Where clients get caught out
Major works approved by the community before you buy, such as a facade or a lift, are often charged in instalments to whoever owns the apartment when they fall due. Without reading the minutes, the new owner pays them.
The community of owners
We obtain the certificate of debts signed by the administrator, review the minutes of recent meetings and the community statutes, and check the annual budget and any special levies. See community of owners in Spain.
Holiday rentals in apartments
New holiday rentals in apartment buildings are severely limited in the Balearic Islands, and Palma does not allow them in multi-family buildings. If rental income matters to you, we check the rules and any existing registration before you buy. See buying a property with a holiday rental licence.
Parking, storage and annexes
| Item | What we check |
|---|---|
| Parking space | Separate registry entry or annex to the apartment |
| Storage room | Registered, included in the price |
| Terrace or roof | Private or common element with exclusive use |
| Building | Inspection report (ITE) and pending works |
Tenants and occupants
If the apartment is let, a residential lease can continue after the sale for its legal term. We check the contract and the tenant's rights before you buy. See buying a property with tenants and landlord and tenant law.
Example: buying an apartment in Mallorca
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A Danish buyer chose a penthouse in Santa Catalina, Palma. The minutes showed an approved roof renovation of 90,000 euros starting after completion. We negotiated that the seller would pay his share of the levy, and the price was adjusted accordingly.
Our collaborators for buying an apartment in Mallorca
For every service we work with trusted collaborators when a matter needs them: notaries, architects and surveyors, tax advisers at Castell.tax, sworn translators, banks and mortgage brokers, property managers and specialist lawyers in other parts of Spain. You keep one lawyer as your single point of contact, and we coordinate everyone else.
Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.
Not sure where you stand? Ask before you sign
Tell us about your matter or send us the documents you have. A lawyer will explain the risks, the options and the cost before you commit to anything.
Questions about buying an apartment in Mallorca
Who pays community debts when I buy an apartment?
Outstanding debts can be claimed from the property, so they must be cleared at completion.
Can I rent my Palma apartment to tourists?
New holiday rentals in apartment buildings are not allowed in Palma.
Is the parking space included?
Only if it is registered with the apartment or bought as a separate unit.
What if the apartment is rented?
The lease can continue; we check its terms before you buy.