Property types: what apartments and houses are there in Spain?

Real estate in Spain is colorful and varied. The real estate market offers a variety of properties for all tastes - from modest studios to penthouses and luxury villas. Spain-Real.Estate will tell you more about the types of real estate and their features.

Content:

• What kind of property do Spaniards prefer?
• Features of Spanish property
• What is a typical Spanish apartment like?
• Studio apartments
• Duplex or Penthouse? What are the differences?
• Spanish duplex penthouse
• Spanish Bungalows
• Features of a Spanish townhouse
• What is the difference between a Spanish townhouse and a villa?
• Residential complexes
• Land plots
• Commercial real estate
• We will help you buy property in Spain

What property do spaniards prefer?

In comparison to European inhabitants, the majority of Spaniards - about 65% - prefer to live in apartment buildings. Estonians and Latvians are on a par with them at 66% and 61%, respectively. In contrast to them, only 34.8% of Europeans live in apartments. Furthermore, only 18.5% of Europeans live in detached houses on a permanent basis.

To understand why the majority of Spanish residents prefer apartments, it is worth taking a closer look at the characteristics of a Spanish apartment.

Features of spanish property

First, let us dwell on the key property types that exist in Spain. These include:

• Apartments;
• Bungalows;
• Cottages;
• Villas.

Each of them can vary in several ways.

As for the main features of a Spanish residential building, it also has features that cannot be found in Russia. For example, it has a floor notation system where the first floor is the “lower floor”, referred to as “bajo”. It is either level with or above ground. It can be rented out as a commercial premise or residential apartment.

The first Spanish floor is the second Russian, that is, floors are numbered from the 2nd one.

Apartments in Spain, their cost and living conditions can be found on Spain-Real.Estate.

What is a typical spanish apartment like?

Apartments in Spain or “Piso” or “apartamento” are the most in-demand and common type of property in Spain. Most of the indigenous population prefers these. What are the characteristics of this real estate?

• Living space is measured by bedrooms and not rooms. That is, if a 2-bedroom apartment is indicated in the advertisement for sale/lease, then this is an apartment with literally 2 bedrooms, excluding the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
• Spanish apartments are located in high-rise buildings. Apartments in new buildings in Spain are sold and rented in residential complexes of 3 floors which have their own parking spaces, sports grounds, swimming pools, and playgrounds.
• Apartments in resort areas constantly compete with hotels, as they attract a significant share of tourists.
• Apartments on the ground floors of a building are often labeled "bajo", which means they belong to the ground floor.

Studio apartments

A Spanish studio apartment, “piso studio”, or “apartamento studio” is synonymous with a standard studio apartment. The is the simplest type of property consisting of 1 room (+ bathroom) which combines a bedroom, living room and kitchen. The kitchen in a Spanish studio can be of any type. This is the most affordable option for self-catering or renting out to visitors.

Duplex or penthouse? What are the differences?

Duplex (2-level apartment), “piso duplex”, or “apartamento duplex” is a type of Spanish apartment that occupies 2 floors. It can be located both in a detached house and in a full-fledged residential complex. Duplexes are suitable for couples without children and single people who value their comfort and privacy. As a rule, there is a small kitchen on the ground floor and there are bedrooms on the upper floor. Such an apartment is hardly suitable for a large family in view of the layout.

Penthouse, “atico”, or “piso atico” is a spacious apartment located on the top floor of residential complexes and high-rise buildings. Compared to duplexes, this type of property is characterized by increased space, free planning without unnecessary corners and excellent views. Both single self-sufficient people and families with children can settle here with great comfort.

Largely because of the magnificent panoramic views of the city or the sea, penthouses are much more expensive than ordinary apartments. Terraces or attics that can be accessed directly from the apartment are often at the personal disposal of penthouse owners.

To understand what property type will be the best option for you, we recommend that you look at the offers in the website’s catalog or contact the manager of Spain-Real.Estate for personal help.

Spanish duplex penthouse

“Atico duplex” refers to an elite property - this duplex apartment occupies the top 2 floors of a residential complex or high-rise building. Duplex penthouses, like regular penthouses, come complete with an adjoining terrace. This is a spacious and comfortable premium-class property with an abundance of bedrooms, several balconies, excellent views and all the conditions for a comfortable life.

Spanish bungalows

Bungalow, “bungalow bajo”, or “piso bajo” is an apartment on the ground floor in a 2-story building. This property is typical for residential complexes located outside the city. The bungalow is an elongated building with 2 floors, each of them housing comfortable apartments.

Features of a bungalow:

• There are no communal hallway and elevators.
• Each residence is equipped with a personal entrance from the street.

Spanish bungalows vary:

• On the top floor - located on the second (top) floor, equipped with a personal entrance from an external staircase, and some have a private terrace.
• 1-story - a long building of 1 floor divided into several apartments, each with its own separate entrance, and sometimes with a separate courtyard or terrace.
• 2-story - both floors in such a building belong to 1 owner or 1 family. This type of bungalow always has a small courtyard and a terrace.

Features of a spanish townhouse

Townhouses are excellent Spanish houses for suburban living. Their only drawback is the presence of neighbors. Typically, townhouses are located in a residential community with several similar houses in the neighborhood that are separated by sidewalls. Each house has its own garage and sometimes an adjoining plot. These buildings combine all the delights of a country house and an apartment.

What is the difference between a spanish townhouse and villa?

A villa is a true embodiment of a dream home in a sunny country. Spanish villas combine incredible practicality with a high level of comfort and style. Many villas are completely packed with furniture, household appliances, and ready to move into available on the Spanish real estate market. This is one of the most popular types of Spanish property including among our compatriots.

Unlike a townhouse, the villa offers a full range of benefits from private parking to the pool, and sometimes direct access to the beach. Plus, you don't have to share the villa with your neighbors.

Residential complexes

Residential complexes in Spain have a number of features that set them apart from the usual understanding of an average apartment building.

The main features of Spanish residential complexes are:

• All apartments in Spain predominantly have 2 or more bedrooms.
• In central cities, the minimum living space is 65 - 70 m² and kitchens are often combined with a living room.
• Each apartment in Spanish major resort centers has its own storage room and underground parking space.
• In coastal areas, the number of floors, as a rule, does not exceed 3-5 floors.
• Property on the elite real estate market is rented fully equipped with everything you need including furniture and appliances. On the other hand, more economical apartments are equipped only with a bathroom and kitchen.
• A mandatory feature of all new Spanish buildings is the well-developed internal infrastructure that includes a swimming pool, gyms and playgrounds.

Land plots

Spanish land, “finca”, “terreno”, or “solar”, for the most part, refers to private property. The land can be urban or rural. Depending on what type of land it is and who it belongs to determines which structures can be constructed there. For example:

• Finca rustica or agricultural land - it is forbidden to build capital (sometimes even ordinary rural) houses on them.
• Finca urbana or urban land is permitted for urban use subject to strict adherence to local government and regulatory requirements.

A weighty argument in favor of buying a land plot is often discussed for individual projects.

Commercial real estate

Spanish commercial premises are located mainly on the lower floors of residential buildings or in industrial zones.

We will help you buy property in Spain

Thinking about buying your own house or commercial space in Spain? Discover an extensive range of properties of any type in the catalog on Spain-Real.Estate. These are the best offers from trusted owners and developers in Spain at affordable prices. Our company's specialists will select an ideal option for you considering your preferences and all relevant recommendations.