What is a "comunidad de propietarios" ?

The comunidad de propietarios is the community of property owners which you automatically join when you buy your property in Spain. Spanish law gives legal status to this community so that it can regulate the joint ownership of common property (gardens, communal swimming pool, tennis courts, lifts, stairs, roof space, paths and lighting within the grounds, drains etc.).

You will be required to pay a monthly community charge (usually by bank transfer) depending on the type of property you own. Typically cheaper property-owners pay lower community charges, while owners of large villas in an exclusive area may pay as much as 400 euros per month. It is important to find out how much community charge you will have to pay before you purchase your property and to make sure that the seller is up-to-date with his/her monthly community payments, because buyers can be held liable for any unpaid community fees from the current year and the last three years prior to the purchase.

You should also ask to see the community's bylaws and the community internal rules before signing any property deal. Some communities forbid pets, others are strict about satellite dishes, children's games, use of the pool in the Summer. Many communities do not allow to use of the swimming pool during siesta hours, from 3 to 5 p.m. Some communities may be in debt due to unexpected repairs or unpaid monthly charges, and once you purchase your property you will take on your share of this debt.

Communities hold annual general meetings where neighbours meet and vote on any issues affecting the upkeep of the urbanisations, as well as any other more controversial problems which may arise between neighbours. At these meetings members vote for a president, vice-president and, sometimes, a secretary administrator. Everyone has the right to stand although there is often a lack of candidates because the president acts as legal representative and is accountable to Spanish law. If you want to participate in the decisions made by the community and contribute to the way your urbanisation is managed, it is important that you attend these meetings (usually held in the Summer) or delegate your vote to another member who shares your opinions and priorities.