Majorca: High Demand Continues

The 16 residential property shops grew their commission revenues by 22.2 percent to 14.5 million euros (2014: 11.9 million euros). Low rates of interest are helping to boost the Majorcan property market at present, along with the fact that buyers aspire to own a second home on this popular holiday island.

One of the most desirable regions for real estate investments is the southwest. Last year, Engel & Völkers sold five properties alone here with a sale price of between 8 and 10 million euros. The highest sale price achieved by Engel & Völkers was 10.5 million euros, in the exclusive residential area of Son Vida. In the west of the island, prices of up to 17,000 euros were reached. This also marks the highest price that Engel & Völkers registered on Majorca in 2015.

Increase in the number of transactions Last year, the number of property sales in the southwest rose by approx. 50 percent over 2014. This same percentage rise was also recorded at the centre of the island. It was in this region that Engel & Völkers sold some of the most expensive real estate on Majorca. “The selling period became shorter in 2015. That is a key reason why the number of sale closures increased,” said Hans Lenz, Managing Partner of Engel & Völkers Majorca Southwest. At the centre and in the south of Majorca, Engel & Völkers brokered 20 percent of the properties sold in less than three months. In Palma, the average selling period was between four and six months.

International buyers are ensuring strong demand .The majority of sales were of second homes. The main buyer groups here include clients from German-speaking countries, the UK, Scandinavia and France. German buyers dominate the market. Nonetheless, large numbers of British buyers are active in the north and west of the island. The strength of the British pound over the euro has led to a tangible rise in interest from UK citizens.

Panoramic views prove a key incentive to buy. Interest is focused on homes in prime locations with exceptional outlooks. In Palma, apartments with balconies or a terrace overlooking the marina are especially sought-after. At the centre of the island, buyers are looking for luxurious estates on large land plots with panoramic views of the Tramuntana Mountains, plenty of space and privacy. In the northwest, demand centres on modern villas close to the sea and traditional finca properties in rural surroundings.

Families are relocating to the island One clear trend emerging is the increasing number of families choosing the Balearic island as their main place of residence. “These families want to enjoy the lifestyle offered by the island and commute to work in their country of origin,” said Hans Lenz. Majorca’s southwest is particularly popular with this buyer group, due to its good connections to Palma with its international airport, international schools and extensive amenities.