FAQs About Buying and Living in Mallorca

Get clear answers to the most common FAQs about buying property and living in Mallorca from experts at the Vista Collection.

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Buying Property in Mallorca

Yes. Foreigners can buy freely in Mallorca, whether as residents or non-residents. You’ll need an NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number), which we help you obtain.

You should budget an extra 10–15% of the purchase price for taxes and fees. This includes Property Transfer Tax (ITP for resales), VAT + Stamp Duty (for new builds), notary, land registry, and legal fees.

Yes. A lawyer ensures all contracts are correct, verifies ownership, and checks for debts. At Vista Collection, we connect you with vetted lawyers so you don’t have to search.

Most non-residents should expect to pay 30–40% upfront. Spanish banks usually finance up to 70% of the property value.

  • Annual Property Tax (IBI): from €300+
  • Community fees: €100–€315 per month
  • Home insurance: €150–€500 per year
  • Utilities and trash collection

We provide a full breakdown before you purchase ⇒

The key one is the nota simple, which shows ownership and debts on the property. We always obtain this for you.

Best Areas to Live in Mallorca

It depends on your lifestyle:

  • Palma de Mallorca: City life, culture, dining, nightlife. Can be busy in peak season.
  • Southwest (Andratx, Portals, Bendinat): Luxury villas, marinas, international schools. Popular with expats.
  • Santa Catalina / Son Armadans: Trendy, lively, great for investment.
  • Deià & Sóller: Mountain views, charm, peace.
  • Inca & Center: More affordable, local living.

Southwest Mallorca (Portals Nous, Santa Ponsa, Andratx) is popular for its schools, beaches, and safe communities.

Anywhere on Mallorca’s coast is great. Some notable areas though are the North (Pollensa, Alcúdia) and Southeast (Santanyí, Cala d’Or) offer stunning beaches and quieter living.

Southwest Mallorca and Palma tend to be the most popular, thanks to international services, transport links, and lifestyle options.

Many celebrities own property here — Michael Douglas in Valldemossa, Rafa Nadal in Manacor, Annie Lennox and others across Deià and Sóller.

Financial & Legal

  • IBI (Annual Property Tax): €300–€800+ per year

  • Basura (Trash tax): depends on municipality

  • Non-resident income tax (if you don’t live full-time)

We explain all costs clearly so there are no surprises ⇒

Yes. Banks assess your income and typically offer up to 70% LTV for non-residents.

Community fees, ongoing maintenance, and local taxes. Many buyers overlook these – we include them upfront in your budget.

Yes, but you need a holiday rental license. Right now, new licenses in Mallorca are paused until 2026, though some short-term permits exist. We guide you on the legal options.

Lifestyle & Relocation

Yes, many expats rent first to experience different areas. This way you can see which lifestyle – city, beach, mountain – truly fits.

In Palma, you can live without a car thanks to buses, taxis, and Uber. For most other areas, especially if you plan to explore beaches and villages, a car is highly recommended.

A week is ideal to experience different regions. For relocation research, 1–3 months (renting) gives you a true feel.

Mallorca has around 970,000 residents, with Palma home to about 430,000. The island gets millions of tourists each year.

Yes. Palma and most towns are very safe compared to many US or UK cities.

Shopping & Culture

  • Pearls (Manacor)
  • Olive oil and local wine
  • Shoes and leather goods (Inca is the leather capital)
  • Artisanal ceramics and glassware

Manacor is the hub of Mallorca’s pearl industry, known for its high-quality man-made pearls.

  • Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
  • Deià (where Chopin lived)
  • Sóller and the vintage wooden train
  • Local fiestas and markets across villages

Renovation & Potenial Risks

Yes. Homes built before the 1980s may have structural issues. Always request checks for things like aluminosis.

  • Not checking the nota simple
  • Ignoring community fees
  • Falling for inflated commissions
  • Trying to manage everything alone

With Vista Collection, we eliminate these risks by managing every detail.

The Vista Collection Advantage

Why choose Vista Collection instead of another agency?

Have more questions? Ask them here.

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FAQs About Buying and Living in Mallorca

FAQs About Buying and Living in Mallorca

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FAQs About Buying and Living in Mallorca

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