Special levies, lifts and the community: what to review before buying a flat
Lift regulations and accessibility works can bring special levies. What Spain's Horizontal Property Act says and which documents to ask for before buying.
1 min read
Data and events refer to: May 2026.
A lovely flat in a building with pending works can cost more than expected. In 2026 several news items have focused on levies for lifts: Royal Decree 355/2024 requires many units to be adapted, and the press has mentioned amounts of up to €40,000 for a building. The cost depends on each case.
Accessibility
Under article 10.1.b of the Horizontal Property Act, accessibility works are mandatory at the request of certain residents if the cost passed on, after aid, does not exceed twelve months of community fees. They are also mandatory if public aid covers at least 75%.
What to ask for before buying
- A certificate of community debts.
- Minutes from recent years, looking for works approved or under debate.
- The state of the lift and upcoming inspections.
- The Building Evaluation Report or technical inspection, if there is one.
- The reserve fund and current fee.
Who pays an approved levy
Do not leave it to interpretation. Agree in the contract who pays levies approved before the sale and those still unpaid. The law also makes the home answerable for certain prior debts: a buyer may face amounts for the current year and the three before.
Before making an offer
If you see works on the horizon, build them into the price you are willing to pay. A refurbished building can also be an advantage: better efficiency and fewer surprises.
