If you’re searching for a new-build home in Spain, you’ll see two terms everywhere: Key Ready and Turnkey.
They look similar, but they mean different things — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and frustration.
This guide explains the clear difference between Key Ready and Turnkey, why developers use these terms, and which option is right for your lifestyle or investment plans.
⭐ Quick Summary
Key Ready homes are finished, legally complete properties that you can move into immediately — but usually unfurnished.
Turnkey homes are also finished, fully furnished and equipped, ready to live in the same day.
What Is a Key Ready Property?
A Key Ready home is a newly completed property where construction is 100% finished and legal paperwork is issued. You can pick up the keys and move in straight away.
Key features of Key Ready homes
- Full construction completed
- Certificate of completion issued
- Legal and utility connections available
- No building works remaining
- Buyer can personalise and furnish
Usually NOT included
- Furniture
- Soft furnishings
- Kitchenware
- Interior styling
- Upgraded lighting or appliances
In short:
A Key Ready home gives you a finished structure, ready for your own style and furniture.
What Is a Turnkey Property?
A Turnkey home is a fully finished, fully furnished and fully equipped property — ready to enjoy instantly. Developers often call these “suitcase-ready homes”.
What Turnkey usually includes
- Complete furniture package
- Beds, mattresses, wardrobes
- Living room and dining furniture
- Appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher)
- Kitchenware (plates, pans, cutlery)
- Curtains, décor, lighting
- Outdoor furniture
- Sometimes: linens, towels, accessories
- Smart home systems (depending on the development)
In short:
Turnkey = Key Ready plus all furniture, appliances and essentials.
🔍 Key Ready vs Turnkey: Main Differences Explained
| Feature | Key Ready | Turnkey |
|---|---|---|
| Construction completed | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Legal paperwork complete | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Immediate move-in | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Fully furnished | ❌ No | ✔ Yes |
| Fully equipped | ❌ No | ✔ Yes |
| Ideal for renting immediately | ❌ Not usually | ✔ Perfect |
Key Ready → Best for buyers who want flexibility and to customise their home.
Turnkey → Best for holiday-home buyers, foreign buyers, and investors who want a ready-to-rent home.
🏡 Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Key Ready if you:
- Want to choose your own furniture
- Prefer a cleaner purchase price
- Enjoy interior design or personalisation
- Want a blank canvas
- Are using Casalo’s interior design or furnishing partners
Choose Turnkey if you:
- Want a ready-to-live-in home
- Don’t have time to organise furnishing
- Live abroad
- Want instant rental potential
- Prefer simplicity and convenience
- Want predictable costs with no surprises
Why Developers Use These Labels
Developers distinguish Key Ready from Turnkey to help buyers understand exactly what’s included.
It also allows:
- Better search experience
- Clear expectations
- Faster decision-making
- Tailored pricing
- Higher appeal to international buyers
On Casalo, our filters clearly label properties as:
✔ Off-Plan
✔ Under Construction
✔ Key Ready
✔ Turnkey
You’ll always know what you’re looking at — and what you’re getting.
✨ Find Key Ready & Turnkey New-Build Homes on Casalo
At Casalo, we specialise exclusively in new-build homes across Spain.
Whether you want a clean blank canvas or a fully furnished, ready-to-enjoy home, you can filter instantly and view the best developments nationwide.
👉 Search new-build homes on Casalo
👉 Explore new developments in Spain
👉 Get help choosing Key Ready vs Turnkey
Casalo — The New Home for New Homes.
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