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People looking to buy or sell property in Spain are often unaware of the wide variety of types of properties available.  From small starter apartamentos to large masias, there is a property in Spain that is perfectly suited to you.  If you currently own real estate in Spain, now is the best time in years to move from a smaller property to a larger one, as the spread between high-end and starter properties is much smaller than the historical average.  You can sell your current, smaller property and purchase a much larger or more modern property for a very reasonable sum.

Smaller units may be known as apartamentos, casitas, casa de pueblos or pisos.  Casitas tend to be older, smaller dwellings and may lack some of the more modern conveniences such as telephone, central heating or air conditioning.  However, prices can be quite low on some of these, and buyers may purchase with a desire to urbanise the property for profit.  A casa de pueblo is very similar, but is in a townhouse style.  It often lacks parking space and can also lack some of the modern conveniences, but may offer a good location. Again, urbanization is often needed and a buyer should perform a thorough inspection prior to agreeing to purchase.  An apartamento refers specifically to a beachfront flat, and a piso is very similar, but located in or near a town.  Apartamentos often sell for a higher price because of location, but some good deals may be found if one takes time to search.

A duplex refers to a two-storey flat, usually located on the top two floors of a multi-storey building.  Many times the building itself will have a lovely terrace on the roof, so look for duplexes at the top of the building. An adosado is similar in that it is a multi-storey property, but these are more modern and are typically located in the suburbs or just outside of a town.  They often have very limited outside space, though, so people who envision entertaining outside may do well to look for other types of property in Spain.

Larger types of properties include the finca, villa and masia.  A finca refers to a farmhouse.  Many of these are older properties, much in need of modernisation.  However, they often include quite a bit of land and some people feel the investment in the farmhouse, and some of them are quite lovely, justifies the purchase.  Especially for those who plan to live full-time in the property, this can be a rewarding, if challenging, undertaking.  A villa refers to a large property, usually much more modern than a finca, and without the farm-style atmosphere.  These are quite desirable if fully modernised.  Lastly, a masia refers to a large, well-tended country home.  Often with extensive land and outbuildings, these are quite impressive but also require an impressive amount of upkeep and maintenance.  However, if you want to make a statement, a masia is the type of real estate in Spain for you.