How much does it cost to maintain a property in Spain? The complete guide 2025

Are you wondering how much it costs to maintain an apartment in Spain? Do you dream of your own apartment or house on the sunny coast, but you don’t know what the real costs of maintaining a property in Spain are? In this article you will find detailed information about all charges, taxes and costs awaiting property owners in Spain in 2025. Learn how much it costs to maintain a home in Spain, what are the costs of maintaining a property in Spain and what to pay attention to when planning a move to Spain.

What are the fixed costs of maintaining a property?

How much does maintaining a property in Spain cost? This question is asked by everyone considering investing in this country. The costs of maintaining an apartment in Spain include several fixed items that should be taken into account in the budget:

• Property tax (IBI) – mandatory for every owner.
• Community fee (comunidad) – charge for maintenance of common areas, such as the pool, garden, elevators or security.
• Utilities – electricity, water, gas, internet.
• Waste disposal – annual or quarterly fee.
• Property insurance – not mandatory, but recommended.

Costs of maintaining a home in Spain vary depending on location, size and standard. For example, the community fee (comunidad) in modern apartment blocks with a pool and gym can range from 300 to even 1200 euros per month. For detached houses, which are not part of a development, this fee often does not exist, but other expenses arise, e.g., for a gardener or pool service.

If you are planning to move to Spain, it is worthwhile to carefully analyze all the costs of maintaining a property in Spain to avoid surprises.

What is the IBI property tax in Spain?

One of the most important costs of maintaining a property in Spain is the property tax, i.e., IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles). How much does maintaining a property in Spain cost in terms of taxes? The IBI amount depends on the cadastral value of the property and the location and ranges on average from 0.4% to 1.1% of that value per year.

• Apartment 60 – 80 m²: IBI is usually 300 – 600 euros per year.
• House 150+ m²: IBI can be 800 – 1000 euros per year, and in the case of luxury villas with large floor area and in prestigious locations, even a few thousand euros.

IBI tax is paid once a year, most often in autumn. Delays incur interest, and before selling the property the tax must be settled. It is worth remembering that IBI is only one of the elements that make up the costs of maintaining a home in Spain.

To buy property, you need an NIE number in Spain, and sometimes also an NIF number.

What are the monthly utility costs in Spain?

Another important element that affects how much it costs to maintain an apartment in Spain is utilities. The costs of maintaining an apartment in Spain include:

• Electricity: 60 – 120 euros per month for a 2-bedroom apartment, 200 – 500 euros for a house (with heavy use of air conditioning).
• Water: 30 – 40 euros per month for an apartment, 100 – 300 euros for a house with a garden and a swimming pool.
• Gas: 20 – 40 euros per month (used rarely).
• Internet and phone: 30 – 50 euros per month.

In Spain, bundled packages (internet, phone, television) are popular, which helps optimize costs. It is worth noting that the cost of maintaining an apartment in Spain may rise in the summer season when electricity usage for air conditioning is higher.

Are there additional charges for a apartment in Spain?

How much does it cost to maintain an apartment in Spain if we add on additional charges? In addition to the fixed costs, owners must reckon with:

• waste disposal tax (basura): 80 – 180 euros per year
• property insurance: 150 – 300 euros per year for an apartment, 400 – 1000 euros for a house.
• tourist license fee: 250 – 600 euros one-time (if you plan short-term rental).
• rental income tax: 19% for EU residents (with the possibility to deduct operating costs).
• garden and pool service fees: 200 – 800 euros per month for houses with large plots.

Costs of maintaining a house in Spain are higher than the costs of maintaining an apartment in Spain, especially if the property has a garden, a pool and is located in a gated community.

Summary: how much does it cost to maintain an apartment in Spain in 2025?

In summary, how much does it cost to maintain an apartment in Spain? For an apartment of 60 – 80 m², monthly maintenance costs (rent, utilities, waste disposal, insurance) are usually 200 – 500 euros per month, plus the IBI tax paid once a year. The costs of maintaining a house in Spain are higher and can range from 600 to 1500 euros per month, if we include garden maintenance, pool service and higher utility bills.

Costs of maintaining a property in Spain are very varied, but compared to other Western European countries, maintaining an apartment in Spain is relatively affordable. Planning a move to Spain, it is worth carefully analyzing all expenses to avoid surprises.

---