The South of Mallorca
There are many different facets to the South of Mallorca: the Playa de Palma bay with a total length of 7 km and a fine sandy beach and the party hotspot El Arenal; the wild cliff line with the new urbanisations Majoris and Puig de Ros; the picturesque Cala Pi with its beach deeply cut into the coastline; and the authentic countryside around Llucmajor and Campos, where life is still focussed on agriculture. The difference in nature and surrounding is also reflected in the properties on offer as well as the clientele.
The Playa de Palma is mainly known for the touristy hotspot and partyzone El Arenal. Nevertheless, not the entire Playa is exclusively paying tribute to mass tourism. Can Pastilla at the very west of the Playa has turned into a popular living area, thanks to its proximity to Palma and beautiful beachfront. Off the main promenade you'll be surprised to find beautiful villas and modern apartment building offering all facilities. The beach and shopping amenities are in easy walking distance, and both shops and restaurants remain open all year. Certainly the tourism industry is the main source of income during high season for the local shops, bars and restaurants, which is still aimed more at families than the usual Arenal party crowd.
While Can Pastilla used to range among the less expensive areas for buying properties some years ago, prices have now adjusted due to increasing demand. Nevertheless, with starting price of 270.000 Euros for a 3 bedroom house, clearly ranges below the levels of property in Portixol, Palma or the Southwest. Seafront apartments for sale are hard to find and are usually sold very quickly, though prices are naturally high. Villas with a garden and pool also fall into the upper price bracket.
Arenal itself is more an apartment market and interesting for those buying to rent and looking for an above average return on investment. Both the local and the central government have recognised the sign of the times and are investing a total of one billion Euros in a large-scale project to make Arenal more attractive. The duration of the project is estimated to be five to ten years. The project includes the creation of more green zones, a wide boulevard in second line to the sea is already under construction, hotels which are no longer in line with the market will be knocked down and attractive sports facilities will be built to maintain business during low season. As a further attraction a huge seawater aquarium is being built close to Can Pastilla, which is planned to be open in 2006. A large shopping and leisure centre with shops, cinemas and a bowling centre will be constructed next to the aquarium and there is even rumours about a casino. It can be assumed that the entire project will influence the property prices positively and will extend the season here considerably.
At the south end, the Playa de Palma beach turns into steep cliffs topped by the very attractive residential areas of Son Verí and Cala Blava. Both are very popular with commuters and residents who like to be close to Palma, but prefer to live in the countryside. The seafront apartments and villas offer spectacular views over the Playa, the sea and Palma bay. Many of the houses are built in the traditional style of Mallorcan summer residences and are surrounded by lush gardens. The apartments usually benefit from a large communal pool and sport facilities.
The urbanisations of Las Palmeras, Majoris, Puig de Ros, Bahía Azúl, Bahía Grande and Tolleric were developed over the last years to respond to the ever increasing number of commuters and the rising demand for houses close to Palma. Most of the houses and developments have been finished in the meantime and integrate well with the landscape. The prices range from middle to high levels, depending on the size of land and location. Buyers are mostly from the Spanish mainland, Mallorcans and permanent residents from Northern Europe. The golf course which is currently being built next to Majoris and Puig de Ros will be opening this autumn and will make these residential areas even more attractive. Thanks to the steady increase in value of the properties in these areas over the last years, the urbanisations are worthwhile looking into from an investors point of view.
Cala Pi further south is a small, romantic creek, with a few smaller holiday resorts, which have partly been built in moorish style. The bay with the fine sandy beach forms a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque on the island. Both Cala Pí and the adjacent Valgornera are mainly holiday villages lacking the bustle of bigger resorts and ideal for thoses seeking to relax in quiet surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The prices for apartments fall into the middle price bracket, while seafront villas with their truly spectacular views are hardly ever offered below 1 million Euros.
At the south end, the Playa de Palma beach turns into steep cliffs topped by the very attractive residential areas of Son Verí and Cala Blava. Both are very popular with commuters and residents who like to be close to Palma, but prefer to live in the countryside. The seafront apartments and villas offer spectacular views over the Playa, the sea and Palma bay. Many of the houses are built in the traditional style of Mallorcan summer residences and are surrounded by lush gardens.
The apartments usually benefit from a large communal pool and sport facilities.
The urbanisations of Las Palmeras, Maioris, Puig de Ros, Bahía Azúl, Bahía Grande and Tolleric were developed over the last years to respond to the ever increasing number of commuters and the rising demand for houses close to Palma. Most of the houses and developments have been finished in the meantime and integrate well with the landscape. The prices range from middle to high levels, depending on the size of land and location. Buyers are mostly from the Spanish mainland, Mallorcans and permanent residents from Northern Europe. The golf course which is currently being built next to Maioris and Puig de Ros will be opening this autumn and will make these residential areas even more attractive. Thanks to the steady increase in value of the properties in these areas over the last years, the urbanisations are worthwhile looking into from an investors point of view.
Cala Pi further south is a small, romantic creek, with a few smaller holiday resorts, which have partly been built in moorish style. The bay with the fine sandy beach forms a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque on the island. Both Cala Pí and the adjacent Valgornera are mainly holiday villages lacking the bustle of bigger resorts and ideal for thoses seeking to relax in quiet surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The prices for apartments fall into the middle price bracket, while seafront villas with their truly spectacular views are hardly ever offered below 1 million Euros.
In general plots to build on are scarce throughout the South and if they are offered for sale they are rather expensive. Seafront plots remain very much in demand and even though prices have almost doubled over the last five years, they still provide a secure investment. The trend, however, goes towards inland plots with mountain views, preferably situated on a hillside. Plots in urbanised areas with permission to build semi-detached or terraced houses are almost impossible to find.
When asked his opinion of the current state of the market situation, Oliver Vilas Suarez of VS-PROPIETATS in Son Veri Nou commented: "I believe that many land speculators will sell off in the next two to three years, when the price peaks have been reached and price increases become more reasonable. Generally speaking, while the building boom continues, plots in good locations rarely become available.
I think, however, that potential buyers should consider whether a ready built house would not be an ideal alternative with regard to savings on the high land prices, the time needed for construction, the stress, and rising prices for construction material and staff. I am convinced that the market for detached houses in the price range of 600.000 – 900.000 Euros represents a good alternative to building yourself."
The Playa de Palma is mainly known for the touristy hotspot and partyzone El Arenal. Nevertheless, not the entire Playa is exclusively paying tribute to mass tourism. Can Pastilla at the very west of the Playa has turned into a popular living area, thanks to its proximity to Palma and beautiful beachfront. Off the main promenade you'll be surprised to find beautiful villas and modern apartment building offering all facilities. The beach and shopping amenities are in easy walking distance, and both shops and restaurants remain open all year. Certainly the tourism industry is the main source of income during high season for the local shops, bars and restaurants, which is still aimed more at families than the usual Arenal party crowd.
While Can Pastilla used to range among the less expensive areas for buying properties some years ago, prices have now adjusted due to increasing demand. Nevertheless, with starting price of 270.000 Euros for a 3 bedroom house, clearly ranges below the levels of property in Portixol, Palma or the Southwest. Seafront apartments for sale are hard to find and are usually sold very quickly, though prices are naturally high. Villas with a garden and pool also fall into the upper price bracket.
Arenal itself is more an apartment market and interesting for those buying to rent and looking for an above average return on investment. Both the local and the central government have recognised the sign of the times and are investing a total of one billion Euros in a large-scale project to make Arenal more attractive. The duration of the project is estimated to be five to ten years. The project includes the creation of more green zones, a wide boulevard in second line to the sea is already under construction, hotels which are no longer in line with the market will be knocked down and attractive sports facilities will be built to maintain business during low season. As a further attraction a huge seawater aquarium is being built close to Can Pastilla, which is planned to be open in 2006. A large shopping and leisure centre with shops, cinemas and a bowling centre will be constructed next to the aquarium and there is even rumours about a casino. It can be assumed that the entire project will influence the property prices positively and will extend the season here considerably.
At the south end, the Playa de Palma beach turns into steep cliffs topped by the very attractive residential areas of Son Verí and Cala Blava. Both are very popular with commuters and residents who like to be close to Palma, but prefer to live in the countryside. The seafront apartments and villas offer spectacular views over the Playa, the sea and Palma bay. Many of the houses are built in the traditional style of Mallorcan summer residences and are surrounded by lush gardens. The apartments usually benefit from a large communal pool and sport facilities.
The urbanisations of Las Palmeras, Majoris, Puig de Ros, Bahía Azúl, Bahía Grande and Tolleric were developed over the last years to respond to the ever increasing number of commuters and the rising demand for houses close to Palma. Most of the houses and developments have been finished in the meantime and integrate well with the landscape. The prices range from middle to high levels, depending on the size of land and location. Buyers are mostly from the Spanish mainland, Mallorcans and permanent residents from Northern Europe. The golf course which is currently being built next to Majoris and Puig de Ros will be opening this autumn and will make these residential areas even more attractive. Thanks to the steady increase in value of the properties in these areas over the last years, the urbanisations are worthwhile looking into from an investors point of view.
Cala Pi further south is a small, romantic creek, with a few smaller holiday resorts, which have partly been built in moorish style. The bay with the fine sandy beach forms a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque on the island. Both Cala Pí and the adjacent Valgornera are mainly holiday villages lacking the bustle of bigger resorts and ideal for thoses seeking to relax in quiet surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The prices for apartments fall into the middle price bracket, while seafront villas with their truly spectacular views are hardly ever offered below 1 million Euros.
At the south end, the Playa de Palma beach turns into steep cliffs topped by the very attractive residential areas of Son Verí and Cala Blava. Both are very popular with commuters and residents who like to be close to Palma, but prefer to live in the countryside. The seafront apartments and villas offer spectacular views over the Playa, the sea and Palma bay. Many of the houses are built in the traditional style of Mallorcan summer residences and are surrounded by lush gardens.
The apartments usually benefit from a large communal pool and sport facilities.
The urbanisations of Las Palmeras, Maioris, Puig de Ros, Bahía Azúl, Bahía Grande and Tolleric were developed over the last years to respond to the ever increasing number of commuters and the rising demand for houses close to Palma. Most of the houses and developments have been finished in the meantime and integrate well with the landscape. The prices range from middle to high levels, depending on the size of land and location. Buyers are mostly from the Spanish mainland, Mallorcans and permanent residents from Northern Europe. The golf course which is currently being built next to Maioris and Puig de Ros will be opening this autumn and will make these residential areas even more attractive. Thanks to the steady increase in value of the properties in these areas over the last years, the urbanisations are worthwhile looking into from an investors point of view.
Cala Pi further south is a small, romantic creek, with a few smaller holiday resorts, which have partly been built in moorish style. The bay with the fine sandy beach forms a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque on the island. Both Cala Pí and the adjacent Valgornera are mainly holiday villages lacking the bustle of bigger resorts and ideal for thoses seeking to relax in quiet surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The prices for apartments fall into the middle price bracket, while seafront villas with their truly spectacular views are hardly ever offered below 1 million Euros.
In general plots to build on are scarce throughout the South and if they are offered for sale they are rather expensive. Seafront plots remain very much in demand and even though prices have almost doubled over the last five years, they still provide a secure investment. The trend, however, goes towards inland plots with mountain views, preferably situated on a hillside. Plots in urbanised areas with permission to build semi-detached or terraced houses are almost impossible to find.
When asked his opinion of the current state of the market situation, Oliver Vilas Suarez of VS-PROPIETATS in Son Veri Nou commented: "I believe that many land speculators will sell off in the next two to three years, when the price peaks have been reached and price increases become more reasonable. Generally speaking, while the building boom continues, plots in good locations rarely become available.
I think, however, that potential buyers should consider whether a ready built house would not be an ideal alternative with regard to savings on the high land prices, the time needed for construction, the stress, and rising prices for construction material and staff. I am convinced that the market for detached houses in the price range of 600.000 – 900.000 Euros represents a good alternative to building yourself."
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