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Discover the different types of housing and their characteristics

Are you considering buying or investing in a new property? If your answer is yes, then you will know that choosing the ideal type of home is one of the most important parts of the process since it isn’t only about finding your dream home, but also defining your lifestyle and maximising the value of your investment. From elegant urban apartments to exclusive villas in privileged natural settings, each type of home offers specific characteristics that influence the quality of life, comfort and return on investment.

At Prime Invest we offer a comprehensive 360º consultancy service designed to guide investors through all stages of property development, from planning to marketing. In this article, we present a detailed guide to the most popular types of residential property, with a particular focus on new construction homes. 

Thanks to our experience in the new construction market, especially on the Costa del Sol, and our ability to provide innovative solutions adapted to the local environment, we can help you discover the option that best suits your investment objectives. If you want a home that combines exclusivity, modern design and efficiency, keep reading!  

Main types of housing and their characteristics

The real estate market offers a wide variety of homes that adapt to every need and lifestyle of buyers. In our first classification we are going to differentiate between single-family homes and multi-family homes:

Single-family homes

Single-family homes are properties designed to be occupied by a single family, as they are built as individual structures. They are usually located in suburban or residential areas and are characterised by exclusive spaces separated from other neighbours, which makes them an ideal option for those seeking tranquillity and greater privacy.

Among single-family homes, it is common to find:

  • Independent chalets: a detached house with its plot of land.
  • Townhouse: a house that shares side walls with others, but maintains an independent entrance and space.
  • Semi-detached home: similar to a townhouse, but it only shares a side wall with another home. We recently talked to you about the differences between a paired house and a semi-detached house. Although the main difference is the number of walls that these homes share with their neighbouring houses, there are other interesting characteristics.
  • Country house: a property located in a rural environment, usually with a large plot of land.
  • Villa: refers to luxury homes, often located in exclusive areas and surrounded by large gardens and outdoor spaces.

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Multi-family housing

Multi-family homes are those that are part of a larger residential complex and share elements and spaces with their neighbours. Such as the land, access and common areas. These types of houses share several walls with their neighbours' houses and are very common to find in urban areas.

Types of multi-family housing:

  • Apartment: The most common type of multi-family dwelling par excellence is the flat or apartment, within the same multi-storey building.
  • Penthouse: apartment located on the top floor of a building, generally with a terrace and solarium and better views.
  • Duplex: living on two floors connected by an internal staircase.
  • Loft: Open-plan space without partition walls, with a modern and industrial design.
  • Study: A one-room home with an integrated kitchen and living room, ideal for a single person or a couple.

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New construction and second-hand houses

Another way of talking about types of dwellings is by their condition. If they have just been built and no one has lived in them yet, they are new construction homes, while if several tenants have already lived in a property for at least two years, it is considered a second-hand home. 

On the other hand, there are also off-plan homes, those that are bought when they are unfinished and are usually at a design or construction stage.

Features and benefits of choosing a new construction over a second-hand home

New homes have become a highly valued option for buyers due to several features that make them distinctive and highly competitive compared to second-hand homes.

  • Greater energy efficiency. One of the main characteristics of new construction homes is their high energy efficiency since they are built with the latest generation of materials that improve thermal and acoustic insulation, and often incorporate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or heat pumps, which significantly reduce energy consumption and associated costs. 
  • They also have a modern and functional design, with optimised spaces that prioritise comfort and natural light, and offer flexible layouts that can be adapted to the needs of the buyer.
  • Another major advantage of new construction is that many developments offer the buyer the opportunity to personalise certain aspects of the home, such as finishes, layout fixtures and fittings.
  • New construction homes come with legal guarantees that protect the buyer against possible construction defects, providing greater peace of mind and legal security. 
  • A greater long-term home value appreciation, since new construction homes are usually built in emerging areas of the city, following extensive market research.

Get the ideal type of home for you and your needs with Prime Invest

Now that we know what the characteristics of each type of home are, which one best suits you and your current needs? At Prime Invest we help you define them. 

If you are buying a newly built home, you can ask yourself questions such as: How much space do I need? Will I use it as a second home? What is my budget? On the other hand, if you are buying to invest, the questions can be oriented towards the needs of the market. 

In any case, our team can help you with your search thanks to our real estate consulting service. Contact us and we will advise you at every stage of your project.

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