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Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Are they giving out new tourist licenses in Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: No, the Balearic government is currently not issuing new tourist licenses. Since 2022, a strict legislative moratorium has frozen the allocation of new ETV licenses to combat over-tourism, creating a massive scarcity that dramatically increases the value of properties that already possess an active license. The government moratorium on new tourist licenses For United States...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

What is an ETV holiday rental license in Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: The ETV (Estancia Turística en Viviendas) is the official government license required to legally rent a residential property to tourists for short-term holiday stays in the Balearic Islands. It dictates the maximum legal occupancy of the property through a strictly regulated system of "tourist plazas." Defining the Estancia Turística en Viviendas For the affluent United...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Can you rent out your house in Mallorca on Airbnb?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: You can only rent out your house in Mallorca on Airbnb or other short-term holiday platforms if the property possesses a valid, official tourist rental license (ETV). Renting a property without this specific license is strictly illegal and triggers devastating financial fines from the Balearic government. The strict regulatory framework of the Balearic Islands For United...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Should you buy a furnished or unfurnished house in Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Buying a fully furnished, turnkey property in Mallorca is highly recommended for United States citizens seeking immediate use and convenience. However, because Spanish law assumes properties are sold completely empty, securing the furniture requires meticulous inventory contracts and strategic tax negotiation. The Spanish legal default of empty properties When American buyers...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Do Spanish homes have HOA rules like the US?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Yes, Spanish homes located within shared buildings or complexes have rules governed by the Comunidad de Propietarios, which functions similarly to a US HOA. While generally less intrusive regarding personal lifestyle, they enforce strict regulations on exterior aesthetics, noise, and short-term tourist rentals. The legal framework of shared communities For many affluent United...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

What are community fees in Spain?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Community fees (Gastos de Comunidad) are mandatory monthly or quarterly payments required from property owners in shared Spanish buildings or gated developments. These funds cover the maintenance of common areas, elevators, swimming pools, building insurance, and the salary of the property administrator. Defining the Spanish community of owners When United States citizens...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Is it worth buying an apartment in Palma instead of a villa?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Buying an apartment in Palma is highly worthwhile for United States buyers prioritizing cosmopolitan energy, world-class gastronomy, and ultimate "lock-and-leave" convenience. However, it requires sacrificing the absolute privacy, massive square footage, and profound silence offered by a rural villa in the South East. Two completely different Mediterranean lifestyles When...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Can I buy an olive farm or vineyard in Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Yes, United States buyers can absolutely purchase active olive farms or vineyards in Mallorca. The rural South East is highly renowned for its fertile agricultural land, allowing affluent expats to produce their own bespoke olive oil or boutique wine while living in a spectacular, historic luxury estate. The appeal of the Mediterranean agricultural lifestyle For many...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

What to look for when buying an historic country house in Mallorca. A due dili

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: When buying an historic country house in Mallorca, United States buyers must look past the romantic aesthetic to rigorously inspect the property for rising dampness, timber rot in the roof beams, outdated climate control systems, and hidden, unpermitted architectural extensions that violate strict rural zoning laws. Seeing past the romantic facade Purchasing a...

Badge for the Mallorca Guide, American Edition, illustrated with a country house and the sea

Are power outages common in rural Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: While the Spanish electrical grid is generally highly stable, power outages can occasionally occur in rural Mallorca during severe winter storms. Consequently, premium luxury country houses are routinely equipped with advanced solar battery arrays and backup diesel generators to ensure absolute, uninterrupted power for United States buyers. The stability of the Spanish...