Mallorca real estate – Some owners are üsurprised üabout the different values - we explain what it's all about ...
The problem for many prospective builders in Mallorca is finding the right plot of land. Designated building land is becoming scarcer every year due to stricter regulations and the geographical boundaries of the island. Since the early 1990s, the Balearic government has begun to systematically place rural areas under nature conservation. This mainly affects the areas along the western Tramuntana mountains. However, many areas in the north and north-east as well as in the south are also subject to very limited development.
Before deciding on building land, you should first clarify whether it is a plot of land in the countryside (finca rústica) or urban building land (solar). In the first case, numerous questions need to be clarified. Reason: So-called fincas rústicas are subject to different environmental regulations depending on their category, which vary depending on the municipality. For example, it may not be possible to build a detached house on the plot of land. In the simplest case, the finca rústica is declared as normal land. Anyone wishing to build on these so-called suelos rúsiticos comunes requires a plot of land with a minimum size of around 14,000 square meters. If the property is not declared as „normal“, the minimum property size can be up to 50,000 square meters.
And this is often where the real problem begins. This is because the area of a plot of land stated in the land register or cadastre often does not match the real value. Reason: Many plots in Mallorca were measured using outdated, i.e. inaccurate methods. It is therefore advisable to have a land survey carried out. And this should be done before you buy. This up-to-date survey is also useful for the subsequent building project. It should also be clarified in advance whether and how the plot or the subsequent property can be connected to the public electricity and water supply network. The regional energy supplier Gesa-Endesa is responsible for electricity. In the case of water and wastewater, you should contact the local water supplier.
Some properties in the countryside have a well. However, here too, you must obtain information from the town hall beforehand as to whether the well water may be used as drinking or process water. The relevant permits should also be obtained before purchasing the property.
