Autonomous unit (fração autónoma)
Updated on
A fração autónoma is an independent part of a building under horizontal property, such as a flat, shop or garage, which can have a different owner from the others.
A building can belong to several owners if it is divided into units under the regime (Civil Code, article 1414). Only units that are independent, distinct and separated from each other, with their own exit to a common part of the building or to the street, can be a fração autónoma (article 1415).
Each unit is identified by a letter (unit A, B, C…) and has a relative value, as a percentage or per-mille share of the whole building, set in the constituting deed (article 1418). The owner of a unit is also co-owner of the common parts, such as the stairs, roof and lifts, and the two rights cannot be separated (article 1420).
For tax purposes, each autonomous unit is treated as a property in its own right (IMI Code, article 2(4)): it has its own and its own .
Example
Illustrative example: a building has ten units. Unit F, a two-bedroom flat on the second floor, has a share of 95 per mille. Its owner pays 9.5% of the common expenses, unless the condominium rules say otherwise, and carries that weight in votes at the owners' meeting.
In practice, at an auction
The listing gives the unit letter and often the per-mille share. Check on the what the unit includes: a garage or storage room may be part of it or may be a separate unit, sold separately.
Ask the building's management about the fees, any arrears and approved works (see ). If the building is not under horizontal property, what is being sold may be an of the whole building rather than a flat: these are very different situations.