What is a “Community Charge” if I buy a certain type of property?
Many new properties are situated within a Community of Homeowners. The Community is a separate legal entity which is formed by law to deal with a number of services within the development and the level of service will vary from place to place. The costs are known as the Community Charge or Comunidad de Propietarios. Some of the services that are commonly included are; maintenance of the Community gardens and swimming pools, lighting, security, etc. The Community will hold annual meetings during which a budget is approved by the Owners covering the expenses for the year. This budget is then divided between Owners depending on the size of their property. This division, or percentage, is mentioned in the Title Deed (Cuota). The Community fees are normally paid half-yearly depending on the Community. It is important to try and attend these meetings and vote on any matters that may affect the Community, or to make any suggestions as, by law, you must pay any charges agreed by the members of
