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(Comunidad de Propietarios). Many new properties are situated within a Community of Homeowners. The Community takes care of a number of services within a development and the level of service will vary from place to place. Some of the factors that are commonly included are; maintenance of the Community gardens and swimming pools, lighting, security, building insurance, 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 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.
Your local Town Hall makes a charge to each property owner equivalent to Local Rates (Impuesto Sobre Bienes Inmuebles or I.B.I.). The amount of this tax will vary depending on the assessed value (Valor Catastral) and is paid annually. In certain cases, discounts can be obtained for early payment of these charges. Your receipt of payment will reflect the amount you have paid, the year to which the receipt corresponds and the assessed value that year.
The Town Hall will also make a charge for the Rubbish Collection (Basura) from your property or development. This can be charged annually or quarterly depending on the Municipality in which you are purchasing the property. In certain cases this may be included in your Community fees.
In certain Municipalities there is an annual charge for the Recycling Tax (Tratamiento de Residuos). This covers the recycling of waste from the numerous glass, paper, battery banks that are distributed throughout the area. Again in some cases this may be included within the Community fee.
Most properties have electricity and water meters and you will be charged according to the amounts of each consumed. Some Communities will only have one meter for the whole development and therefore include the water in the Community Fees.
Above are the main expenses that a property will incur. However, other charges such as telephone, alarm companies, gardeners etc. should also be taken into account. After you have completed the sale it is recommended that you establish standing orders with your bank for the payment of many of these items. This avoids any possibility of non-payment and the related problems of surcharges, reconnection fees etc.
The information contained in this document does not constitute a legal contract or legal advice and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information. No claims against Eden Villas relating to information provided herein will be entertained.
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