- FAQs
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
Can foreigners buy 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.
How much are the buying costs in Spain?
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.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Spain?
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.
How much deposit do I need?
Most non-residents should expect to pay 30–40% upfront. Spanish banks usually finance up to 70% of the property value.
What ongoing costs should I expect after buying?
- Annual Property Tax (IBI): from €300+
- Community fees: €100–€315 per month
- Home insurance: €150–€500 per year
- Utilities and trash collection
What documents should I check before buying?
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
Where should I 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.
Where is best for families?
Southwest Mallorca (Portals Nous, Santa Ponsa, Andratx) is popular for its schools, beaches, and safe communities.
Where is best for beach living?
Anywhere on Mallorca’s coast is great. Some notable areas though are the North (Pollensa, Alcúdia) and Southeast (SantanyÃ, Cala d’Or) offer stunning beaches and quieter living.
Where do most expats live in Mallorca?
Southwest Mallorca and Palma tend to be the most popular, thanks to international services, transport links, and lifestyle options.
Where do celebrities live in Mallorca?
Many celebrities own property here — Michael Douglas in Valldemossa, Rafa Nadal in Manacor, Annie Lennox and others across Deià and Sóller.
Financial & Legal
What taxes will I pay as a property owner?
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)
Can Americans or non-EU citizens get mortgages in Spain?
Yes. Banks assess your income and typically offer up to 70% LTV for non-residents.
What hidden costs should I watch for?
Community fees, ongoing maintenance, and local taxes. Many buyers overlook these – we include them upfront in your budget.
Can I rent my property out to tourists?
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
Should I rent before buying?
Yes, many expats rent first to experience different areas. This way you can see which lifestyle – city, beach, mountain – truly fits.
Do I need a car in Mallorca?
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.
How long should I stay in Mallorca to explore it?
A week is ideal to experience different regions. For relocation research, 1–3 months (renting) gives you a true feel.
How many people live in Mallorca?
Mallorca has around 970,000 residents, with Palma home to about 430,000. The island gets millions of tourists each year.
Is Mallorca safe?
Yes. Palma and most towns are very safe compared to many US or UK cities.
Shopping & Culture
What is Mallorca famous for buying?
- Pearls (Manacor)
- Olive oil and local wine
- Shoes and leather goods (Inca is the leather capital)
- Artisanal ceramics and glassware
Where can I buy authentic pearls in Mallorca?
Manacor is the hub of Mallorca’s pearl industry, known for its high-quality man-made pearls.
Which cultural highlights should I know about?
- Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
- Deià (where Chopin lived)
- Sóller and the vintage wooden train
- Local fiestas and markets across villages
Renovation & Potenial Risks
Should I be cautious with older properties?
Yes. Homes built before the 1980s may have structural issues. Always request checks for things like aluminosis.
What are common pitfalls for foreign buyers?
- 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?
- All-in-One Service: Lawyer, bank, notary, builder, all managed for you.
- Transparency: No inflated commissions, no hidden costs.
- Concierge Approach: One point of contact for everything.
- Trust: Full legal due diligence, only vetted professionals.
- Time Saving: We do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.