Property owners association
If you purchase an apartment in an apartment block or condominium or a townhouse or villa in an urbanisation, you will automatically become a member of the property owners association, with the right to vote at the AGMs, which administrates the general maintenance of zones of common ownership, such as streets, gardens, hallways and swimming pool etc. An annual budget is calculated to cover these costs, which is divided between all owners according to the size of their properties. Fees depend on the services offered and are reflected in the annual amount.

Check the latest receipt for the payment of monthly or yearly maintenance charges (cuotas de comunidad) and discover how much you will have to pay. Ask the president or the administrator for a copy of the Minutes of the Meetings and a copy of the Regulations governing the Community. The Minutes should highlight problems, and the Regulations will confirm your rights.

Please note some communities have special rules. It is advisable to check up if there is anything special such as “no dogs”, “no vacation rentals” etc. Other items such as domestic services, electricity, water & telephone are metered and charged as used.

If the building belongs to a community it is important that the property has a Public title deed (“Escritura”) in which the plot as well as the house is shown. The Community of Owners is the legally registered body that administers the urbanisation or apartment building.