When searching for property in Spain, the orientation of a home is often an important consideration. However, the direction it faces does not tell the whole story. The amount of sunlight you experience, the time of day when that sunlight reaches the property and, above all, how you intend to use the property are equally relevant.
A south-, east-, west- or north-facing orientation each has different characteristics. Which one best suits your needs depends on several factors. It is therefore worth looking beyond the orientation stated in the property details when viewing a home.
When do you use your property in Spain?
An important first question is during which period of the year you intend to use the property most.
Those who regularly spend time in Spain during the winter months may place considerable value on direct sunlight on the terrace and in the living areas. During the summer months, priorities may be different. On particularly hot days, sufficient shade can make a significant contribution to your comfort.
Even those who enjoy spending time in the sun do not necessarily need direct sunlight on every outdoor area and at every moment of the day. During the hottest summer months, it can be particularly pleasant to have different outdoor spaces where you can choose between sun and natural shelter throughout the day. If you enjoy sunbathing, a sunny terrace or pool area may be particularly important, while a cooler spot can be equally pleasant for a long lunch, an afternoon outdoors or a training session.
It is therefore not only about how much sun a property receives, but especially when and where you can enjoy it.
Someone who uses a second home mainly during the school holidays and summer months may therefore have different preferences from someone who spends the winter in Spain or lives there permanently.
At what time of day do you want to enjoy the sun?
It is not only the number of hours of sunshine that matters, but also when that sunshine is available.
An east-facing orientation mainly receives morning sun and can therefore appeal to those who enjoy having breakfast outdoors. A west-facing orientation provides more sunshine later in the day and may suit those who primarily use their terrace in the afternoon and evening.
A south-facing orientation generally provides longer exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day, while a north-facing orientation can offer more shelter from direct sun.
This does not automatically make one orientation better than another. The relevant question is which position in relation to the sun best suits your daily routine.
How do you use the property?
Your lifestyle in Spain also plays an important role.
Do you often spend your days out walking, cycling, playing golf, going to the beach or exploring the surrounding area? In that case, the position of the sun in the morning or evening may be more relevant to you than the situation in the middle of the day.
If, on the other hand, you spend a lot of time at home, other aspects may become more important. The same applies to how you use your outdoor space. Someone who mainly wants to dine outside may have different requirements from someone who primarily uses the terrace for sunbathing, relaxing or exercising.
Even very specific habits can play a role. Consider, for example, cyclists who regularly train outdoors on an indoor trainer. For them, a sheltered outdoor space away from direct sunlight can be particularly valuable. Someone who prefers spending a large part of the day by the pool or on the terrace may have very different priorities.
By considering in advance what a typical day in your Spanish property would look like, you can assess its orientation much more effectively.
Look beyond the direction the property faces
The actual experience of sunlight in a property is determined by much more than its orientation alone.
The floor on which the property is located, surrounding buildings, mountains, vegetation, overhangs, awnings and the depth of the terrace can all influence the amount of direct sunlight. The position of the sun also changes considerably throughout the year.
As a result, two properties with exactly the same orientation can offer a very different experience in practice.
When viewing a property, it is therefore useful not only to ask which direction it faces, but also to consider when the sun actually reaches the terrace and the main living areas.
If a property has several terraces, it is also worth considering each outdoor area separately. Different orientations can allow you to find a suitable outdoor space at different times of the day.
Price differences can also play a role
Within the same new-build development, comparable properties can have different prices. In addition to factors such as the floor, views and position within the development, orientation can also influence the price. In some developments, a property without a south-facing orientation may therefore be priced more favourably than a comparable south-facing unit.
It is therefore worth comparing different units. If another orientation suits when and how you intend to use the property, such a price difference may be worth considering.
Excluding a property solely because of its orientation could therefore mean overlooking interesting alternatives.
For your own use or for rental?
If you intend to rent out the property either partially or entirely, the considerations change again. Your personal preferences are then no longer the only factor.
Comfortable outdoor areas, opportunities to enjoy both sun and shade, views, climate control and the property's overall location can all contribute to its appeal to different guests.
Here too, it is advisable to assess the orientation as part of the property's overall characteristics.
So, which orientation is best?
There is no universal answer.
Choosing a property in Spain should not be based solely on whether it faces north, south, east or west. The time of year you spend there, your daily routine, how you use the terrace, the property's surroundings and any potential price differences are all relevant considerations.
At NB-ESTATES, we therefore start with your requirements and the way you intend to use the property. This allows us to look beyond what is stated on paper and consider how well a property suits you in practice.
Looking for a property in Spain?
Our Dutch-speaking team guides you throughout your property search in Spain, from the initial selection and viewings to the purchase and long afterwards. We always start with your personal requirements and expectations.
Get to know our team without obligation and discuss what matters to you when choosing a property in Spain. This can be done at one of our offices, during a visit to your home or via video call.