I recently viewed several properties with gardens in Madrid and would like to share my on-site inspection experiences. As a foreigner who has lived in Madrid for five years and always rented, I’ve finally decided to buy a place with a garden to settle down.
Let me start with the first property I viewed, a detached villa in the Chamartín district. This house has 450㎡ of built area with approximately 300㎡ of garden space. The seller’s asking price is €1.85 million, which honestly isn’t cheap. Built in 2005, the house is well-maintained, and the garden features a small swimming pool and barbecue area. The location is excellent, just a 10-minute walk to Cuzco station on Metro Line 10.
The second property is an apartment near Retiro Park. Although it’s an apartment, it comes with a 120㎡ private garden, which is truly rare in central Madrid. The apartment itself is around 100㎡ with three bedrooms and one living room, and the south-facing garden gets excellent sunlight. The price is €950,000, much more affordable than the detached villa. The only downside is that the parking space needs to be purchased separately for about €30,000.
Property Comparison Analysis
I’ve created a simple comparison table for reference:
| Item | Chamartín Villa | Retiro Apartment |
|---|
| Price | €1.85 million | €950,000 |
| Built Area | 450㎡ | 100㎡ |
| Garden Area | 300㎡ | 120㎡ |
| Metro Distance | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Parking | 2 included | Separate purchase |
| Community Fee | €150/month | €180/month |
In terms of value for money, the Retiro apartment is more suitable for someone single or with a small family like me. Although smaller in size, the garden is sufficient, and it’s closer to the city center. The Chamartín villa is ideal for larger families with children, offering ample space and a swimming pool.
Buying Recommendations and Key Considerations
If you’re also considering purchasing a property with a garden, I recommend focusing on the following points: First, the garden’s orientation and sunlight hours—Madrid summers are hot, so north-facing gardens stay cooler. Second, property management, especially for detached villas where garden maintenance requires time and effort. Finally, nearby amenities—the distance to supermarkets, schools, and medical facilities is important.
I personally lean towards the Retiro apartment, mainly considering daily commuting and lifestyle convenience. Although the Chamartín villa is more attractive, it’s simply too large for just me. I plan to visit again next week and consult with a lawyer about the purchase procedures. Friends with experience are welcome to share advice in the comments, especially regarding mortgages and taxes.
