BENIHOMES · COSTA BLANCA
Cost of owning a second home in Alicante: annual budget
A second home costs money while it is empty
An Alicante apartment or another Costa Blanca home still has expenses in the months when you are away. Before buying, ask for the property's own documents and plan a full twelve months. A portal's average is not a substitute for actual bills. Reviewed on 1 November 2026; amounts and tax obligations depend on the home and the owner.
Build an annual cost sheet
| Cost | Evidence to request |
|---|---|
| Community | Recent charges, approved budget, meeting minutes and planned special assessments. |
| Local charges | IBI property tax receipt and relevant municipal fees. |
| Utilities | Standing charges and actual electricity, water and internet use. |
| Insurance | Cover and conditions for a property unoccupied part of the year. |
| Upkeep | Heating or cooling, shutters, appliances, pool or garden if applicable. |
| Travel and management | Trips, keys, cleaning and a local contact. |
Spain's Horizontal Property Law addresses contributions to shared expenses and reserve funds. Read the minutes and approved decisions for the particular building. Suma explains how to obtain an IBI receipt for many Alicante municipalities; check the competent body for the exact address. A neighbour's bill may not reflect your property.
Plan for months away
Arrange a trusted local contact who can respond to leaks, damp, locks and community notices. Agree on the frequency and price of checks. Ask the insurer whether the policy fits how long the home is unoccupied. A management contract should state the tasks, response times, emergency arrangements and fees.
Tax depends on residence and use
The treatment differs for a Spanish tax resident, a non-resident, a home used by its owner and a rented home. The Spanish Tax Agency explains deemed income from property and non-resident filing obligations. Ask a qualified adviser about your own year and facts. This guide gives no individual tax calculation or deadline. Owning a second home does not automatically permit tourist letting.
Compare two realistic years
First calculate ordinary personal use with the home empty for the remaining months. Then add a repair, special assessment or extra trip. Separate fixed costs from consumption and divide the annual total by twelve. Our Benidorm and Alicante cost-of-living guide helps organise spending; see also the Costa Blanca retirement guide if you might spend longer periods here.
Photo: Zarateman, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0; Alicante balconies, not a home offered for sale.
For a longer seasonal stay, read our guide to stays and residence in Spain.