunidad de Propietarios Fees
If your property is in a building or development with shared facilities (pool, gardens, lifts, security), you will pay monthly or quarterly comunidad de propietarios fees. Typical ranges run from €50 to €300+ per month, depending on the development. See what comunidad covers.
Utilities
- Electricity — standing charge plus usage; expect €40–€150+ per month
- Water — standing charge plus usage; usually €15–€50 per month
- Gas (where applicable) — varies by region and usage
- Internet — €25–€50 per month for fibre
Home Insurance
While not always legally required, home insurance is strongly recommended — and often required if you have a Spanish mortgage. See our home insurance options for expats.
Maintenance and Repairs
Older Spanish properties, particularly coastal villas exposed to salt air, often need ongoing maintenance — painting, terrace repairs, pool servicing, AC servicing. Budget around 1% of property value per year as a rough rule of thumb.
Tax on Sale
When you eventually sell, you may face capital gains tax and plusvalía municipal (local property gain tax). Non-residents have specific rules to consider. Our CGT guide and plusvalía guide cover the basics.
Spanish property tax rules can change. Always check current rates with a Spanish gestor or your local town hall.