What you see and like probably does not require definitions. Still, for a foreign purchaser, it may be helpful to understand the meaning of the words which qualify different types of buildings, as this may cause some confusion:

 

They are properties intended for single-family housing, built in prestigious areas, characterised by large sizes, spacious parks or gardens, and higher-than-usual finishes. 

 

Single buildings, semi-detached houses, or terraced houses that, despite having features of structural independence and exclusive-use external areas, do not meet the luxury and size requirements typical of villas. In common language, especially in some areas of Italy, it is not uncommon for a small house to be elevated to a ‘villa’. The cadastral distinction, in any case, is clear.

 

They are fortified farms with large internal courtyards typical of Sicily.

 

They are often historic farmhouses.

 

The term refers to large landholdings often including a historic residence (the farmhouse).

 

The term is used for large, architecturally significant representative buildings. In everyday language, the term is used to refer to any building of a certain height, even if lacking in prestige. 

 

They are buildings that develop vertically over multiple floors, typical of historic centres. 

 

These are apartments located on the top floor of a building characterised by spacious terraces. Often, a ‘superattico’ is situated above them.

 

These are apartments located on the top floor of a building with one or more pitched roofs.

 

They are dwellings situated at a partially underground level, characterised by a floor lower than the surrounding ground, with the ceiling partially or entirely above it.