The housing market in Spain continues to evolve in step with social, economic, and demographic changes. Buyers’ priorities are no longer the same as they were a few years ago, and factors such as floor plans, quality of life, the surrounding area, and energy efficiency are playing an increasingly important role in the final decision.

But when a buyer begins looking for a home, one question remains key: What type of home are Spaniards really looking for?

To answer this question, the III-Informe-Viaje-Comprador-de-Vivienda.pdf, prepared by Sigma Dos for Culmia based on a sample of 2,100 residents from various Spanish autonomous communities between January and February 2026, provides a very interesting snapshot of current market preferences.

The results show that, although there are differences based on age or geographic location, there is one type that remains the clear favorite among Spaniards.

An apartment in a building remains the top choice

The study’s findings are conclusive. When Spaniards are asked what type of housing they are looking for or have recently looked for, 57.7% say they prefer an apartment in a building, well ahead of the other options.

This figure confirms that apartments continue to be the most sought-after type of housing in the Spanish residential market. The combination of functionality, location, and affordability largely explains this preference.

Furthermore, this result is virtually the same for both men and women, which shows that this trend is universal and does not depend on the buyer’s gender.

Although the market has evolved and new residential needs have emerged, apartments continue to be the housing option that best meets the needs of a large portion of the population.

Single-family homes are gaining prominence

Although apartments top the rankings, the report reveals another key finding for understanding current trends: 21% of buyers opt for a house or villa, making it the second most popular choice.

This preference reflects a trend that has been observed for several years. The desire for more space, greater privacy, and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor areas has significantly increased the appeal of this type of housing.

In fact, other findings from the same study support this idea. Among the main reasons for starting a housing search are factors such as:

• To live in a quieter area.
• Need a larger home.
• Have a terrace or garden.

This trend explains the growing interest in developments that combine spacious living areas, natural surroundings, and homes designed to accommodate a more flexible lifestyle.

The apartment continues to hold a prominent position

The third most common type of housing is an apartment, chosen by 10.6% of those surveyed.

Although it accounts for a significantly smaller share than traditional apartments or single-family homes, it remains an attractive option for certain types of buyers, especially in some urban or coastal markets.

The data also show that this option has a relatively stable presence across different segments of the population, although it is more prevalent among younger shoppers.

Age plays a role, but it does not change the overall trend

One of the most interesting aspects of the report is that the floor’s lead holds steady across all age groups analyzed.

Among young people aged 26 to 34, more than half continue to choose this option. The same is true for older people.

A house or villa consistently ranks as the second choice across all age groups, while an apartment generally ranks third.

This trend shows that, although needs may vary depending on one’s stage of life, there is a fairly consistent preference regarding the type of housing considered most suitable.

How many bedrooms is the Spanish buyer looking for?

Beyond the type of property, the study also analyzes needs related to the size of the home.

The results show that the ideal configuration for most homebuyers is a three-bedroom home. Specifically, 53.7% of Spaniards believe this is the type of home that best meets their needs, well ahead of other options.

Behind them are:

• Two-bedroom homes (27%).
• Homes with four or more bedrooms (15.4%).

These figures reflect a clear preference for well-balanced spaces that allow for a combination of different uses within the home.

The rise of remote work, the need for an extra room, and the desire for greater flexibility partly explain why three-bedroom homes continue to be the most sought-after layout.

What Do Spanish Homebuyers Value When Choosing a Type of Home?

It’s important to know which types are in highest demand, but the report also helps us understand which factors actually influence the decision.

According to respondents, price remains the main deciding factor, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Location comes in second, followed by the size of the home and the availability of parking or a storage unit.

However, other factors related to quality of life are also becoming increasingly important:

• Brightness.
• Layout of the rooms.
• Thermal comfort.
• Orientation of the home.

This shows that today’s homebuyers are no longer looking solely at square meters. Functionality and well-being play an increasingly important role in choosing a type of home.

The pursuit of quality of life is driving new preferences

Another of the report’s most interesting findings is that the main reason for starting a housing search is not directly related to investment or price.

The most frequently cited factor is the desire to live in a quieter area, mentioned by 22.3% of respondents. This is followed by the need for a larger home and the desire to have a terrace or garden.

These results help explain why certain developments located in well-connected residential areas with access to outdoor spaces are attracting growing interest, depending on the type of home buyers are looking for.

Housing is increasingly viewed as a space linked to well-being and not merely as a place to live.

Homeownership remains the preferred option

The study also examines how Spaniards envision their future living arrangements.

The results show that homeownership remains, by far, the preferred option. No less than 82.2% of the population believes that living in their own home is the option that best fits their future, a figure higher than that recorded in 2023.

This data confirms the strength of the residential housing market and the continued importance of homeownership as a life goal for the vast majority of Spaniards.

What Will the Most In-Demand Housing Look Like in the Coming Years?

If we combine all the findings from the report, we can get a fairly clear picture of the type of housing that is currently generating the most interest.

Spanish buyers are primarily looking for:

• An apartment in a building.
• Three bedrooms.
• Good location.
• Brightness.
• Functional distributions.
• Thermal comfort.
• Spaces that enhance quality of life.

In addition, common areas are also gaining prominence. Green spaces are the amenities most highly valued by buyers (78.1%), followed by the pool (58%) and the gym (38%).

All of this reflects a clear trend toward homes that not only meet functional needs but also actively contribute to the well-being of their residents.

The balance between space, comfort, and quality of life drives demand

The III-Home-Buyer-Travel-Report.pdf confirms that apartments remain the most sought-after type of housing in Spain, with 57.7% of buyers preferring them. However, it also highlights a growing emphasis on factors related to quality of life, comfort, and the surrounding environment.

The ideal home for Spaniards in 2026 combines functionality, three bedrooms, a good location, and spaces designed to enhance daily well-being. And although single-family homes continue to gain popularity—especially among those seeking more space and contact with the outdoors—apartments remain the dominant force in the Spanish residential market.

These data provide a better understanding of how demand is evolving and what key factors are shaping housing today and in the future.