Country Houses

Country houses in Spain, sometimes known as "fincas", offer buyers a unique lifestyle built around nature, land and a more traditional way of living.

Cottage Properties is a renowned real estate agency specialising in rustic properties like Catalan masias, castles and farmhouses. We've been featured on national television programmes such as Canal Decasa — walking viewers through the sale and rehabilitation of some of our properties — and our team consists of fully certified API real estate agents.

Our portfolio includes everything from farmhouses in need of renovation to spectacular, luxury country estates. These are properties perfect for rehabilitation, retreats, boutique hotels or simply as private residences for you and your family.

What are country houses in Spain?

Country houses in Spain come in many forms, from small cottages to expansive fincas and historic farmhouses. Often made of stone, these properties typically include thick walls, wood-beamed ceilings, traditional tiled roofs and are surrounded by agricultural land.

Some of the main rural property types include:

• Fincas: Rural estates, usually of agricultural heritage, which may include farmland, olive groves, vineyards or woodland. The Spanish term "finca rústica" is usually the translation, but in Spain this can refer to plots of agricultural land with or without an actual residence.

• Farmhouses: Traditional stone houses, often centuries old, built to last and full of architectural character.

• Country estates: Large properties with multiple buildings, ideal for family compounds or agrotourism projects.

• Masias: In Catalonia, a traditional farmhouse is typically called a "masia". There are more than 26,000 masias in Catalonia and Cottage Properties is best known for its extensive portfolio of masias for sale.

Rural properties for sale in Spain offer more than just living space — they promise a peaceful lifestyle close to nature. Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat or a long-term relocation, country homes in Spain open the door to slow living, sustainability and privacy.

Steps to buying a country house in Spain

Buying a finca or country house in Spain is a rewarding but detailed process, especially given the rural nature of many properties. It’s not uncommon for these homes to have irregularities in documentation, especially when inherited or left vacant.

The main steps to follow are:

1. Define your criteria: Location, land size, existing structures, intended use.

2. Conduct due diligence: Once you find a property you're interested in, investigate the property’s legal status, land boundaries and any outstanding issues. If you choose to view a country house with Cottage Properties, we have conveyancing solicitors in our team who can check this all for you.

3. Check for irregularities: The job of a conveyancing solicitor is to discover any unregistered extensions, outdated land demarcations or missing planning permissions. Never take the property description at face value in Spain.

4. Work with legal experts: It's very common in Spain that a finca for sale will have recently been passed down via inheritance — over 157,000 such rural properties change hands annually, according to INE data. The probate process can complicate the purchase, which is why it's important to use a real estate agency like Cottage Properties and our in-house conveyancing solicitors and real estate lawyers who are specialised in such transactions.

5. Sign a reservation and complete the sale: Once all is verified, contracts can be signed and notarized.

Country houses in Spain are very different to other kinds of property. This is because, more often than not, they are on so-called "rustic" or "agricultural land" which is governed by very different laws compared to "residential" or "urban" land.

Unfortunately, a recent aerial study conducted by Spain's tax authority discovered more than 3 million irregularities on rustic land — these included 1.1 million unlicensed extensions, over 600,000 unauthorised refurbishments and over 150,000 undeclared swimming pools.

This is why choosing a real estate agency like Cottage Properties — with over 30 years' experience buying and selling country houses in Spain — can help make the process smooth and easy.

In fact, our director Angels Sabater Anell has regularly featured on Spanish television shows such as Canal Decasa where she walks viewers through the buying process and stunning rehabilitations of country properties in Spain.

Best places to buy a country house in Spain

Spain offers incredible regional diversity when it comes to rural living.

While country homes exist across the country, the following regions are particularly popular:

• Catalonia: Known for its masias, vineyards, olive groves and Mediterranean climate. Rich in stone farmhouses and mountain retreats.

• Valencian Community: Olive and citrus groves, inland country estates with hunting grounds, and stunning fincas for sale near the coast.

• Balearic Islands: Idyllic fincas surrounded by nature, ideal for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity.

• Andalucía: Cortijos and whitewashed farmhouses with land, sun, and Moorish-influenced architecture.

Other beautiful and less crowded regions include Navarra, Asturias, Basque Country, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura — offering authentic rural charm and agricultural landscapes.

You can also explore castles and palaces for sale in our portfolio if you're drawn to grander historic estates.

Rehabilitating a country house

Restoring a finca or rural home is often part of the journey.

But it comes with responsibilities. In many cases, especially for protected properties or those in rustic zones, you must preserve traditional materials and follow specific building codes.

Extensions may not be allowed, and only certain styles of roofing or stonework are permitted. Knowing what can and cannot be done requires deep expertise.

That’s where Cottage Properties comes in. With 30 years of experience, we not only help you find the right property but also manage full-scale rehabilitations of country houses in Spain. Our team includes architects, project managers, and heritage construction specialists who work with respect for local laws and aesthetics.

Request a viewing with Cottage Properties

Found a country house for sale in Spain that inspires you? Use the form on the property's listing page to request a viewing.

Or, if you have a specific project in mind — whether it’s investment-focused, a rehabilitation dream, or you’d like to organise a property viewing trip across multiple fincas — get in touch with us.

Our team will respond quickly to offer you a face-to-face meeting (or videocall) where you'll get direct attention from our directors, Angels Sabater Anell and Pere Crosas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a finca and a country house in Spain?
"Finca" is a broad term that can refer to land or a rural estate. A country house typically refers to the residence itself, often a stone farmhouse.

Can foreigners buy rural property in Spain?
Yes, buyers from outside Spain can freely purchase country houses and fincas.

Do I need a permit to renovate a finca?
Usually, yes. Renovation, especially on protected land, often requires planning permission. Expert guidance is crucial.

Is it possible to turn a finca into a business?
Yes. Many buyers turn fincas into rural hotels, retreats, or working farms. Zoning and licensing rules vary, so we recommend a consultation.

Country houses for sale in Spain offer a rare blend of lifestyle, land, and long-term value.

Let Cottage Properties help you find and transform your ideal rural retreat. Contact us for a consultation today.