Glossary of property terms

There are a number of terms that you will come across – here is a list of the most common ones. If you come across one not on our list, just ask.

Apartamento - Apartment or flat, often with communal pool and gardens

Adosada - See townhouse

Chalet - Standard term for a detached house or villa

Cortijo - Large country house or farm, often with outbuildings, ideal if you are thinking of setting up a B&B…

Duplex - Split-level apartment or houseSplit-level apartment or house

Finca - Country house, often in need of modernisation or improvement, with a decent amount of land to guarantee privacy and tranquility.

Piso - Flat

Unifamiliar - See townhouse

Urbanización - An development of different types of houses and apartments with communal gardens and swimming pools.

Townhouse - Terraced house in a modern development, often very spacious and well appointed, probably with communal gardens and swimming pool.

Vivienda - The correct translation is dwelling, but in this area it is usually used to refer to an apartment or a terraced house.