Estepona Implements Historic Property Tax Cut: Up to 20% Savings for Residents 🏡💶

A Historic Tax Reduction for Estepona Families 🎉

The City of Estepona has launched the largest reduction of the Property Tax (IBI) in its history. Nearly 38,000 property tax bills already reflect an average 20% decrease, representing a collective saving of €6.1 million for local households.

This milestone has been made possible thanks to the complete elimination of the city’s €304 million debt, which now allows the municipality to redirect resources towards tax relief. Mayor José María García Urbano highlighted that achieving “zero debt” was crucial to enabling this fiscal benefit.

From Financial Crisis to Debt-Free City 🔄

When the current administration took office in 2011, Estepona was one of the most indebted municipalities in Spain, with €4,600 of debt per resident. At its worst, public employees had to bring basic supplies from home, and local police vehicles were left idle due to lack of fuel.

Through strict financial discipline—eliminating wasteful spending and closing opaque municipal companies—the city has managed to fully settle its debts. Payments included €60 million to Social Security, €18 million to the Tax Agency, and over €90 million through the Supplier Payment Plan.

Additional Benefits for Citizens 🌿♻️

• Extended Payment Period: Residents now have until September 30 to pay their IBI voluntarily.

• Waste Fee Discount: Citizens who deliver at least three batches of special waste (electronics, furniture, oils, clothing, etc.) to the Estepona recycling point can claim a 3% reduction on waste collection fees in early 2026.

• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Retirees and long-term unemployed already benefit from reductions in waste fees.

Looking Ahead

With half of the IBI already reduced since 2011, the city plans to continue easing the tax burden on families while maintaining fiscal responsibility.