Properties in Spain have been at the top of search engine searches since the internet entered our lives. For decades before that, newspaper and magazine advertisements, were the ‘go to’ places for intrepid buyers. At least things have gotten easier, and quicker, when it comes to investigating an new area.
You like the idea of buying a property in Spain, but where do you start? But where do you begin.
Perhaps you are looking to retire, work here or simply own a bolthole in the sun for the family. Maybe you are looking for a rental income when you are not using the property, or you are an investor looking for a solid return. In order to achieve any of these, you will need to deal with the basics. At the very least, you should work with a local agent who can either guide you or do all of the hard work for you!
Given that international buyers have been investing in Spain for over half a century, it is still surprising that the terminology of real estate descriptions, remains vague to many, and incomprehensible to the rest.
We have all heard of a ‘finca’, a ‘villa’ and an ‘apartamento’, but there are many more terms out there. Many of which, have different meanings. Some are interchangeable, whilst others depend on where you are buying and who you are buying from,
END OF December 2025. Average home prices for each area:
- Malaga City = €4,164 per m2
- Torremolinos = €3,890 per m2
- Benalmadena = €4,066 per m2
- Mijas = €3,818 per m2
- La Cala de Mijas = €4,344 per m2
- Marbella = €5,524 per m2
- Nueva Andalucia = €5,989 per m2
- Nagüeles – Milla de Oro = €6,756 per m2
- San Pedro = €4,601 per m2
- Benahavis = €5,463 per m2
- La Zagaleta – El Madroñal = €7,570 m2
- Estepona = €4,151 per m2
- Alhaurin El Grande = €2,103 per m2
- Alhaurin De La Torre = €2,448 per m2
- Coin = €1,981 per m2
Let’s take a look at what properties in Spain could be described as.
First of all, there is a vast choice of property types available in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol. Welcome to the world of real estate jargon on the Costa Del Sol. They can have a variety of names, depending on who you are talking to, and in which location you are looking.
A property can be a propiedad, a vivienda or a hogar.
A villa can be chalets or casas or an independiente, townhouses can be adosados or casas del pueblo, casas del pueblo can be townhouses, villas or chalets.
A home in the countryside, could be a casa del campo, a casa rustica, a finca or a cortijo.
A house in a countryside town, could be a casa, casa rustica, casa del pueblo, casa mata or even a finca.
A farm could be a finca, a granja, a hacienda, a cortijo or a quinta.
A semi-detached property would normally be a pareado but could also be an adosado or a casa del pueblo.
A cottage could be called a casa mata, if it has thick stone walls, is in a rustic style and normally within a town. In the countryside it could be called a casa del campo, or a casa rustica.
Apartments can be apartamentos or pisos, but a piso can also be a floor in a property.
A penthouse is normally a penthouse but could also be called an atico.
A duplex can be two houses which have been knocked into one or an apartment with two levels. The latter, can also be called, for some reason, a ‘French Duplex’.
A mansion is a mansion, a large villa, a cortijo, but could also mean a large apartment property.
Sky Residences are a new term which typically means luxury, large apartments with views.
Real estate jargon.
Real estate ‘jargon’ is just as convoluted in Spain, as it is in many other parts of the world. Some of the issues arise due to the property portals, where many agents advertise. They do not get the choice of ‘type’, and end up putting their properties in Spain into the nearest category. Even though it may not be the correct one.
Should you decide to wander around town and look in real estate agent’s windows, especially the Spanish companies, and you could find a new world of descriptions. To make things worse, these terms can vary from one town to another and even agency to agency!
Your best solution
The best way to find and purchase properties in Spain, is to contact us and tell us what you want. We will take your description, your criteria and your budget and then locate suitable properties for you. This will save you hours, save you money and deliver properties which meet your buying criteria.
The above advise applies when buying a property in the countryside, resale properties, as well as new off-plan construction properties in Spain
Builder Guarantees
For the last 25 years, all new properties in Spain that are built by a developer or builder are legally required to be covered by a 10-year warranty that protects against structural defects. This is typically in the form of an insurance policy taken out by the builder or developer. As a buyer, you will need to know your rights to make the most of this coverage. In simple terms the sooner you can identify any problems, the easier it will be to get them fixed.
Snagging
The final walk-thru is often named ‘snagging’. It is your ONLY opportunity to bring to the attention of the builder any mistakes, poor workmanship and quality issues. Your list is predominantly about your property, but could also include items within the community grounds. Once your list is acknowledged by the builder, they will prepare a schedule to rectify these items.
Off plan properties in Spain, Malaga & The Costa Del Sol
Icon Limonar is a new residential complex set in the exclusive Colina del Limonar, in Malaga City. These 38 magnificent properties are fully completed and ready for immediate occupancy.
Termica Beach is a new luxury development of stunning 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom beachfront residences. The project has been designed to allow owners and guests to enjoy city life and the outdoors In harmony with the wind and the sea.
Malaga Towers is a unique luxury housing development of beachfront residences in the city of Malaga. It has been built based on the perfect harmony between light, colour and the Mediterranean sea.
Sancha 32 View is a new development of off-plan apartment in an unbeatable beachfront location. The project is situated between Paseo de Sancha and La Caleta Beach, on the seafront, with sea views.
Santa Maria 23 is a heritage building in the In the heart of the historic centre of Malaga. It is being completely refurnished into 4 absolutely unique residences which redefine luxury and tradition.
Ramal de Monte Sancha 10 in Malaga is a new development of 2 stunning new residences. These new homes are located in the Malagueta area, just below Gibralfaro.
Ramal de Monte Sancha, 8 in Malaga is a new development of 4 stunning new residences. These new homes are located in the Malagueta area, just below Gibralfaro.
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The Airiss Malaga is a development consisting of 25 cooperative homes, divided into studios and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, all with terraces.For the enjoyment of the owners, there is a beautiful rooftop pool, which, along with the building’s interplay of volumes, makes Airiss Malaga a unique and exclusive project.
Octavia is a new and exclusive residential tower, in the Pacifico area of Malaga. It is located on the beachfront in front of the Antonio Banderas promenade.
La Reserva de El Limonar is located in Las Colinas del Limonar. Immediate Occupancy Available. This a luxury residential complex in one of the most exclusive areas of Málaga.
The project consists 96 one, two, three, and four bedroom homes with magnificent terraces.
Read more about living on the Costa del Sol and the different areas it covers.