The big question: apartment or villa?
It's one of the first choices you make when looking for new build property in Spain: do you want an apartment or a villa? Both options have clear advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we help you make the right choice.
Apartment: the advantages
- Lower purchase price: a new build apartment starts from €130,000
- Lower maintenance: shared costs with other owners
- Amenities: communal pool, garden and sometimes gym
- Security: gated complex, neighbours nearby
- Easier to rent: simpler to let to tourists
- Ideal as holiday home: lock up and leave
Apartment: the disadvantages
- Less privacy: neighbours above, below and beside you
- Community fees: €50-€200 per month (whether you're there or not)
- Limited space: no private garden, smaller terrace
- Regulations: HOA rules on rental, pets, renovations
Villa: the advantages
- Maximum privacy: your own plot, no neighbours
- Private pool and garden: entirely to your own taste
- More space: larger living area, multiple bedrooms
- Value appreciation: land ownership, higher growth
- Freedom: no HOA, your own rules
Villa: the disadvantages
- Higher purchase price: new build villas start from €300,000
- More maintenance: pool, garden, terrace — all at your expense
- Higher running costs: water, electricity, insurance
- Rental more complex: higher daily management required
- Security: you need to arrange your own alarm system
Financial comparison
| Apartment | Villa | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | €130,000 - €400,000 | €300,000 - €1,000,000+ |
| Community fees | €600 - €2,400/year | €0 |
| Maintenance/year | €500 - €1,000 | €2,000 - €5,000 |
| IBI (property tax) | €300 - €800/year | €800 - €2,500/year |
| Rental yield | 5-8% gross | 3-6% gross |
When to choose an apartment?
- You'll use the property as a holiday home (max 3-4 months per year)
- You want to rent out when you're not there
- You're looking for a lower budget with fewer worries
- You want amenities like a pool without personal maintenance
When to choose a villa?
- You're moving to Spain permanently
- Privacy and space are important to you
- You have a family with children who want to play outside
- Your budget allows it and you want your own pool
Our advice
For most foreign buyers seeking a holiday home, a new build apartment is the wisest choice. Lower costs, easy maintenance and better rental yield make it a more relaxed investment.
Those moving permanently to Spain with the budget will find the ultimate Spanish dream life in a villa.
Frequently asked questions
Why buy new build in Spain?
What is included in new build properties in Spain?
How can Alistora help me buy property?
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