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In this article, we look at the problem facing thousands of Spanish property buyers every year: whether to buy an apartment or a villa. For some buyers looking at properties in Javea, the choice is obvious. If you have a small budget or intend to use the property for the occasional holiday, then an apartment is the obvious choice. On the other hand, if you plan on living in the property all year round and have children or a pet or several, then a villa with a garden makes much more sense.
However, for many, the solution is not so cut and dried, so here we provide you with a list of the pros and cons of each property type, which will be helpful if you are stuck on whether to buy a villa or an apartment when looking at properties in Javea.
While not every apartment is cheaper than every villa, if your budget is limited (for example, under 150,000€), you will find far more apartments within this range than villas. A villa priced at under 150,000K, especially in Javea and other similar resorts, will likely need renovating, putting the final cost above your budget.
Modern apartment complexes in Javea have an impressive array of communal facilities for the use of residents. Unlike in a traditional villa, these amenities are conveniently located within close proximity to the living quarters. While it's true that a detached homeowner may have a personal swimming pool at their disposal, apartment complexes often offer a much wider range of facilities, including access to a gym, spa facilities, children's play areas, tennis, and table tennis, among other installations.
A standalone house is usually less secure than an average apartment complex unless the homeowner invests in an impenetrable, state-of-the-art security system. However, in a gated complex with a 24/7 security team and entry and exit barriers, the level of protection in apartment complexes is significantly high. Such measures ensure a safe and secure living environment, which is essential in today's world, especially with the very real problem of squatters in Spain.
Living in an apartment means you'll have many neighbours, whether they're year-round occupants, visitors a few times a year or holidaymakers renting the place out. Arranging to meet other residents at the pool, or crossing paths with the person who lives a few doors down when you're taking the rubbish out inevitably adds to your feeling of inclusion and belonging in your new environment, especially if you're new to the area.
The other side of having plenty of neighbours is having to put up with residents who act in an anti-social way. Late-night noise, parking in your spot, loud, unruly children, and wearing high heels to clatter around in the apartment above you are unthoughtful activities that will annoy even the most patient of us.
As an owner of an apartment, you'll have to pay "Gastos de la comunidad". These payments cover the maintenance and upkeep of communal areas and services, such as security personnel, cleaning, gardening, lifts, electricity, and swimming pools, plus the insurance and management costs of the building or complex.
The amount of the community fees you pay depends on the location, size, and facilities within the property, as well as the services the community provides. Typically, owners pay monthly or quarterly, and the owners approve the amount in a meeting. Generally, the amount is between €50 and €250 per month, but high-end properties with extensive facilities may cost more.
In addition to covering regular maintenance costs, community fees may encompass a reserve fund as a contingency for unforeseen property repairs or improvements. The reserve amount is determined by evaluating the age and condition of the property, as well as predicting the expected expenses for future maintenance and repairs.
If there are unsold apartments in the community, the owners will likely have to make up for the empty properties and pay more per head. You are advised to ask your agent about community fees before buying a communal property in Javea.
Another downside of apartment living is that if an expensive renovation is proposed and you would rather not pay for it or deem it unnecessary, you will have no choice in the matter if the majority of the residents are in favour. This is not always bad, as renovations will raise the property's value, but it might be an expense you would rather not pay at the time.
If you buy a Javea villa, you will not just be acquiring the worth of the physical structure and interior space and the value of the land itself. This is quite different from buying a flat, where the value is primarily limited to the value of the living space.
If you value privacy and loathe being constantly surrounded by occupants in nearby apartments and having to deal with the inconvenience of your upstairs neighbour's washing falling onto your terrace, or loud noises coming from next from next door, a quite secluded villa will be more your thing. Moreover, if you like to host gatherings and parties, a house will provide you with outdoor space to accommodate your guests, with the benefit of owning your own private sanctuary without having to worry too much about disturbing your neighbours.
Modifying the layout of a standalone villa is much less complicated than an apartment. As the owner, you have complete control over the exterior walls and interior area. As long as you don't plan on major renovations that require planning approval from the local town hall, you are free to make two small rooms into a larger one or make other modifications without having to answer to other occupants living in the building
A large property with an extensive garden and private swimming pool requires high maintenance costs to keep it in optimal condition. However, you have the advantage of deciding to pay what and when, unlike in an apartment when you have no choice if the pool is maintained all year round or if the garden is tended to by a professional or a task you prefer to do yourself.
Generally speaking, villas are found on the outskirts of the town, while apartments are mainly in the town centre. Depending on your preferences, this may be a pro if you prefer peace away from the nightlife and busy beach areas. However, if it suits you to be within walking distance of the beach, bars, and other amenities and you prefer not to use transport whenever you need something from the shops, you'll find an apartment near or in the town centre more practical.
Now you should have a better perspective on buying properties in Javea and if a villa or apartment would best suit your situation.
If you are still undecided, take a piece of paper and write down everything desirable for you. Then erase the items of minor importance, leaving only the "must haves" and "must not have". For example, if you really want a private pool but are unsure if you can afford a property with a pool or the maintenance costs, you could consider a house or villa without a pool but with enough garden space to add one at a later date. Or reflect on how important it is that the pool is private. Many complexes have pools used rarely by other residents, and chances are you will have it to yourself at certain times of the day or year, and you will share the maintenance costs with other residents.
Remember, the choice between buying an apartment or a villa in Javea depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle goals. It's advisable to work with a respectable real estate agent who can guide you through the options and help you make an informed decision that matches your needs.
Javea is well known for its stunning beaches, charming old town, and beautiful landscapes. The area has an idyllic Mediterranean climate, a mix of modern amenities and traditional Spanish culture, making it a desirable destination for property buyers desiring a relaxed lifestyle.
In Javea, you can find many properties, including apartments, villas, townhouses, and traditional Spanish fincas (country houses). Whether you're looking for a modern beachfront apartment or a rustic countryside villa, Javea has options to suit all preferences and budgets.
If you're contemplating a real estate investment in Javea, it's essential to remember that flats tend to feature a more confined living area within a communal environment. On the other hand, villas typically offer more space and privacy but usually come with higher maintenance costs. Apartments are often sold in complexes with shared facilities, while villas have independent living areas with personal gardens and private pools.
Apartments in Javea tend to have lower upfront costs and maintenance fees than villas. However, the monthly costs can vary based on location, size, and the specific amenities offered. Villas being larger with private gardens and pools will mean more effort, as you will either have to maintain the property yourself or hire someone to do it, whereas in an apartment with communal pools and gardens, this is arranged for you.
It's essential to consider the initial cost and ongoing expenses when deciding.
The choice between an apartment and a villa often depends on personal lifestyle preferences. Apartments offer a sense of community, convenience, and in many cases, access to shared facilities like gyms and communal spaces. On the other hand, villas provide:
Location is critical when deciding between an apartment and a villa when looking at properties in Javea. Apartments are commonly found in urban or coastal areas with easy access to amenities, restaurants, and beaches. Villas, on the other hand, are more likely to be situated in quieter, suburban, or rural locations, offering tranquillity and picturesque views, but meaning you need transport to get around for day-to-day living.
Various factors, including market trends, location, property condition, and demand, influence resale value. Well-maintained villas hold their value well due to their unique features and private settings. Apartments can also be appealing for their convenience and affordability, particularly for certain buyer demographics. It's wise to consult with a local real estate expert to understand the current market dynamics and whether the property price will rise considerably.
You will have more influence when reselling a villa. If the apartment block has seen better days and the exterior could do with a new coat of paint, there is little you can do about it. However, with a villa, you can invest in some home improvements to increase the resale value before putting it on the market.
Yes, you can rent long-term, but then you will not be able to use the property yourself for the term of the contract. Alternatively, you can rent short term, but for short or holiday lets, you will need to apply for a tourist licence, which may be refused.
You could also buy a property with a tourist licence. Javea's popularity as a tourist destination makes earning rental income from tourists viable. Many property owners rent out their homes during the peak holiday season.
