The dream of buying a home in the heart of Mallorca’s beautiful countryside and villages is gaining popularity with international and local buyers alike.
With our front-row seat in the Mallorcan property market we have seen demand for homes in the islands rural interior increase substantially over the last two decades, spurred on by development of the islands’ sophisticated infrastructure, and fast road network that has reduced the drive-time from Palma to even the most remote villages to one hour or less.
According to our own Engel & Völkers Mallorca data, sales of properties in rural areas in the south and centre of the island have increased by almost 40% year-on-year in the first six months of 2022, especially in areas like Santa Maria and Llucmajor. In Mallorca’s southeast, rural property sales have increased by almost 20% in the first six months.
“Clients that want the peace and natural environment of the island’s countryside also benefit from Mallorca’s excellent infrastructure, which offers 17 international schools, fast internet connectivity for smart working, modern healthcare, safety and security, good transport connections, excellent sports facilities plus the island’s mild and sunny Mediterranean climate”, says Engel & Völkers Managing Director Balearics, Florian Hofer.
Areas of interest
In the centre of the island, clients are now looking further inland for value for money. In the past couple of years villages that would not normally be on the radar for a second home buyer such as Llubi, Sencelles, Montuiri and Petra, to name a few, are growing fast in popularity in part because property can cost up to 30% less than in popular towns like Santa Maria.
On the market
Located near Petra, two independent houses in the same grounds with a large garden, pool and a holiday licence. 2.9m euros. Search www.engelvoelkers.com for ref: W-02N6UQ
Looking to the west of the island, one of the most popular towns is Sóller, located in the “valley of the oranges” in the heart of the Sierra Tramuntana mountain range, with cobbled streets and beautiful modernist architecture. Famous for its antique train from the capital Palma, and the tram that connects the town with Port Sóller a short 3 kms away, this picturesque town has attracted buyers to rural properties in the surrounding areas. Our office in the west reports sustained interest in these rural properties. Country property prices in this area can vary widely but the average asking price is 3.5 m euros upwards. In 2021 the main buyers were British, German, and Danish.
Also in Mallorca’s western region, Valldemossa is regarded as one of the most picturesque villages on the island, where the famous Polish composer Chopin wrote the Raindrop Preludes in the Cartuja Monastery in 1838, and where Hollywood film star Michael Douglas owns a historic rural estate. Located within 25 minutes’ drive from Palma, the town’s idyllic setting against the backdrop of the Sierra Tramuntana (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011) attracts clients who are looking for a holiday home, or who want to settle more permanently with a family. Average asking prices for rural properties are between 2.5 – 3 m euros. Large estates can achieve prices of over 9 m euros.
Turning to the southeast of Mallorca, Felanitx is a traditional rural town about 50 minutes’ drive from Palma, and only 20 minutes’ drive to the coast and the famous Cales de Mallorca beaches. The town was established in the 13th century, and is close to the Sant Salvador Monastery. This area has a long history of winemaking dating back to the rule of the Christian King Jaime I when Felanitx and nearby Porreres were granted licences to plant vines. Our local office has seen growing demand for rural property in this area. Average asking prices for townhouses is 1.4m euros and from 1.8m euros upwards for rural properties with land.
On the market
Located in Porreres, a stylish restored townhouse with pool 695,000 euros. Search www.engelvoelkers.com for ref: W-02PFQO
In the northeast of the island, Artà is a beautiful town just a short drive away from the north coast’s stunning beaches, and the famous Drach caves where underground tunnels festooned with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites lead to one of the world’s biggest underground lakes. Artà has grown over the centuries from a mediaeval hilltop fortress that houses the famous Sanctuary of San Salvador into a picturesque town steeped in history with its winding cobbled streets lined with townhouses and manor houses leading down to the main square with its excellent restaurants, shops, and cafes. The traditional atmosphere and modern amenities all add to its charm.
Demand for townhouses in Artá has steadily grown in the past two years, especially amongst German, Swiss and French buyers. According to our office here the average asking price for rural properties in the surrounding countryside is 1.9m euros. Average asking prices for townhouses in Artà are around 600,000 – 800,000 euros.
On the market
A townhouse in the centre of Artá with a patio and roof terrace. 475,000 euros. Search www.engelvoelkers.com for ref: W-02PKTV
In Mallorca’s Southwest region, there is growing demand for new constructed, high-quality rural property built in the traditional “finca” style that is in keeping with the countryside environment whilst at the same time offering all the comforts of modern day living. Popular locations such as Es Capdella, Son Font and Calvia offer country and/or distant views to the sea only a short drive away from the coast, and approximately 35 minutes drive from Palma airport.
On the market
Located in Es Capdella, an ideal modern family rural property in traditional finca style. 3.65 million euros Search www.engelvoelkers.com for ref: W-02OSCU
