Cost of owning a property in Spain 2026

Running an apartment in Spain costs on average approx. €250–350 per month, a penthouse approx. €350–500, and a villa approx. €500–900 per month. This amount is made up of IBI tax, community fees (comunidad), utilities, non-resident tax and insurance. These costs are usually lower than in many Western European countries, and often lower than in Poland too, particularly for new apartments.

This is one of the most common questions from people planning to buy an apartment or house in Spain. The level of costs depends on:

the type of property (apartment, penthouse, villa),
location,
whether the property is on an estate with a pool and garden,
whether the property is rented out.

What taxes does a property owner in Spain pay?

IBI property tax

The basic tax is IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), the equivalent of a local property tax. It is paid once a year. Average annual amounts:

apartment: approx. €200–600,
penthouse: approx. €400–900,
villa: approx. €800–1500.

The amount of IBI depends on floor area, cadastral value and the town.

Tax for non-residents

If you are not a tax resident in Spain, you must pay non-resident tax, even if you do not rent the property out. On average it is:

approx. €150–400 per year for an apartment,
approx. €300–800 per year for a villa.

If you rent out the property, the tax is calculated on the rental income.

How much are community fees (comunidad)?

Community fees are paid when you buy an apartment on an estate with a pool, garden, lift or gym. Average costs:

apartment: €70–150 per month,
premium apartment: €150–300 per month,
penthouse / large premium estates: €200–400 per month,
villa: usually no fees or low fees (if it is on an urbanización).

The fee usually covers: the pool, garden, cleaning of communal areas, the lift, security and administration.

How much do electricity, water and internet cost in Spain?

Utility costs depend on whether you live in the property all year round or only for a few months. Average bills:

electricity: €50–120 per month,
water: €20–40 per month,
internet: €20–30 per month.

If the property is used only a few times a year, the bills are very low.

How much does property insurance cost in Spain?

Insurance is not a large expense. Average costs:

apartment: €150–300 per year,
villa: €300–600 per year.

What is the total cost of owning a property in Spain?

Example annual running costs of an apartment:

Type of cost	Annual cost
IBI tax	300 €
Comunidad	1200 €
Electricity	800 €
Water	300 €
Internet	300 €
Non-resident tax	250 €
Insurance	200 €
Total	approx. €3 350 per year

That comes to around €280 per month to run an apartment. Depending on the property, the amount may be lower or higher. Average monthly running costs by type of property:

apartment: approx. €250–350,
penthouse: approx. €350–500,
villa: approx. €500–900.

Because the running costs of property in Spain are not high, many people buy an apartment as a second home or as an investment to let.

Does rental income cover the running costs?

In many cases, yes. On the Costa Blanca, short-term rental in the summer season often covers the property's annual running costs, and sometimes leaves a profit as well. That is why many people buy an apartment as a second home and rent it out to tourists for part of the year.

Examples of new apartments in Calpe on the Costa Blanca (prices do not include VAT):

Apartment 100 m from the beach: from 64.20 m², 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sea view, communal pool, balcony/terrace, from €293 000.
Apartment 600 metres from the beach: from 69.89 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, air conditioning, communal pool, balcony/terrace, from €410 000.
Beachside apartment: from 73.81 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, front-line beach location, air conditioning, communal pool, balcony/terrace, from €680 000.
Apartment in Calpe: from 112 m², 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sea view, communal pool, lift, from €901 000.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost per month to run an apartment in Spain?

On average approx. €250–350 per month. In the example calculation the annual cost is approx. €3 350, or around €280 per month.

Does a non-resident have to pay tax if they do not rent out the property?

Yes. The non-resident tax is compulsory even if you do not rent the property out, and averages approx. €150–400 per year for an apartment and approx. €300–800 per year for a villa.

How much is IBI tax in Spain?

Around €200–600 for an apartment, around €400–900 for a penthouse and around €800–1500 per year for a villa. The amount depends on floor area, cadastral value and the town, and the tax is paid once a year.

What do community fees cover?

Most often the upkeep of the pool and garden, cleaning of communal areas, the lift, security and administration. For a standard apartment this is usually €70–150 per month.

Does rental income cover the running costs of the property?

In many cases, yes. On the Costa Blanca, short-term rental in the summer season often covers the annual running costs, and sometimes brings in an additional profit.

Aria Spain sells new properties from developers on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa del Sol with no commission for the buyer. We help, in English, with obtaining an NIE number, opening a bank account, the formalities at the notary, insurance and rental management. You can go through the details during a free consultation.