In this case, we will take as a reference an apartment priced at around €400,000 and a villa at approximately €600,000.

Community Fees

Advantages of Being Part of a Community

Being part of a homeowners' community offers several benefits, such as:

• Shared Maintenance: The community takes care of common areas, reducing the individual burden on property owners.

• Increased Security: Many communities have private security, surveillance cameras, and controlled access.

• Access to Exclusive Facilities: Pools, gyms, playgrounds, and other amenities that would be significantly more expensive if privately owned.

• Better Property Preservation: Communities often have regulations to maintain aesthetics and property value.

• Shared Costs: Expenses are distributed among all residents, making high-quality services more affordable.

Apartments

Apartments always have community fees, which can vary significantly depending on the number of residents and the services provided. Factors influencing costs include:

• Community pool (indoor, outdoor, heated, etc.)

• Green areas and landscaping

• Spa and wellness facilities (sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath)

• Security personnel and surveillance

• Maintenance of elevators and common areas

To optimize costs, developers often design pools with dimensions that do not require a lifeguard. Green areas typically feature native, low-maintenance plants, and in some cases, artificial grass is used to reduce irrigation and gardening expenses.

Villas

Villas do not always have community fees. Some may be part of residential complexes with shared services such as security, landscaping, or a communal pool, which involves a community fee. However, independent properties can minimize these costs or allow owners to manage them directly.

Let's Talk Numbers

New-build properties usually come with gardens and a pool. If the pool is not heated and there are no additional amenities such as a sauna or jacuzzi, community fees tend to be around €80 per month. If more services are included, costs may rise to around €120 per month, depending on the individual coefficient assigned to each home.

If a villa is not part of a community, there will still be some maintenance costs. Unless you handle it yourself, hiring someone for pool and garden maintenance typically costs around €100 per month.

Taxes

Property Tax (IBI)

The IBI is a municipal tax that varies depending on the property's location. As a reference:

• Apartments: Average of €400 per year

• Villas: Average of €800 per year

It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and some municipalities may have IBI as low as €200 or exceed €1,000.

Waste Collection Tax

The cost of waste collection tax also depends on the municipality. It is generally lower in cities and slightly higher in suburban or remote areas. Typically, costs range between €60 and €130 per year, paid semi-annually or included in the water bill.

Utilities

New-build properties in Costa Blanca generally have A or B energy certifications, which significantly reduce energy consumption. However, electricity and water expenses vary depending on the property’s characteristics:

Apartments:

• Electricity: Average of €50/month

• Water: Average of €30/month (billed quarterly)

Villas:

• Electricity: Average of €80/month (may increase if there is a pool, especially a heated one)

• Water: Around €60/month, depending on the garden’s vegetation and irrigation system

Other Optional Expenses

• Alarm System: Monthly fees range between €30 and €50, depending on the provider and services included.

• Internet and TV: Costs vary by provider but typically range from €30 to €70 per month.

Conclusion

Maintaining a new-build property in Costa Blanca is relatively affordable, thanks to its energy efficiency and optimized community service design. When purchasing a home, it is advisable to consider not only the property price but also the recurring maintenance expenses to make an informed decision.

If you are looking for a home in Costa Blanca and need personalized advice, Gestalihome will be happy to help you find the best option for you.