By Home Kare · 8 min read · Owner’s Guide
The purchase price grabs all the attention, but the real cost of owning a property in Spain is what you pay every year afterwards. At Hacienda del Álamo these running costs are modest and predictable — as long as you know what they are before you buy. Below we break down every annual cost of owning a property in Spain as a non-resident, including the tax most buyers forget.
IBI — Annual local property tax
Community — Fees for shared areas
Modelo 210 — Non-resident income tax
19% / 24% — Tax rate: EU vs non-EU
IBI: the local property tax
IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is the annual council tax on your property, charged by the local town hall. It is calculated from the valor catastral (the rateable value), so it bears little relation to what you paid. For a typical apartment or villa at HDA, expect a few hundred euros a year. You can set it up by direct debit from your Spanish account.
Community and resort fees
Because Hacienda del Álamo is a managed resort, you pay community fees towards the upkeep of shared areas — gardens, pools, lighting and security. The amount depends on your property type and the services attached to it. These fees are the backbone of what keeps the resort looking cared for, so they are worth understanding before you buy.
Utilities: you pay even when the home is empty
Water and electricity carry standing charges that apply whether or not you are using the property. That surprises many second-home owners who assume an empty home costs nothing. Budget for the fixed portion of each supply, plus consumption whenever you or your guests are in residence.
Home insurance and home care
Buildings and contents insurance is strongly recommended and inexpensive in Spain. If you are an overseas owner, a key-holding and home-care service is also worth budgeting for: someone to check the property, deal with maintenance and prepare it for your arrivals. This is exactly the kind of local support Home Kare provides.
The tax owners forget: Modelo 210
Here is the cost that catches out first-time non-resident owners. If you own a Spanish property but do not rent it out, Spain still charges an imputed income tax — a notional income for having the home available. You declare it once a year on Modelo 210.
The taxable base is 1.1% or 2% of the valor catastral, depending on when it was last revised. You then pay:
| Your tax residence | Rate on the imputed income |
|---|---|
| EU / EEA resident | 19% |
| Non-EU resident (including the UK) | 24% |
⚠️ UK owners: you are non-EU since Brexit
Since the UK left the EU, British owners pay the 24% rate, not 19%. It is a small amount in absolute terms, but the higher rate applies — plan for it.
An illustrative annual budget
Every property is different, but for a two-bedroom home at HDA a realistic annual budget combines IBI, community fees, the fixed part of utilities, insurance and the Modelo 210 tax. Taken together they remain very affordable by Northern European standards — one of the reasons the resort is so popular with overseas buyers.
Thinking of buying at HDA? See homes for sale at HDA →
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay tax on a Spanish property I don’t rent out?
Yes. Non-residents pay an annual imputed income tax on Modelo 210, even if the property sits empty. The base is 1.1% or 2% of the rateable value, taxed at 19% (EU) or 24% (non-EU).
What is IBI?
IBI is the annual local property tax charged by the town hall, based on the property’s rateable value (valor catastral) rather than its market price. It is usually a few hundred euros a year.
Are community fees expensive at HDA?
They are proportionate to the services you enjoy — gardens, pools, security and shared-area upkeep. The exact figure depends on your property, so always ask for the current amount before you buy.
Do utilities cost money if the home is empty?
Yes. Water and electricity carry fixed standing charges that apply regardless of use, so an empty second home still has running costs.
Official sources: the non-resident income tax (Modelo 210) is administered by the Spanish tax authorities (AEAT); IBI is set by the town hall within the Region of Murcia (CARM). UK owners can also consult the UK government’s Living in Spain guidance.
This guide is for general information and is not tax advice. Rates, rateable values and thresholds can change and depend on your circumstances. Confirm your position with a Spanish tax adviser.
Want your HDA home looked after and your taxes handled? Talk to Home Kare →eeks, though the NIE and any mortgage can extend that.
Official sources: purchase taxes are administered by the Spanish tax authorities (AEAT) and the Region of Murcia (CARM). UK buyers can also consult the UK government’s Living in Spain guidance.
This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Taxes, fees and timelines can change and vary by case. Confirm the current procedure with your Spanish lawyer before you commit.
Buying at HDA and want the process handled properly? Talk to Home Kare →