Buy a house in Mallorca
Detached houses, semi-detached houses, and terraced houses in Mallorca – for families and as holiday homes.
A House in Mallorca – Diverse and for Every Lifestyle
Anyone looking to buy a house in Mallorca will find an impressive range of property types. From stylish city villas in Palma and modern townhouses in well-maintained residential complexes to detached family homes with gardens and pools – the category "house" encompasses all residential properties offering independent living on one or more floors. Whether as a permanent residence, holiday home, or investment: a house in Mallorca combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with solid substance.
What Types of Houses Are There in Mallorca?
The Mallorcan property market offers various types of houses that differ significantly in location, construction, and price.
Townhouse (Casa de Pueblo)
Townhouses are the typical multi-story residential buildings in the town centers of Mallorcan municipalities. They usually have narrow facades, several floors, and often a roof terrace with views over the rooftops of the town. In sought-after locations like Santanyí, Pollença, Artà, or the historic center of Palma, lovingly restored townhouses are particularly in demand. They combine the charm of historical architecture with the convenience of having all local amenities within walking distance.
Terraced House (Casa Adosada)
Terraced houses are often found in newer residential complexes and urbanizations around larger municipalities. They typically offer two to three bedrooms, a small garden or patio, and often a communal pool. Terraced houses are a popular entry point into the Mallorcan property market and are particularly suitable for families who value a well-kept neighborhood and manageable maintenance costs.
Semi-Detached House (Casa Pareada)
Semi-detached houses offer more space and privacy than terraced houses and are priced between them and detached houses. They usually have their own garden, a terrace, and often a private pool. They are particularly common in residential areas around Palma, Calvià, and in the southwest of the island.
Detached Villa
Villas in Mallorca represent spacious living with privacy. They are usually located on their own plots in prime residential areas – often with sea views, private pools, and well-kept gardens. Modern villas impress with contemporary architecture, open floor plans, large glass fronts, and smart home features. Classic villas focus on Mediterranean architectural style with natural stone, terracotta, and curved arches.
The Best Locations for a House in Mallorca
The choice of the right location depends heavily on personal lifestyle and priorities.
Palma de Mallorca
The island capital offers an urban lifestyle with a Mediterranean flair. In the old town district of La Lonja, the trendy Santa Catalina, or the elegant Son Vida, you will find top-tier townhouses and villas. Palma combines an international cultural scene, excellent gastronomy, and short distances to the airport and marina.
Southwest: Calvià, Andratx, Santa Ponça
The southwest is considered one of the most popular residential areas for international buyers. Modern villas with sea views, well-maintained residential complexes, and proximity to international schools make the region particularly attractive for families. Port d'Andratx impresses with its picturesque harbor and an exclusive gastronomic scene.
Southeast: Santanyí, Cala d'Or, Porto Colom
The southeast combines a quieter way of life with proximity to some of Mallorca's most beautiful bays. Santanyí has established itself as a stylish hub with charming townhouses, galleries, and boutiques. The urbanizations around Cala d'Or offer well-maintained terraced houses and villas close to the beach.
North: Pollença, Alcúdia
The historic old towns of Pollença and Alcúdia are among the most beautiful on the island. Lovingly restored townhouses in these locations are particularly popular with buyers who value authenticity and cultural life. The surrounding area also offers numerous villas with views of the Bay of Pollença or the Tramuntana mountains.
Center: Santa Maria, Binissalem, Marratxí
The center of the island offers excellent connections to Palma (15–30 minutes) while having a more rural character and lower prices. The wine region around Binissalem and Santa Maria has become a popular residential area – with a growing gastronomic scene and authentic Mallorcan village life.
What Does a House in Mallorca Cost?
The price range is wide and depends on the type, location, size, and condition:
- Terraced Houses: from approx. €250,000 – €600,000, depending on location and condition
- Townhouses: €300,000 – €1,500,000, depending on the town and renovation status
- Semi-Detached Houses: €400,000 – €900,000
- Detached Villas: from €600,000 up to double-digit millions
In prime locations like Son Vida, Port d'Andratx, or Bendinat, prices for villas are significantly above the island average. In the interior and the north, however, you can often find houses with an attractive price-performance ratio. In addition to the purchase price, approximately 10 to 13 percent in ancillary costs apply.
The Purchase Process
The process follows the Spanish property purchase procedure: apply for a NIE number, reservation contract, preliminary purchase agreement (Contrato de Arras), notarization, and land registry entry. There are specific points to consider for each type of house.
Townhouses: Building Law Specifics
For townhouses in historic town centers, there are often monument protection regulations that restrict facade changes or certain renovations. Before buying, check if planned renovations are eligible for approval. A look at the land register and cadastre is mandatory – especially with older townhouses, the registered and actual areas do not always match.
Terraced Houses and Complexes: Community Fees
For houses in residential complexes, monthly community fees (Gastos de Comunidad) are incurred, which range from €50 to €400 per month depending on the complex's amenities. These cover the communal pool, garden maintenance, insurance, and upkeep of common areas. Before buying, ask to see the minutes of the owners' meetings – planned special levies and the condition of the community will be visible there.
Villas: Plot and Buildability
For detached villas, you should check the buildability of the plot, especially if you are planning extensions or new construction. The permissible building density varies depending on the municipality and land category (Suelo Urbano, Urbanizable, or Rústico). An architect can determine the specific possibilities for your plot.
Ongoing Costs
The ongoing costs of a house in Mallorca consist of:
- Property Tax (IBI): varies depending on the municipality and property value
- Waste Disposal Fee (Basura): €100 – €400 annually
- Community Fees: only for houses in residential complexes
- Home Contents Insurance: €300 – €1,000 annually
- Utility Costs: electricity, water, gas, internet
- Pool Maintenance: €100 – €200 per month for a private pool
- Garden Maintenance: €100 – €500 per month depending on plot size
A House as a Holiday Property and Investment
Houses in Mallorca are excellent as holiday homes with rental potential. The prerequisite for tourist rental is an ETV license. For detached houses and villas, the chances of obtaining a license are generally better than for apartments in multi-family buildings.
Rental income varies greatly depending on location, size, and amenities. In high season (June to September), well-equipped villas with pools achieve weekly rents of €2,000 to over €8,000. Townhouses in popular locations are also in demand, especially from guests seeking authentic Mallorcan life.
The value development of houses in Mallorca has been positive for years. The limited building land, strict building regulations, and consistently high demand for residential properties on the island ensure stable to rising prices – especially in established residential areas.
Your House in Mallorca with Thomas Mallorca Real Estate
Whether you are looking for a charming townhouse in the heart of a Mallorcan village, a modern terraced house in a well-maintained complex, or a spacious villa with sea views – Thomas Mallorca Real Estate will accompany you in finding your dream home. We know the market, the locations, and the specifics of each house type. Our network of lawyers, architects, and financial advisors is at your side to ensure your house purchase in Mallorca goes smoothly.
Discover our current house offers and contact us for a personal consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Mallorca, you can find townhouses in historic town centers, terraced houses in residential complexes, semi-detached houses, and detached villas. Each type has its own advantages regarding location, price, and lifestyle.
The ancillary purchase costs amount to approximately 10 to 13 percent of the purchase price. This includes property transfer tax (8 to 13 percent, tiered according to purchase price), notary and land registry fees, as well as legal costs.
Yes, the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is mandatory for every property purchase in Spain. You can apply for the NIE at the Spanish police in Mallorca or through the Spanish consulate in your home country. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
For tourist rentals, you will need an ETV license. The issuance depends on the type of property, its location, and the applicable municipal regulations. For detached houses, the chances of obtaining a license are generally better than for apartments.
Compare the areas registered in the land registry and cadastre with the actual built area. Your lawyer should inquire with the municipality whether building permits exist for all parts of the building. Historical aerial photographs can also provide information.
In addition to property tax (IBI) and waste disposal fees, there are costs for insurance, electricity, water, and possibly pool and garden maintenance. For houses in residential complexes, there are monthly community fees, which range from 50 to 400 euros depending on the complex.