You have four basic types of property in Spain.

Apartments are usually in a purpose-built block. Apartments where the bedroom is part of the general living space are called studios (estudios). In Spain, the size of an apartment is measured in square metres: 75 square metres would be a reasonably-sized two-bedroom apartment in a city.

A Townhouse is usually a two- or three-storey building which is part of a terrace, possibly with a small garden or outdoor space but not necessarily. Spanish townhouses - and apartments - have usually been designed to fit in as many bedrooms into the space as possible so rooms are often smaller than in British houses.

A Villa is a detached house usually found on or near the coast, either with a private garden and possibly a swimming pool or as part of an 'urbanización' where you share a communal pool and other facilities with other properties on the estate. The latter means you benefit from the facilities without the effort and expense of upkeep.

A Finca Rústica is a traditional house, often in the countryside, much like a farmhouse. They are often in need of conversion or renovation. A finca usually has some land or at least a garden. The property may lack the utilities of urban villas such as mains water, gas or a telephone line. Beware that some building plots sold as 'fincas rústicas' are misnamed and do not allow you to build on the land. Make sure road rights are mentioned in the title deed. This is not something you want to negotiate after you have bought the place and then realise you need to buy more land in order to extend the road access.

If you do not intend to live in the property full-time, an apartment that you can lock up and leave - particularly on a managed estate which guarantees security and maintenance of the common areas - is a wise option. You may not feel so secure leaving a villa or finca empty for long periods.