I’ve been house-hunting quite intensely lately and have chatted with many friends about it, finding that opinions on small apartments in Spain are quite polarized. Some see them as the perfect stepping stone into major cities, while others feel the living experience is poor and they’re hard to resell. Since I’ve done a fair bit of research and run into some pitfalls myself, I’m starting this thread to discuss it with everyone and gather some collective wisdom!
I’m based in Madrid. For work convenience, I once rented an Estudio near the city center in Lavapiés, about 30 square meters. The advantages were incredibly obvious: an unbeatable commute. The metro station was right downstairs, and there were endless options for food, drinks, and entertainment nearby, making life extremely convenient. For a single person like me or a young couple, it felt amazing at first. After all, you spend most of your time out and about, and the apartment is just a place to sleep. Plus, the overall cost is low, which means less pressure on your cash flow, whether you’re renting or buying.
However, the drawbacks became apparent after living there for a while. The biggest issues were the sense of confinement and the overlapping functional areas. My Estudio was a typical open-plan space where the kitchen, living room, and bedroom were all jumbled together. If I cooked something even slightly greasy, the smell would fill the entire room and cling to my clothes. Having friends over was also a squeeze; it felt crowded with more than two people. Storage space was a major problem too. There was nowhere to put seasonal clothes or miscellaneous items, so the place quickly became messy, and my sense of well-being plummeted.
Looking at Small Apartments from an Investment Perspective
From an investment standpoint, small apartments are not a guaranteed win. Although the “low total price” sounds appealing, it also depends on the specific location and the condition of the property. I’ve put together a simple comparison table for your reference:
| Property Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| City Center Estudio | Potentially higher rental yield, easy to rent out | Limited appreciation potential, bank loan amount may be lower |
| Suburban One-Bedroom Piso | Higher living comfort, more appealing to families | Longer commute time, relatively higher initial investment |
| Old Town Small Flat Needing Renovation | Extremely low purchase cost | Renovation costs and time can be a bottomless pit, complex paperwork |
A small apartment is more like a functional product. If your goal is to have a foothold in the city center for ultimate convenience, or as a short-term rental investment like some small properties in Spain, then it’s a great choice. But if you’re looking for long-term living quality and room for a growing family, you might want to think twice. After all, who doesn’t dream of sipping coffee and soaking up the sun on their own balcony on a weekend afternoon? I’m personally craving a separate balcony right now! What are your thoughts on small apartments? Feel free to join the discussion below!
