Spain’s property market is packed with choice, shaped by lifestyle, location and tradition. Sleek apartments overlook the sea, rustic fincas dot the hills and whitewashed cottages line sun-drenched village streets. Each option comes with its own character, cost and community – and this guide will help you find the one that feels like home.
Given Spain’s size and varied geography, the range of property types is impressive – and often regionally specific. Whether you want a sleek apartment on the Costa del Sol or a rustic finca in the hills of Granada, there’s no shortage of choice.
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Contents
- New developments vs resale properties
- Villas
- Townhouses, quads and village properties
- Apartments
- Masias, fincas and cortijos
- Cave homes
- Park homes
- Tips for buying off-plan properties
- Property types by region
- FAQs about property types in Spain
New developments vs resale properties
Your choice between a new build and a resale will come down to budget, taste, and whether you want a modern, turnkey home or something with character – and perhaps a bit of work.
According to our annual survey of buyers in Spain, twice as many people prefer “cool and modern” over “old and beautiful”. It’s a sentiment reflected in the rising popularity of newly built homes.
New builds are typically energy efficient, come with contemporary finishes and often include furniture in the purchase price. They’re usually built in areas that are good for rental income, making them ideal for investment buyers.
Resale properties tend to offer more traditional Spanish charm. While they may need updating, they often come with a more attractive price tag – and character that’s hard to replicate.
Villas
A classic choice for overseas buyers, villas are detached homes with their own garden, terraces and often a private pool. They offer more space and privacy – particularly useful for families or retirees who enjoy outdoor living.
You’ll find villas in suburban areas, coastal resorts and inland countryside. A sea view will usually bump up the price, especially on elevated plots. While some come with manageable gardens, others include substantial grounds – something to consider if you’d rather not spend your weekends trimming hedges or paying a gardener.
Townhouses, quads and village properties
Townhouses and village properties offer a more affordable entry point. These terraced or semi-detached homes can vary in size. Don’t judge them by the façade alone – many are surprisingly spacious inside.
A “quad” property is part of a square block of four houses, each occupying one corner. These often have slightly larger outdoor areas than standard terraces.
In inland villages, especially in Andalusia’s white villages (pueblos blancos), you’ll find traditional cottages with balconies, internal courtyards and staircases leading to rooftop terraces. They’re ideal for buyers seeking local character and slower-paced living.
Apartments
The workhorse of the Spanish property market, apartments are hugely popular with both domestic and international buyers. They’re often easier to rent, maintain and manage from afar.
Modern apartment blocks are regularly updated in coastal resorts to keep seafronts fresh and up to date. High-rise apartments provide stunning sea views at lower price points than villas, and many come with shared amenities such as pools, gyms and concierge services.
Don’t discount older buildings either – traditional apartments in Spanish cities or towns can offer beautiful period features and access to bustling local life.
Apartments are hugely popular with residents and overseas buyers
Masias, fincas and cortijos
If you dream of rural life, these traditional countryside homes might be for you.
- Masias (common in Catalonia) are large stone estates, often with significant land. Many have been converted into boutique hotels or rural retreats.
- Cortijos are Andalusian farmhouses, typically dating back centuries. They often come with thick stone walls, internal courtyards and views of rolling hills or olive groves.
- Fincas refer to the plot of land, often agricultural. Many buyers have turned fincas into smallholdings with chickens and other livestock.
Cave homes
Surprisingly comfortable and increasingly sought after, cave homes are mainly found in Granada and Almeria. From the outside, they can resemble ordinary houses, but inside they tunnel into the hillside.
They’re thermally efficient – warm in winter, cool in summer – and usually offer panoramic views from their elevated positions. Many are fully modernised, with plumbing, electrics and Wi-Fi.
Park homes
Looking for a low-cost way to own a home in Spain? A park home could be the answer. Prices start at around €30,000 for a high-spec model, and many sites come with communal facilities like swimming pools, bars or golf courses.
Because they’re considered moveable homes, you may avoid many of the taxes and fees associated with bricks-and-mortar property. That said, keep an eye on annual ground rent and service charges – they can add up quickly.
Tips for buying off-plan properties
Off-plan homes allow you to buy a new build before it’s finished. This often gives you a say in design features and fixtures. You might also get a better deal by purchasing early in the development cycle, as builders often offer lower prices to fund initial construction.
But there are risks too. Delays in construction or changes to the finished product can happen. To minimise risk:
- Choose a developer with a strong track record and completed projects you can visit
- Ensure all payments are protected by a bank guarantee
- Work with an independent Spanish property lawyer
Want to explore the off-plan route? Download our guide to learn how to buy off-plan safely and smartly:
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Types of property by region
| Region | Common property types | Typical buyer appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Costa del Sol | Apartments, villas, townhouses | Coastal living, strong rental yields, expat community |
| Andalusia (inland) | Village homes, cortijos, cave houses | Authentic lifestyle, value for money, rural charm |
| Costa Blanca | Villas, quads, apartments | Holiday home buyers, family-friendly |
| Catalonia | Masias, apartments | Cultural capital, countryside retreats |
| Balearic Islands | Villas, fincas, apartments | Luxury buyers, lifestyle-driven |
| Granada & Almeria | Cave homes, fincas | Alternative living, affordability, scenic views |
| Valencia region | Townhouses, park homes, apartments | Affordability, active expat scene |
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FAQs about property types in Spain
What are the different types of Spanish houses?
Spain offers a broad variety of properties to suit different tastes and budgets. These include villas with private pools, townhouses and quads in resort-style communities, traditional village homes, apartments (both modern and period), rural fincas and cortijos, cave houses in Granada and Almeria and even affordable park homes on managed sites.
What is the difference between a finca and a cortijo?
A finca generally refers to a rural plot of land, often with an agricultural purpose and a simple dwelling, whereas a cortijo is a traditional Andalusian farmhouse, usually a larger, historic property with character features like internal courtyards, thick stone walls and olive groves.
Are apartments or villas more popular with overseas buyers?
It depends on lifestyle and budget. Apartments are more affordable, easier to maintain and great for renting out, making them popular with holiday-home buyers. Villas, with their private gardens and pools, appeal to retirees and families looking for space and year-round living.
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