Most British homeowners in Spain opt for a pad near the beach on one of the Costas – and who can blame them. But it’s a big country, and look a bit closer and you’ll find just about every style of home and setting you could wish for.
An apartment on the beach, a villa beside a golf course, a traditional finca or village house, or even a pied-a-terre in a bustling city – whatever type of home you’re looking for, Spain will tick the box.
“People’s first impressions of Spanish property are usually of holiday homes in a beach resort,” said Sally Veall, an expat in the Costa Brava and author of SpainBuyingGuide.com. “It’s understandable given most of us first visit Spain as a tourist and head to the coast. But the more time I spend here, the more I discover that there are some delightful alternatives to the typical Spanish beach home – if that’s what you want. We have mountains – the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada – and ski resorts, Europe’s only official desert in Tabernas, the incredible rolling landscapes of Extremadura and the interior, and of course, a large choice of culturally and architecturally rich cities.”
Luxury seaside penthouses, duplexes, comfortable two bedroom flats and studios – different styles of apartment are aplenty all over Spain. In older apartment blocks, the rooms tend to be larger than in modern ones, certainly with more spacious bedrooms and nearly always with a laundry area. They may not have a lift, though, or parking, but will usually offer good value and you will have the opportunity to refurbish to your taste.
There are benefits to new builds blocks – they must have energy efficient heating and insulation, and come with up-to-date bathrooms and kitchens. You may have to pay extra for parking, and apartments with a sea view command higher prices; you can often find one overlooking a park or other green space at a competitive price. Typical apartment complexes along the Costas come with access to a shared swimming pool and gardens.
In most towns, there are elegant apartments built around the turn of the 20th Century, with high ceilings, double doors and attractive cornicing and plasterwork. These are usually located in the most sought after areas and so come with a high price tag, though in smaller towns you could buy such an apartment for a reasonable sum. They are light and airy and those which have been renovated combine the features of Modernist architecture with modern conveniences.
Villas on urbanisations in popular tourist resorts are popular with both Spaniards and foreigners, and can vary from quite a small property to something extensive. Most will have their own pool, and some include a summer kitchen for outside entertaining.
“Spanish villas are very different from British houses,” continued Sally Veall. “And often have steps leading to a variety of levels, (particularly if the property is built into a hillside); bedrooms may be downstairs and the living space on the upper levels. Remember, when buying a property on a complex or part of a community, there are likely to be community or maintenance fees to pay in addition to council tax– something most of us aren’t used to in the UK.”
Stone houses and fincas are located inland and in or close to a village, but often can still be a short journey from a beach resort – for example, the villages of the Orba and Jalon Valleys in the Costa Blanca, or in the Axarquia area inland of Malaga. These will be old properties, many of which have been well renovated and are full of character. Village houses may have a small garden or terrace, and the front door opens on to the street. Some still have their original stone floors and stairs and many nooks and crannies. The windows tend to be small, to keep out the hot sun in summer and the cold in winter and you’ll find fireplaces in most. Rural stone houses will often come with a large plot, perhaps with olive and fruit trees included!
The mountainous regions of Spain offer another perspective and, as you would expect, properties that can withstand the winter cold and extremes of weather are popular here – old stone houses which have stood for centuries, simple, white, single-storey homes, contemporary chalets and luxury properties with pools. Here, too, are white painted terraced village houses and apartments.
As you can see, Spain really does offer something for everyone – whatever style appeals to you, you will find it here.
For more information on buying property successfully in Spain, download the Overseas Guides Company’s free Spain Buying Guide – and start receiving free news updates by email. Or to see property for sale all over Spain, visit Rightmove’s Spain listings.
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