Villa running costs

Hi Dan

Firstly, best wishes for your journey in the Frailes area. It is a very English ex-pat area, I am sure you have done your research.

There are lots of things to consider and I am not best placed to answer all your questions I am afraid, but I can answer some.

I don't know if there is a 'Jims Guide' on the subject, it may be worth doing a search as that will be an excellent reference point.

With the utilities, there are obviously the standing charges even when you are not in the property. Water is about €30/month (although likely to be more if you have a pool) Electricity €30/month, internet about €25 per month. Gas is typically in a bottle so will be as and when used. Then you have insurances and tax. Others will be best placed to advise about the tax element as I am only renting at the moment so I don't see the costs as they are covered in my rental.

Pool costs will vary. I can recommend someone who will charge €10 per week, which is considered by some to be a low charge for the summer and high charge for the winter when most folks make the mistake of dropping their pool guy only to find they have issues at the start of the next season. This guy wants the continuity and for that, he offers a good rate.

I think a gardener would be about the same weekly cost, but not all year round. A large amount of it will depend on the size and scale of what you want someone to do. A small garden kept tidy is a lot less than a 10,000+ plot needing to be maintained obviously!

What I can say is that, overall, the cost of living is a lot lower than in the UK.

I hope in some part that helps as a guide. Sorry I can't be any more specific