Community Fees

Community Fees are usually set by an Annual General Meeting. Usually, they are the same for everybody, but there can be exceptions. Later the complex might need repainting and fees for this would be added. The swimming pool is also a major concern for repair etc which can increase the fees. Some builders of complexes are currently being sued by community residents for lots of issues. 

But, it is no big secret, community fees must be paid and if you are in any doubt have a chat with the presidente of the community (elected every agm).

Hi Sinbad,

The fees are usually the charges for everyone, towards the upkeep of the place eg- pool cleaning, gardening, maintenance and suchlike. I would have thought all properties on a complex would have the same charges.

I'm on a complex in Pueblo Laguna area and everyone pays €30 a month. I've seen others with much higher charges.

Martin. 

Hello Martin

Thanks that certainly makes more sense to me I.e. a fixed monthly fee for all residents 

But seeing €78 per month on one agent listing and €35 pm on a similar flat listed with another agent but in the same complex made  me wonder why the difference ?

Stay safe

Regards

Sinbad

As per the previous posts the community fees are set by the owners of the community and can be amended annually at the AGM, or special meeting if a quorum call it. Where the community is relatively small and all the properties are similar the charges would tend to be the same. We live on a large community where the charges are a function of the square metres of total space, inside and terraces or gardens. In reality the differences are around Eur70 - 90 per month. At the AGM your vote is counted as a percentage of the total community charge. 

As Matthew has said there may be an additional exceptional one off charges due either in lump sum or over a period of months for major repairs, painting etc. These charges also need to be voted on and approved by the AGM or special meeting.

If two agents are quoting wildly different numbers like this the easiest answer is to ask your Abogado to check with community administrators what the on going monthly charges are and whether any additional charges have been agreed. 

1. I keep saying unless an estate agent is prepared to write it down and sign it, don't believe it. But, I'm being my usual ironic self towards the hard on selling economic on facts sellers of property. 

2. There are the exceptions living on complexes who for one reason or another have different Community Fees to pay. Before the Last Recession (we're talking about the last recession like we were discussing the Last War) there were "additional" apartments that appeared on new complexes being built; some of these were one bedroom (on a site that advertised 2/3 bedrooms only; the "add-ons" were usually extra nice little earners for the guy running the build. Some of the purchasers of these were able to negotiate lower Community Fees. 

3. Be careful of not inheriting unpaid Community Fees (it can happen). Your solicitor acting solely for you on the sale will be of help.