What it actually costs to run a villa in Marbella

A two-million-euro villa does not cost two million. It costs two million plus whatever it spends every year, and that second part never appears in the listing. These are the ranges we work with, for a 300–500 m² villa with a pool and garden around Marbella and Benahavís.

Council tax and refuse

IBI is based on the cadastral value, not on what you paid, and it varies quite a lot between municipalities. On a villa that size it runs between €1,500 and €4,500 a year. Refuse collection is separate and smaller, around €200–€300.

One thing worth checking before you buy: if the cadastral record is out of date compared with what is actually built, the IBI can jump sharply once it is regularised.

Community fees, if there are any

In a gated community with 24-hour security, shared gardens and sometimes beach club access, expect between €150 and €600 a month. In the most exclusive communities it goes well above that, and there it usually covers things you would otherwise pay for yourself.

Always ask for the minutes of the last two general meetings. That is where you see whether a special levy is coming, which is the most expensive and most common surprise.

Pool and garden

• Pool: €120 to €250 a month in maintenance, plus the water and the electricity for the pump. If it is heated, add a good deal more in winter.
• Garden: depends on size and planting. A gardener once a week is €300 to €700 a month. Lawn is expensive to keep alive here; Mediterranean planting is far cheaper.

Power, water and climate

Air conditioning in August and heating in January — yes, it gets cold here too — add up. On a villa that size, €250 to €600 a month averaged over the year, more with a heated pool or poorly insulated underfloor heating.

Ask for the energy certificate and, better still, last year’s bills. A newly built “A rating” and an uninsulated 1980s villa are not in the same league.

Insurance and staff

Insurance on a villa of this profile runs between €800 and €2,500 a year. Domestic help or someone to watch the house while you are away is a personal decision, but add it in before you decide.

The total, in one line

For a villa between €2m and €4m, budget €15,000 to €35,000 a year in running costs, excluding renovations and any mortgage. It is a lot of money and it is perfectly manageable if you know in advance; what does not work is finding out in March.

When we show you a house, ask us for these numbers for that specific house. We get them from the owner and the community before you come.