A house is still a house. Whether in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or Mallorca. Nevertheless, foreign real estate buyers should understand some basic Spanish terms regarding the definitions of houses and apartments.
Piso and Apartamento
The advantage of flats (“pisos”) and apartments (“apartamentos”) is their relatively low purchase price and manageable ongoing costs. Unlike chalets or fincas, flats and apartments can sometimes be left unattended for several months. They are also easier to rent out as vacation accommodations.
“Casa de Pueblo”—the village house
Anyone looking for a unique living experience, paired with a healthy dose of the Mallorcan way of life, is sure to find what they’re looking for in a so-called “casa de pueblo.” Such village houses are particularly popular among Northern European expats, mainly because of their rustic charm (natural stone facades and interior walls, exposed wooden ceiling beams, etc.). They usually feature a small courtyard (patio) or garden.
“Casa Adosada”—The Townhouse
So-called “casas adosadas” are particularly popular among foreign full- or part-time residents because they offer greater comfort than apartments. These mostly two-story, closely built-together townhousesfeature modern interiors and often include a small garden or patio. Properties located in residential complexes with one or more communal pools are also popular.
“Finca” – The Country House
The people of Mallorca use the term “finca” to refer to both undeveloped plots of land and houses in the countryside. Due to high demand, prices for such fincas—which typically feature several thousand square meters of land with fruit trees or small fields—have skyrocketed in recent years.
“Chalet” – The Villa
Detached houses with land, a garage, and a pool are referred to as “chalets” in Mallorca—regardless of their condition. In fact, they are among the most popular types of real estate among foreign investors. They are generally equipped with modern amenities, feature state-of-the-art heating systems, and offer plenty of space for one’s own family or visitors from back home. Naturally, so many advantages are also reflected in the purchase price.