Our service in Mallorca – tailored for buyers, sellers and property owners

If you want to buy a property in Mallorca, the NIE, the Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is absolutely essential. This tax identification number is required for almost all legal and financial procedures in Spain, especially for purchasing real estate.

Without an NIE, you cannot sign a notarised purchase contract, complete many property-related agreements or carry out important banking transactions. For this reason, the NIE should be arranged as early as possible in the buying process.

The application can be made directly through the competent authorities or via specialised administrative service providers. Since appointments can be in high demand, it is advisable to plan this step well in advance.

In many property transactions in Mallorca, payment is made by confirmed bank cheque. For this reason, a Spanish bank account is usually required.

This account is not only used to pay the purchase price, but also to manage ongoing costs after the purchase, such as electricity, water, community fees, municipal taxes, insurance and maintenance.

Ideally, the account should be opened well before the notary appointment. Banks usually request personal documents, proof of income and the NIE number.

Financing a property in Mallorca can differ from financing real estate in other countries. Many buyers choose Spanish banks because they know the local market and can assess the property more realistically.

However, Spanish banks usually require equity, proven creditworthiness and complete documentation. It may also be possible to finance the purchase using a property in your home country or with your own funds.

It is important to clarify financing before signing a binding contract. This helps avoid delays, unnecessary pressure or risks related to reservation payments or option contracts.

In Mallorca, it is common to secure a property through a reservation contract or an option-to-buy contract. A reservation contract usually blocks the property for a short period in return for an agreed amount.

An option-to-buy contract is more binding. In many cases, approximately 10% of the purchase price is paid. In return, the buyer receives the exclusive right to purchase the property within a defined period and under previously agreed conditions.

This document should be reviewed carefully. Deadlines, payment terms, cancellation consequences and the cases in which the amount paid may be lost or refunded must be clearly defined.

• Review deadlines and payment terms
• Clearly define cancellation consequences
• Check the legal status of the property before signing
• Avoid undocumented verbal agreements

The Nota Simple is one of the most important documents when buying property in Mallorca. It provides information about the registered legal status of the property.

The Nota Simple shows who the current owner is, whether mortgages, charges, embargoes, easements or other rights affect the property.

Before purchasing, it is essential to verify that the seller matches the registered owner and that there are no unexpected encumbrances. It is also advisable to compare the registry description with the actual physical condition of the property.

• Registered owner
• Description of the property
• Existing mortgages or charges
• Easements or third-party rights
• Relevant registry data

The Spanish Cadastre contains information about location, surface area, use, cadastral value and property description. It is mainly used for tax purposes.

It is important to understand that the Cadastre and the Land Registry do not always match. Extensions, terraces, pools, auxiliary buildings or changes to the property may be shown differently or may not be fully updated.

For this reason, before buying a property in Mallorca, the cadastral data should be compared with the Land Registry, available plans and the actual condition of the property.

A proper analysis helps identify possible irregularities, differences in surface area or elements that could cause problems in the future.

One of the most important aspects in Mallorca is the urban planning review. Especially with fincas, older houses or renovated properties, there may be extensions, annexes or changes of use that have not been properly legalised.

These issues are not always clearly visible in the Land Registry or Cadastre. It may therefore be necessary to consult the relevant town hall or request certificates confirming the urban planning situation.

Before purchasing, it should be checked whether there are urban planning proceedings, demolition orders, pending fines or usage restrictions.

A professional review can prevent major problems and provide the buyer with much greater security.

The habitation certificate confirms that a property meets the minimum requirements for residential use. It is a very important document for the normal use of the property.

Without a valid cédula, there may be difficulties in contracting or maintaining basic supplies such as water, electricity or gas. It is therefore essential to check whether the certificate exists and is valid before buying.

For new properties, there is a first occupation certificate. For older properties, renewal may be necessary. This point should be checked carefully, especially with renovated or extended properties.

The energy certificate is mandatory in Spain when selling or renting a property. It provides information about the energy efficiency of the property and classifies its consumption.

The certificate must be issued by an authorised technician, such as a qualified architect or engineer, and is usually valid for ten years.

For the buyer, this document is useful because it helps assess the energy condition of the home and plan possible future improvements, such as insulation, windows, air conditioning or efficiency upgrades.

Without an energy certificate, a property should not be properly marketed for sale or rent.

The notary appointment is the central step of the purchase. At this appointment, the transfer of ownership is formalised and the public deed of sale is signed.

The notary verifies the identity of the parties, reviews the essential documents and checks certain registry data. The payment method is also reviewed and the purchase price is formally transferred.

In Spain, the buyer often makes payment by confirmed bank cheque. After signing, the keys are usually handed over.

Although the notary plays an important role, it is advisable for the buyer to obtain professional advice in advance to review all details of the transaction.

The public deed of sale, known as the Escritura Pública de Compraventa, is the notarial document that proves the transfer of ownership.

After signing, the deed must be submitted for tax settlement and then for registration in the Land Registry.

The buyer usually receives a simple copy first. The authorised copy or original document is available once the relevant procedures have been completed.

Registration in the Land Registry is very important, as it officially documents the change of ownership and provides legal security for the new owner.

It is also essential to avoid undeclared payments or agreements outside the deed. Such practices can create significant tax and legal risks.