Housing in Spain is increasingly seen not just as a private space, but as a complete environment offering quality of life, security and options for healthy leisure. The 3rd UCI Housing and Sustainability Observatory reveals that 57% of buyers consider community amenities – such as swimming pools, gyms, paddle tennis courts, green areas or security systems – important.
Preferences vary across regions: Madrid (71%), Castilla-La Mancha (69%) and Asturias (67%) place the highest value on such facilities, while Aragon (38%), the Basque Country (40%) and Cantabria (48%) value them least.
The regional differences highlight how lifestyle and climate shape perceptions of residential comfort. In central and northern Spain, where the climate is more humid, swimming pools and green spaces are increasingly sought after. In contrast, other regions prioritise factors such as location and price over communal amenities.
Urbanites vs rural residents
The study also reveals differences in buyer preferences based on location. In urban areas, 61% of buyers prioritise swimming pools, green spaces or sports facilities, compared with 53% in rural areas. The reasoning is clear: higher population density and limited open spaces in cities drive demand for communal amenities.
Despite growing interest, the availability of such homes is limited. Only 24% of flats for sale in Spain feature a swimming pool, according to idealista, and including one typically adds an average premium of 65%, making it a market-exclusive feature.
A change in housing design
“These figures show a clear shift in buyer mindset: homes are now seen as integrated spaces that must provide comfort, security and opportunities for healthy leisure without leaving the property,” says José Manuel Fernández, deputy general manager of UCI.
Rising summer temperatures and growing urban populations are accelerating this change. The challenge for developers and marketers is not just to expand housing supply, but to design projects that meet new market expectations: residential spaces combining livability, sustainability and high-quality community amenities.