Setting up electricity, water and internet in Marbella is usually straightforward, but the process differs depending on whether you are renting, buying or managing a holiday property. Before moving in, confirm which services are already connected, whose name appears on each contract and whether any bills are outstanding. In Spain, electricity and water are not normally included automatically in a property purchase or long-term rental.
Setting up electricity in Marbella
Most Marbella homes have an existing electricity connection. If the supply is active, the usual process is a change of account holder rather than a new connection. Contact the current electricity retailer and ask to transfer the contract into your name. You can also compare tariffs and switch supplier during the change.
You will normally need your full name, Spanish identification number, contact details, bank account for direct debit, the property address and the electricity supply point reference, known as the CUPS number. The CUPS is shown on a previous bill and identifies the meter and connection. Ask the landlord, seller or estate agent for a recent electricity invoice.
Check the contracted power before accepting the existing tariff. A small apartment may need less power than a large villa with air conditioning, an electric water heater, an oven and a swimming-pool pump. If the power trips regularly, ask the supplier or an electrician whether the contracted capacity is suitable. Increasing power can involve administrative charges, while reducing it may also have a cost or minimum time restriction.
Read the meter on the day you receive the keys and photograph it. Keep the handover record and the first bill. This helps separate your consumption from the previous occupant’s responsibility. If the supply has been disconnected, reconnection may require proof of ownership or a rental contract and can take longer than a standard account transfer.
Arranging water in Marbella
Water service arrangements can depend on the exact municipality and property. In Marbella, the municipal water service is generally managed through the local water provider, while some urbanisations may have additional community charges or private arrangements. Ask the community administrator or property manager which organisation invoices the property and whether water is billed directly or through the owners’ community.
For a change of account holder, prepare identification, the property address, bank details, the meter number or previous bill, and evidence that you own or rent the property. A buyer may be asked for a purchase document, while a tenant will usually provide the rental contract and sometimes written authorisation from the owner. Confirm whether there is a deposit, an opening fee or a final reading required from the previous account holder.
Water bills may include more than consumption, such as fixed service charges, sewerage or local taxes. Ask for an explanation of the billing period and meter-reading method. Take a photograph of the water meter when moving in, particularly if the property has been empty. In a villa, also check irrigation systems, pool top-up arrangements and any leaks before accepting responsibility for consumption.
Getting internet installed
Internet availability in Marbella varies by building, street and urbanisation. Fibre broadband is common in many areas, but the exact speed and installation options must be checked using the full address. Do not rely only on a postcode or a previous tenant’s service, because a fibre connection may be available in the street but not yet installed inside a particular apartment or villa.
Compare providers based on contract length, installation fees, router rental, upload speed, cancellation terms and whether a Spanish bank account is required. Some contracts include a minimum commitment, and early cancellation can lead to charges. Ask specifically whether the service is fibre, fixed wireless, ADSL or a mobile data solution.
For a rental, check with the owner before arranging drilling or external cabling. The installer may need access to the building’s telecommunications room, communal ducts or roof. In a gated development, coordinate the appointment with the community office or concierge. If you need internet immediately, a prepaid data SIM or portable 4G/5G router can provide temporary access while a fixed line is installed.
Documents and timing
Keep a digital folder containing your passport or Spanish residency document, NIE or other identification, rental contract or title deed, bank certificate, meter readings and supplier reference numbers. Spanish providers may request a local bank account, although requirements vary. If you do not speak Spanish confidently, ask for written confirmation of the tariff, contract term and cancellation procedure.
- Arrange electricity and water transfers as soon as the completion or tenancy date is confirmed.
- Book internet installation before arrival if the property is vacant or used as a home office.
- Photograph electricity and water meters, appliances and any visible damage on move-in day.
- Notify providers promptly when leaving and request final readings and written confirmation of cancellation or transfer.
If a service is unexpectedly disconnected, contact the provider first and check whether the issue is a payment, contract or technical fault. For urgent electrical problems inside the property, use a qualified electrician rather than attempting work on the meter or consumer unit yourself.
Once your utilities are organised, browse local businesses in the directory to find useful Marbella services for moving, maintenance, property management and home connectivity.
