Piso or apartamento?

Knowing the difference between a ‘piso’ and ‘apartamento’ is crucial when looking for a place to live, which should you choose asked property portal Idealista.

Understanding the difference is critical, as it can have a significant impact on daily lives and housing needs and is essential when making buying decisions, as pisos tend to offer more independence and space, while apartamentos can provide a closer community and access to additional services. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle.

Many people confuse the terms piso and apartamento in Spanish, believing they’re synonymous. However, there are clear differences between the two. According to the definition of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), a piso is, “A set of rooms that constitute an independent dwelling in a house of various heights”. On the other hand, the RAE defines apartamento as, “a small flat to live in”.

Pisos generally offer more space than apartamentos, which can be ideal for larger families or people who wish to have additional areas, such as an office or guest room. Apartamentos are generally more affordable and can be easier and cheaper to maintain.

It should be noted that piso generally refers to a primary residence, i.e. the place we call home. Whereas, an apartamento is usually a second residence, intended for temporary use, such as a holiday home in a tourist area. However, this is not a hard and set rule.