Inklingo

How to Say "real estate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “real estate” is “inmobiliario” — use 'inmobiliario' when you want to describe something as 'related to real estate,' such as the market, a company, or a professional.

English → Spanish

inmobiliario

een-moh-bee-LYAH-ryohinmoβiˈljaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inmobiliario' when you want to describe something as 'related to real estate,' such as the market, a company, or a professional.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small neighborhood with various houses and a plot of green land.

Examples

El sector inmobiliario está en auge.

The real estate sector is booming.

El mercado inmobiliario ha cambiado mucho este año.

The real estate market has changed a lot this year.

Estamos buscando un buen asesor inmobiliario para vender el piso.

We are looking for a good real estate consultant to sell the apartment.

Muchos inversores están interesados en el sector inmobiliario de España.

Many investors are interested in Spain's real estate sector.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending to match what it describes. Use 'inmobiliario' for masculine words like 'el mercado' and 'inmobiliaria' for feminine words like 'la agencia'.

Where to put it

In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the thing it is describing, like 'sector inmobiliario' (real estate sector).

Using 'Real Estate' as a Noun

Mistake: “Trabajo en el inmobiliario.”

Correction: Trabajo en el sector inmobiliario or Trabajo en una inmobiliaria.

inmueble

in-MWE-blayinˈmweβle

nounB1general
Use 'inmueble' to refer to a specific piece of property (like a house or apartment) or the real estate sector as a whole.
A charming two-story house with a small garden and a white picket fence.

Examples

Compramos un inmueble como inversión.

We bought a property as an investment.

Estamos buscando un inmueble para abrir nuestra oficina.

We are looking for a property to open our office.

El valor de los inmuebles en esta zona ha subido mucho.

The value of buildings in this area has gone up a lot.

Ella heredó un inmueble histórico en el centro de la ciudad.

She inherited a historic building in the city center.

Always Masculine

Even if the word refers to a house (la casa), 'inmueble' is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un'.

Physical vs Concept

Use 'inmueble' when talking about the physical building or structure, rather than just the abstract idea of ownership.

Don't confuse with furniture

Mistake: “Compré un inmueble para sentarme.”

Correction: Compré un mueble para sentarme. 'Inmueble' means a building that cannot move, while 'mueble' is furniture.

propiedades

pro-pyeh-DAH-despɾopjeˈðaðes

nounB1general
Use 'propiedades' as a general, collective term for land and buildings, often implying ownership or investment.
A simple, cheerful red house with a white picket fence sitting on a green patch of grass under a bright blue sky, representing real estate or assets.

Examples

La familia posee varias propiedades en el campo.

The family owns several properties in the countryside.

Mi tío invirtió en varias propiedades cerca de la costa.

My uncle invested in several properties near the coast.

La venta de propiedades ha subido mucho este año.

The sale of real estate has gone up a lot this year.

Necesitamos declarar todas nuestras propiedades al banco.

We need to declare all our assets to the bank.

Always Feminine Plural

Remember that 'propiedades' is always used with feminine words like 'las' or 'estas': 'Las propiedades son caras'.

Confusing 'Propiedad' and 'Propio'

Mistake: “Using 'propiedades' when you mean the adjective 'propio' (own).”

Correction: Propiedades are things you own (nouns); 'propio' describes something: 'Mi propia casa' (My own house).

bienes

bee-EH-nessˈbjenes

nounC1formal
Use 'bienes' specifically when referring to 'real estate' as a category of assets, usually paired with 'raíces' or 'inmuebles' for clarity.
An illustration of a simple single-family house with a red roof, situated on a green plot of land, representing real estate property.

Examples

La tasación de bienes raíces es fundamental.

The appraisal of real estate is fundamental.

La venta de bienes raíces es un proceso complejo.

The sale of real estate is a complex process.

Los bienes inmuebles incluyen casas y terrenos.

Immovable property (real estate) includes houses and land.

Specific Types of Property

When talking about land or buildings, Spanish often uses 'bienes' with a descriptive adjective like 'raíces' (real estate) or 'inmuebles' (immovable goods).

Adjective vs. Noun Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing the adjective 'inmobiliario' (real estate-related) with the noun 'inmueble' (a property or the sector). Remember, 'inmobiliario' modifies, while 'inmueble' names the thing itself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.