Abbreviations when buying property in Portugal: What do T1, T2, T3 mean and how do they differ from the terms in Germany, the UK and the USA?

When buying a property in Portugal and thus also in the Algarve, you will often come across a number of abbreviations in real estate advertisements that refer to the size and layout of the individual property. For example, the most common terms in real estate titles are T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and so on. These terms can provide buyers with important information at a glance. But what exactly do these abbreviations mean? How do they differ from the terms used in other countries such as Germany, the UK or the USA? In this short blog post, we will give you an overview of the most commonly used abbreviations and how to interpret property descriptions in Portugal.

1. What do the terms T0, T1, T2, T3 mean?

In Portugal, properties are labelled with a "T" and a number by default. The letter "T" stands for "Tipologia" (type or classification) and the following number indicates the number of bedrooms. However, this information does not say anything about the size of the individual rooms or the entire property in m². Likewise, the information does not allow any definitive conclusions to be drawn about the number of bathrooms or whether, for example, the property has a separate or open kitchen to the living room.

• T0: A T0 is a studio apartment that does not have a separate bedroom, but the living room and bedroom are located in one room. Such apartments are often found in hotel complexes.

• T1: A one-bedroom apartment or house. Typically, a T1 property consists of a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. This size is particularly popular with singles, couples or as a holiday apartment.

• T2: Two bedrooms. A T2 apartment is ideal for small families, couples or people who need extra space for guests or a small office.

• T3: Three bedrooms. These properties are perfect for families or buyers who want a little more space.

The classification can go up to T4, T5 and beyond, although these typologies are more common for larger houses or villas. The "V" and "M" abbreviations, such as V2/M2 or V3/M3, are houses (V stands for "Vila" or "Vivenda" or for "Moradia"). However, the content is the same.

2. What does the "+1" indication mean for real estate in Portugal?

Often you can also see designations such as T1+1, T2+1 or T1+2, which cause confusion. A "+1" indication says that there is an additional room, but it is not officially considered a bedroom. In order for a room to be officially classified as a regular bedroom in Portugal, it must meet certain legal requirements aimed at comfort and habitability. These criteria typically include:

• The minimum size: The room must have a certain minimum area, usually around 9 m², to be considered a bedroom. Smaller rooms are not classified as regular bedrooms.

• Natural light and ventilation: The room must have a window that provides sufficient natural light and can be opened to provide natural ventilation. A room without windows or with very limited light is not considered a bedroom.

• Minimum height: The room height also plays a role. As a rule, the ceiling height must be at least 2.50 meters to be considered a habitable space. Rooms with low ceilings, such as attics, often do not fully meet this requirement.

• Access and use: The room must be freely accessible and intended as a bedroom in the floor plan. Rooms that only serve as walk-through rooms or do not have direct access from the living area do not count as bedrooms.

If a room does not meet all the requirements, it is classified as "+1" because it is usable but does not meet the legal requirements for a bedroom. Whether these rooms are used as a bedroom or as an office, storage room, hobby room or similar, depending on the design and requirements, is up to the individual.

Tip:
Of course, when you are looking for a property, you should also pay attention to the total area (indicated in m², square meters), as this will give you a more accurate idea of the available space.

3. Additional terms and abbreviations in Portugal

In addition to the "T" classifications such as T1, T2, T3, there are a number of other abbreviations that you will often see when looking for a property in Portugal:

• R/C: "Rés-do-Chão", the ground floor. If an apartment is labeled "R/C", it is located on the ground floor of the building.

• A/S: "Arrecadação" and "Sótão", which stands for storage room and attic. These additional areas can represent valuable storage space.

The general floor designations also differ in the different countries. In Portugal, the names are:

◦ Rés-do-Chão (R/C): Ground floor.
◦ 1º Andar: First floor.
◦ 2º Andar: Second floor.

This can be compared well with the names from other European countries such as Germany or the UK. In the USA, on the other hand, "first floor" corresponds to the European "ground floor". "Second floor" in the USA would then be the first floor and so on.
Attic apartments are often referred to as "penthouses" in all countries, including Portugal.

4. Further differences to Germany, the UK and the USA

While in Portugal the bedrooms are at the center of the classification, in other countries the situation is somewhat different. Here's a quick comparison:

Real estate abbreviations in Germany:

In Germany, the number of rooms (not just bedrooms) is counted:
• 2-room apartment: This designation usually includes a living room and a bedroom, but it doesn't include the kitchen and bathroom either. A 2-room apartment would therefore be comparable to a T1 in Portugal.
• 3-bedroom apartment: This usually includes a living room and two bedrooms, comparable to a T2 in Portugal.

Property Abbreviations in the UK:

In the UK, the classification is similar, but the term "bed" is often used for bedrooms:
• 1 bed flat: A one-bedroom apartment, which is equivalent to a T1 in Portugal.
• 2 bed house: A two-bedroom house (equivalent to T2).
In addition, there are specific designations for the construction of the property, e.g. "semi-detached house" or "terraced house".

Real estate abbreviations in the USA:

In the USA, the classification is similar to the British one, but the number of bathrooms is often given in addition:
• 1-bedroom apartment: A one-bedroom apartment (comparable to a T1).
• 2-bedroom apartment: Two bedrooms (equivalent to one T2).
A typical addition in the USA is "bath" for bathroom. For example, an ad for a property might be "2 bed, 1.5 bath," which means that the apartment has two bedrooms and a bathroom, as well as a separate toilet.

5. What other factors you should consider when choosing a property in Portugal

In addition to the abbreviations, there are a variety of other factors that are important when choosing a property. You should definitely pay attention to these in the property descriptions:

• Location of the property: The location is crucial. Properties in the Algarve, especially near the sea, often fetch higher prices, but also offer great views and proximity to tourist hotspots. Terms such as "close to the beach" or "with sea views" are often associated with a higher value.

• Equipment and condition: Whether the property is modernized or in need of renovation makes a big difference. Terms such as "newly renovated", "turnkey" or "in need of renovation" can be decisive.

• Extras and communal facilities: Especially in tourist regions, particularly in the Algarve, the provision of additional amenities in properties is becoming increasingly important. A pool, for example, is a highly sought-after additional option that significantly increases the attractiveness of the property. Private outdoor spaces such as a garden or terrace are also a big plus and are appreciated by many buyers as a valuable extension of the living space. In apartment complexes, residents also often benefit from common areas such as communal pools, fitness rooms or playgrounds, which offer further comfort.

• Maintenance costs and ancillary costs: In Portugal, there are often annual maintenance costs (condomínio) incurred for the maintenance of common areas, especially in the case of properties in residential complexes. It's worth knowing these costs before making a purchase decision.

As a real estate agent in the Algarve, we are happy to help you find the right property for your needs. Whether you are looking for a T1 apartment with sea views, a T3 villa or a luxury property, we are here to help.