Mallorca has been a popular tourist destination for decades, but in recent years it has also emerged as one of the most sought-after locations for property investment in Spain. With its sunny Mediterranean climate, relaxed island lifestyle and thriving tourism industry, many buyers are wondering - is buying property in Mallorca a good investment?
In this article, we’ll analyse the factors that make Mallorca real estate profitable and examine key data to answer if investing in property on the island is likely to deliver strong returns.
According to our data, average prices per square metre for Mallorca real estate in 2021 reached around €5,000, climbing to €15,000 per square metre in prime areas like Puerto Portals or Port Andratx. With Mallorca attracting over 16 million visitors in 2019, rental yields are sky-high in popular areas, allowing investors to realise significant gains. The numbers indicate investing in the right Mallorca property could be very profitable.
Wealthy tourists flooding the island each summer has led to surging demand for holiday rentals and second homes, driving high occupancy rates and rental prices. For buy-to-let investors looking to generate ongoing cash flow, short term vacation rentals can produce net rental yields of 5-8% per year. Popular spots like Santa Ponsa and Calvia with easy beach access are especially lucrative.
The tourism sector provides a reliable income stream for real estate investors, supported by the island's excellent transport links, wealth of recreational activities, subtropical climate and thriving local culture. Mallorca also benefits from restrictions on purchasing property by non-Spaniards in other parts of the country - helping elevate prices on the island which remains accessible to foreign buyers.
Additionally, limited land and tough development regulations constrain new housing supply. With demand growing every summer among overseas visitors seeking their own slice of paradise, this supply-demand imbalance produces capital growth. So Mallorca property values also tend to appreciate nicely in the long run, making real estate investments more profitable.
Okay, so market conditions show promise. But what does hard data actually indicate about the profitability of a real estate investment on the Balearic island?
According to statistics firm Statista, annual investment returns for apartments in Mallorca aimed at holiday rentals exceeded 4-5% on average over the last decade - when factoring in rising property valuations. An investor report by law firm RomyBento places even higher average returns at 7% for tourist-area homes on the island.
Let’s take an example to illustrate returns potential. Consider a €500,000 2-bedroom apartment purchased in prime destination El Arenal, located close to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. Based on actual rates achieved in the area, this could realistically generate €1,000-€2,000 per week in rental income during the tourist season which spans April to October – exceptionally strong figures.
For investors asking “is buying property in Mallorca a good investment?” - After expenses, total annual returns for this sample asset could feasibly reach or top 8-10% when including both substantial rental cash flow and appreciating property values over the long term. Not bad at all!
For the right property actively rented to eager holidaymakers, returns can beat stocks, bonds and regular buy-to-let investments in other locations. And these gains can be realised essentially ‘passively’ once the home is furnished, marketed and occupied without significant ongoing time commitments.
Clearly the profit potential exists in Mallorca real estate, especially in the booming holiday rental space. But ultimately realising strong gains depends greatly on making the right property choice. Here are key factors to analyse:
Location – Not all areas are equal, and local dynamics can greatly sway rental demand, prices and appreciation potential. Prime destinations like Pollensa, Cala d’Or, Soller and Palma itself generally make the most financial sense currently.
Property Type – Mallorca offers diverse options, but apartments, villas and fincas adjacent to tourist hotspots normally see highest occupancy and returns. Beachside is best.
Purchase Price – Chasing luxury can lower rental yields. Find below-market value deals in need of minor upgrades for optimal returns.
Rental Potential – Holiday lets lasting 1-4 weeks earn the most. Seek homes that can charge over €1,000 weekly in season.
Target Audience – Furnish and design rentals suited to high-paying tourists; families, couples, luxury travellers.
Hopefully this provides better clarity on if - and how - investing in the right Mallorcan property can produce generous returns over time. As local market experts, Heritage Homes Mallorca possesses in-depth knowledge to help clients select prime, high-performing assets based on real data and boots-on-the-ground insight.
If exploring purchasing real estate in Mallorca as a profitable investment, contact us today to receive tailored advice and options best positioned to deliver sustainable returns. Our experience allows clients to capitalise on opportunities that more casual buyers often miss.
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