Buying property in Mallorca: a clear step-by-step guide

Before you search: define the life, not just the property

Mallorca is not one property market. A sea-view apartment near Palma, a village house in Pollença and a rural finca outside Sóller come with different access, maintenance, planning and seasonal-life considerations. Start with the weeks you expect to spend here, airport frequency, school or healthcare needs, tolerance for tourism, preferred winter atmosphere and how much property management you want.

A focused brief should include location priorities, property type, realistic total budget, financing position, intended use and non-negotiables. This makes conversations with local specialists more useful and prevents attractive but unsuitable homes from dominating the search.

Use our guides to compare Bendinat, Sóller, Puerto Pollensa and Deià.

The Mallorca property-buying process

1. Prepare. Decide budget, ownership structure and whether finance is required. Begin the NIE process and speak to an independent Spanish lawyer early.
2. Search and view. Compare areas as carefully as properties. Ask what changes outside high season.
3. Investigate. Review ownership, charges, planning status, licences, community matters and tax position. Add a technical survey.
4. Reservation or arras. Understand conditions, deadlines, finance clauses and consequences before signing.
5. Public deed. Completion normally takes place before a notary.
6. Register and transfer. Pay applicable taxes, register ownership and change services and insurance.

The Spanish government recommends checking legal status, ownership and charges through the Property Registry. Its official property-purchase overview explains the nota simple and registration.

What should be checked before buying?

Catastro helps locate and describe property, but does not replace the Registry, planning checks or a survey. Read our Catastro guide.

How much should you budget beyond the price?

The answer depends on resale versus new build, value, financing and professional fees. Resale purchases in the Balearics are generally subject to progressive transfer tax; new homes normally follow a different VAT and stamp-duty route. Add legal advice, notary and registry costs, technical checks, mortgage costs and immediate works.

Rates and thresholds change. Request a property-specific estimate and verify current rates with ATIB. See our Mallorca buying costs guide.

Who should be on your side?

• An independent Spanish property lawyer acting for you.
• A qualified technical surveyor or architect.
• A tax adviser for residence or cross-border matters.
• A lender or mortgage adviser before negotiation.
• A local specialist who knows your chosen micro-market.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy property in Mallorca?

International buyers regularly purchase Spanish property, but nationality, residence, finance and tax circumstances change the steps. Obtain current advice before committing.

Do I need an NIE?

An NIE is normally needed for the transaction and related tax and banking processes. See our NIE, banking and mortgage guide.

Is a notary the buyer’s lawyer?

No. The notary authenticates the deed and performs statutory checks. Independent advice and due diligence remain important.