I’ve been house hunting recently and it’s been overwhelming. I’ve noticed something interesting: the size of balconies and terraces in Spain varies dramatically. When I first arrived, I thought they were all more or less the same. It wasn’t until I started looking to buy that I realized there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye, including unexpected issues like squatters. Sometimes they look decent on the floor plan, but when you see them in person, they’re so small you can barely fit one person, let alone a small table. So, I’m starting this thread to discuss the topic with everyone.
First, we need to clarify the basic difference between a Balcón and a Terraza. Real estate agents and property websites always specify which it is. Simply put, a Balcón is what we’d traditionally call a ‘balcony’—a structure that juts out from the building’s wall. They are generally small and mainly used for getting some fresh air or drying clothes. A Terraza, on the other hand, is a ‘terrace,’ which is much larger. It’s often an open area on a setback of a building or a large platform on the top floor. Being able to have barbecues, host gatherings, and do some gardening on a Terraza—that’s the true essence of the Spanish lifestyle!
Key Factors Influencing Balcony/Terrace Size
The size of a property’s balcony or terrace mainly depends on a few factors:
City and Location
In the city centers of major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona, where every square meter is prime real estate, the Balcóns in older apartment buildings are typically very small, some are even purely decorative. However, in southern coastal regions like the Costa del Sol, a large Terraza is practically a standard feature in new builds. After all, people move there to enjoy the sun and an outdoor lifestyle.
Property Type
For a standard apartment (piso), a balcony is usually around 3-8 m². If it’s a penthouse (ático), the terrace area can range from tens to even over a hundred square meters, and the price, of course… well, you know. Detached or semi-detached houses usually come with their own garden, and a terrace is almost always included.
A dream penthouse terrace probably looks something like this—open views and plenty of sunshine!
Based on my house-hunting experience, I’ve put together a simple reference table for typical outdoor space sizes for different property types. It’s not exact, but it should give you a general idea:
| Property Type | Common Outdoor Space Type | Approx. Size Guide |
|---|
| Old City Center Apartment | Balcón | 1 - 4 m² |
| New Build Apartment | Balcón / Terraza | 5 - 15 m² |
| Penthouse (Ático) | Terraza | 20 - 100+ m² |
| Townhouse/Detached House | Terraza + Jardín | 15 - 50+ m² |
If you want a large balcony or terrace, you either have to look in newly developed suburbs or coastal areas, or you have to pay extra for the top floor! Personally, I think if you truly want to enjoy the Spanish outdoor lifestyle, regarding the balcony area, a terrace of at least 8-10 m²—big enough to fit a table and chairs—is an ideal starting point.
How do you all consider balconies or terraces when buying or renting? What size do you think is big enough? Feel free to share your thoughts and give some inspiration to those of us who are still looking!
