Living in Community

Most properties in Marbella, are organised under the so-called Community of Owners system.  Living in a Community of Owners presents a series of advantages and disadvantages that need be borne in mind when buying property.

 In general terms, the Community of Owners is a formula that combines freehold ownership with a pro-rated division of the communal areas.  This system is supported on fees paid by the owners for the maintenance, administration and running of the shared spaces, fees which at the end of the day, are not so expensive as those paid to use and maintain a totally private property.

Living in a community can benefit the owners in several ways, especially in terms of maintenance and  security,  particularly in the case of people who are not enjoying their property all year round.  Most of the new complexes are gated, with a security guard at the entrance--an extremely expensive feature for individual villas.  Furthermore, the use and enjoyment of well-kept communal areas, gradually including more amenities such as gymnasium, in-door heated pools, sauna, tennis or paddle courts, etc., represent other attractive features provided by this new type of development.

On the other hand, living in a community certainly requires developing neighbourly relations, as sharing common spaces implies vicinity with other people despite the fact that the latter experience is legally regulated in all communities by the Community By-Laws, which determine the rules to be applied and followed by the owners.  It is evident that all decisions concerning the communal areas, either in terms of maintenance, running of facilities or expenses, can only be taken in accordance with decisions agreed by the majority of owners in their Annual Meetings.   

In conclusion, most people choose this type of property as it offers a better quality of life at a cost that is lower than the one paid for the same kind of services in a private home.