▷ Real Costs of Owning a Home by the Sea in Spain

How Much Does It Really Cost to Maintain a Seaside Apartment in Spain?

If you think buying a flat on the Costa Blanca is the whole story — well, take a seat. Let us walk you through the real ongoing costs of owning property in Spain once you've got the keys and posted that first beach-view photo.

Property Tax (IBI) – like your local service charge, but a tax Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI) is an annual property tax that every property owner must pay. The amount depends on the cadastral value, but in Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja, it usually ranges from 150 to 400 euros per year. For a 70–80 m² apartment, expect around 200 euros. Popular searches: "property tax in Spain", "how much is IBI in Torrevieja", "property tax Costa Blanca".
Basura – waste collection on schedule This is a separate annual fee for rubbish collection. The amounts are modest, but payment is mandatory: typically between 60 and 90 euros per year. Ignore it, and you’ll start receiving those charming official Spanish letters.
Utilities: water, electricity, and a bit of patience Water: around 20–30 euros per month if occupied. If unoccupied, only a minimal standing charge applies. Electricity: ranges from 40 to 80 euros per month depending on the season and air conditioner usage. Internet: about 25–40 euros per month. We always recommend a home with fiber-optic internet — especially if you’ve been searching for “apartment in Spain with good internet”.
Comunidad (Community Fee) – for buildings with pools, gardens, and lifts If your apartment is in a residential complex with shared amenities like a pool or green areas, you’ll pay a monthly community fee, usually between 30 and 80 euros. If there’s no infrastructure, it could be as low as 15 euros. People also search: "property maintenance costs in Spain", "what is comunidad in Spain", "affordable property Spain".
Property Management – for part-time residents If you're not living in Spain full-time and rent the property or just keep it as a second home, it’s smart to hire help. That’s us — Naranja Spain manages properties in Guardamar and Torrevieja. Services start at 25 euros per month. You sleep well knowing everything’s under control.

Example: What are the real yearly costs of a flat in Guardamar? Let’s break it down for a two-bedroom apartment in Guardamar del Segura (75 m², with a pool and terrace): Property tax (IBI) — approximately 220 euros/year Basura (waste collection) — around 80 euros/year Comunidad (community fees) — roughly 720 euros/year Water and electricity — about 900 euros/year Internet — about 420 euros/year Total estimated annual cost — approximately 2,340 euros That’s less than utility bills in cities like Moscow or Vilnius. And in return, you get the sea nearby, 320 days of sunshine, and peaceful elevator rides.

Myth: “Buy it and forget it” No, a Spanish home won’t manage itself. But the costs are fair, predictable, and manageable. And if you let us take care of it for you — it becomes almost effortless.

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Why is it easier with Naranja Spain? We don’t just sell — we stay with you. We’ll help set up electricity, find a manager, pay bills, even rent out your home — all in Russian, English, Spanish, and Lithuanian.

Contact our real estate in Guardamar del Segura now: