Cuando nuestro objetivo es alquilar o comprar una vivienda, conocer cada detalle sobre el sector inmobiliario es importante. Por eso, al sumergirnos en este apasionante mundo, es muy probable que aprendamos muchas cosas nuevas y que prestemos atención a aspectos que, en otras circunstancias, quizá se nos pasarían por alto.

A good example of this is the difference between two types of housing: a “piso” and an “apartamento.” At first glance, do you know what the defining characteristics of each are? You may be clear on certain aspects, but others might escape you. In any case, don’t worry—at Culmia, we want to clear up any doubts you may have on this subject and explain below how to tell them apart.

The RAE’s definitions contribute to this confusion regarding the terms

Let’s start at the beginning: What does the highest authority on the Spanish language have to say about this? According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE):

• Floor: (3. m.) “Each of the horizontal surfaces that make up a building.” (4. m.)“A group of rooms that constitute a separate dwelling within a multi-story building.”
• Apartment: (2 m wide)“A small apartment to live in.”

In fact, interestingly enough, the first definition of “apartamento” indicates that it is a synonym for “piso,” which is understood to mean “dwelling.” So it’s understandable that we might confuse one concept with the other, even though there are actually aspects that can help us tell them apart.

The Key Differences Between Them

From the perspective of Spain, and if we take a close look at the meanings of the two words, we can reach a fundamental conclusion: since apartments are small flats, all of them are flats. However, not all flats are apartments. In other words, one concept encompasses and includes the other, because it is simply used to refer to a group of dwellings that includes apartments.

Therefore, from a purely objective and semantic standpoint, it is essentially a matter of degree, although there are also connotations that can help us distinguish between them. In Spain, we typically use the word “piso” to refer to a dwelling located in a multi-story building where we live for most of the year; whereas we usually use “apartamento” when we’re talking about a vacation home where we go during our time off.

This is because, typically, when we’re looking for a vacation home, the most important factors are both its geographic location and the purpose it will serve for us. In these cases, it makes sense to choose a place that’s smaller than our primary residence, since the lack of space will be offset by the characteristics of the surroundings. That’s why we view it as a secondary or accessory residence.

Furthermore, everything said so far makes perfect sense if we look at the etymological root of “apartamento,” because it comes from the Italian term “apartamento, ”which, in turn, derives from the Latin word “partire” ( to leave). In other words, a “part” of something. This explains why, in the Americas, the synonymous term “departamento” is even more commonly used—a term that is also valid for referring to any of the parts into which a whole can be divided.

Condominium or apartment: Which should I buy?

Therefore, if you’re looking to buy your first home, you’ll most likely want to focus your search on purchasing an apartment. And, given the nature of an apartment, you’ll likely have to make a larger financial investment, since it will be larger and you’ll be living there for most of the year.

On the other hand, if what you need is a second home—one that’s separate from your primary residence and allows you and your family to get away from the daily grind—you should use the word “apartment” in your searches.

And although these searches will likely yield numerous results, their prices are usually more affordable than those of apartments. This is due to both their smaller size and their location, because real estate logic dictates that the smaller or more remote a town is from major urban centers, the lower the price per square meter will be.

In any case, these aren’t written rules, and it’s also possible to find people who are considering buying an apartment for other purposes. For example, these can be a great option — because they’re inexpensive and affordable —for people who live alone or small families, as well as for those willing to live in a location far from the city. Or even for those who want to invest in real estate and plan to rent out the property year-round or during seasonal periods.

As you’ve seen, once you have a couple of key points in mind, it’s pretty easy to tell the difference between a “piso” and an “apartamento.” So now that you know this, all you have to do is decide what you need.

We recommend:

• Buying a Home in Madrid: A City Full of Opportunities
• A Home Purchase Contract: What Do I Need to Know?