Building your dream home in Mallorca is all about choosing the right location and property developer. And, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder Mallorca is a popular destination for those looking to build their dream home. Nevertheless however, the process of building a home can be a little complex and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local laws and regulations. In this article, we will guide you through all of it in just the 10 steps.
Step 1: Find the Right Location
The first step in building a home in Mallorca is to find the perfect location. Take some time to research the different areas of the island to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as proximity to amenities, accessibility, and the natural surroundings. To get a better understanding of some of our favourite places to live in Mallorca, you can explore this guide: Where to Buy Property in Mallorca. The article highlights some of the most sought-after locations on the island, such as Palma center and parts of Calvia, providing insights into the unique characteristics and attractions of each area.
Step 2: Obtain Planning Permission
Once you have found a suitable location, the next step is to obtain planning permission. This involves submitting plans to the local authorities and waiting for approval. It’s essential to work with a qualified architect or planner who can help you navigate the local regulations and ensure that your plans comply with local laws.
The plans must meet the requirements set out in the local building regulations, and they must be approved by the local council before any type of construction can begin. It is important to note that the approval process can take several months, so it is important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the process to be completed…
Step 3: Choosing the right Property Developer
This is why, choosing the right property developer is a crucial step when building your dream home in Mallorca. The right developer can help ease the process by providing you with all the essential relationships (architects, designers, project managers etc.) and, most importantly, ensuring that your project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. As property developers ourselves, we believe and stand by these three qualities:
- Experience and Reputation: a proven track record of successful projects in Mallorca. An experienced property developer company with the necessary expertise and local knowledge to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building on the island.
- Portfolio of Successful Projects: A portfolio that can give you a good indication of capabilities and the quality of work. You can review our previous projects to get a sense of design style, attention to detail, and overall aesthetic. See our projects here
- Transparency, Professionalism, and Excellent Customer Service: Developers who are transparent and communicative throughout the building process, and who are committed to delivering excellent customer service. A professional and reliable developer will provide clear and honest information about costs, timelines, and any potential challenges.
As property developers in Mallorca, we have established strong relationships with top architects and designers on the island. By collaborating with them, we can offer our clients bespoke designs and ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Step 4: Create a Design Plan
With the help of our architect, create a detailed design plan that includes all the elements you want in your new home. When presenting a design plan to the local Spanish government, we ensure it includes architectural drawings, technical specifications, structural calculations, an energy efficiency assessment, accessibility and safety measures, infrastructure and utilities details, landscape design, an environmental impact assessment, legal documentation, and completed application forms with associated fees. By incorporating these ten crucial elements, your design plan will demonstrate compliance with local regulations, increasing the likelihood of obtaining approval for your construction project.
Step 5: Obtain Building Permits
Potentially the most important step you will eventually reach when building your dream home in Mallorca. Although not generally considered a simple process and can take up to a few years to acquire full permissions, we can simplify it to a 3-step process.
1. Conduct Essential Surveys
To start the building permit application process for your dream home in Mallorca, we complete some crucial surveys: the Topographical Survey (property location and size, landscape, and access points) and the Geotechnical Survey (terrain characteristics and structural requirements).
2: Obtain “Proyecto Básico” Approval
We submit your application, including all necessary planning requirements, to the appropriate authorities (local municipality and Consell Balear for rural properties). Await approval and obtain the “Proyecto Básico”, which serves as the preliminary building permit.
3: Finalise Project and Execute Construction
We work together with our architects and aparejador (quantity surveyor/civil engineer/project manager) to finalise the project’s design and execution, while adhering to the approved “Proyecto Básico” and local planning authority guidelines.
Working with a reliable property developer will be well-versed in this three-step process and can manage the complexities of building permits and regulations in Mallorca, ensuring your dream home is developed seamlessly while taking care of all the heavy lifting and the rules and regulations.
Step 6: Personalise Your Dream Home
One of the most thrilling and rewarding stages of building your dream home is selecting the right materials and suppliers to bring your vision to life. This is the moment where you get to infuse your unique taste and style into every aspect of your island oasis.
As you embark on this captivating journey, you’ll explore an array of exquisite materials and finishes to create your ideal indoor and outdoor spaces. From luxurious flooring options like marble, natural stone, or hardwood to top-quality fixtures and fittings, the choices are virtually endless.
Collaborate closely with your property developer to ensure that each room reflects your personality and preferences, creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. Whether you opt for modern minimalism or Mediterranean charm, every decision you make will shape the ambiance and comfort of your dream home.
Step 7: Bringing Your Dream Home to Life
After meticulously planning and personalising every aspect of your dream home in Mallorca, it’s time for the construction phase to commence. Your dedicated property developer, will take the reins and leverage of their extensive experience and industry connections to turn your vision into a reality.
With a keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence, we navigate the complexities of Mallorca’s construction landscape, employing top-notch craftsmanship and adhering to local building regulations. Our goal is to create a seamless and stress-free experience for you, so you can focus on envisioning life in your idyllic island retreat.
Step 8: Inspect the Work
As your dream home in Mallorca unfolds, it is crucial to conduct thorough inspections to ensure the highest standards of quality and adherence to Spanish building regulations. This step is a vital component in the construction process, providing confidence that your home is built to last and meets all safety and legal requirements.
In Spain, it’s essential to comply with the Technical Building Code (Código Técnico de la Edificación or CTE), which establishes minimum requirements for safety, habitability, and energy efficiency. Our team diligently ensures that your Mallorca home is constructed in full compliance with these regulations, guaranteeing a secure and comfortable living environment.
Step 9: Dream Home final touches
It’s time to focus on the finishing touches that bring your unique vision to life. From selecting the perfect paint colors and textures to choosing stylish and comfortable furnishings, this stage is all about creating an inviting and harmonious living space that suits your lifestyle. Our team of talented interior designers works closely with you to understand your preferences, ensuring every room is thoughtfully curated to embody your personality.
During this stage, we would collaborate with reputable suppliers and artisans like Daniel Teran to source high-quality materials and unique pieces that elevate the aesthetics of your home. From custom cabinetry and artwork to luxurious textiles and statement lighting fixtures, every element is carefully curated to complement your vision.
Step 10: Move In
The final step in building a house in Mallorca is to move in! Take some time to relax, enjoy your brand new custom dream home and the beautiful surroundings of this stunning island.
Conclusion
Building a house in Mallorca can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right team in place, it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following the steps outlined in this articled our professional guidance and expertise, you will be well on your way to building the home of your dreams.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to build a house in Mallorca?
The time it takes to build a house in Mallorca can vary depending on a range of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the time of year, and the availability of materials and labor. On average, it can take between 12 and 24 months to complete a new build. But, sometimes it can take up to 2-3 years.
Q2. Do I need planning permission to build a house in Mallorca?
Yes, you will need planning permission to build a house in Mallorca. This involves submitting plans to the local authorities and waiting for approval before construction can begin.
Q3. Can I use my own builder or architect?
Yes, you can use your own builder or architect when building a house in Mallorca. However, it’s important to ensure that they are qualified and experienced in the local regulations and building practices.
Q4. How much does it cost to build a house in Mallorca?
The cost of building a house in Mallorca can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the materials and labor costs. On average, it can cost between €1,500 and over €3,000 for the more high-end quality and luxury projects per square meter (excluding TAX).
Q5. Are there any restrictions on the design of my house?
Yes, there are some restrictions on the design of houses in Mallorca, particularly in areas with protected status. It’s important to work with a qualified architect or planner who can help you navigate these regulations and ensure that your plans comply with local laws.
Q6: What TAX’s are envolved when building a custom home in Mallorca, Spain?
There are a number of taxes to consider when building your custom house such as: Property Transfer Tax or IVA, Documented Legal Acts Tax (AJD), Building Tax (Impuesto de Construction), Handling Fees (Tassa), And then the annual taxes such as IBI.
