Mallorca Property Magazine issue 21

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May 2018

Issue 21

Why Richard Branson keeps coming back to Mallorca

May 24th - June 6th 2018

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SEE PAGE III

DISNEY INSPIRATION: As Game of Thrones descends on Spain’s magnificent castles once more, we take a look at the country’s most enviable historic fortresses

Here come S the Brits

Britons are still moving to Spain in their droves despite Brexit

PAIN remains the most popular EU country for Brits to live in, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics.

The country’s warm, sunny weather and cheap property prices were listed as the two major factors by Brits in making the move.

A total of 293,500 British citizens now call Spain home, making up 37% of Brits living in the EU outside of the United Kingdom.

One estate agent operating in

Spain, Lucas Fox, said that in 2017, 66% of its total house sales went to international buyers, of which 10% were Brits.

They said this figure was similar to that seen in previous years and proof that Brexit had not put off potential expats from relocating abroad.

“Falling unemployment, low interest rates and a strong economy have all contributed to the growth in the Spanish property market,” said Rod Jamieson, the head of operations at Lucas Fox.

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PALMA is by far the most popular place to purchase a property in Mallorca, according to new figures released by estate agents Engel & Volkers.

In 2017 alone the number of transactions in the city rose by 21%, with 43% of total property buys on the island occuring in Palma.

The increase in popularity of the city has been attributed to a renovation of its Old Town.

Boarded-up shops and dilapidated housing were converted into boutique stores and modern apartments, while much of the area was also pedestrianised. “Before, buyers wanted to be close to the sea, but now they want to be close to Palma,” Klaus Kall, the founder of Gant clothing brand told the Financial Times. “If you live in Mallorca yearround it’s important to be near the action.”

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Things are looking up for the Spanish property market, with an increase in sales, writes Mark Stucklin of Property Spanish Insight

T

he number of Spanish home sales inscribed in the Land Registry was up by 18% in February compared to the same month last year, the biggest February increase since the boom years more than a decade ago.

There were 37,412 Spanish home sales inscribed in the Land Register in February, and 41,480 if you include homes subsidised by the Government, known as VPO, all according to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), based on sales inscribed in the Land Registry.

Home sales have grown by double digits in most months since March 2014, when the Spanish housing market recovery started. That said, sales are still down by 44% compared to the peak year of 2007. Sales in the boom years were exaggerated and unsustainable, so not a normal benchmark, but there still looks like room for more growth.

Bear in mind these figures are based on sales inscribed in the Land Register, not sales completed in the month. As such they lag the market by a few months.

More timely figures from the Association

ON A ROLL: Spain’s property market is seeing sale numbers near pre-crisis levels

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

of Spanish Notaries for home sales that took place in February were up 2.7%.

New home and resale transactions were up 17% and 16% respectively in February, showing that the recover is now firing on both pistons, having relied almost exclusively on resales between the start of the recovery in 2013 and May last year. New home sales have increased

by double digits almost every month for the last year, driven by the recovery in demand for new homes in Spain.

Looking at the evolution of sales by region with a focus on areas that attract foreign buyers in significant numbers, year to date sales have increased strongly almost everywhere except Extremadura (where foreign demand is

not a big part of the picture) and Catalunya, where the constitutional crisis and political uncertainty are discouraging foreign buyers. Sales were up 59% in Castellón province, home to the Costa del Azahar, in what looks like the first signs of recovery in a coastal market that has suffered the crisis longer and harder than most.

The overall picture is one of surging sales in most areas of Spain that attract foreigners in significant numbers, with the exception of the Catalan provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. But even in those regions sales were positive, despite the political turbulence. www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

CG Property C/ Julia Bujosa Batle, 6 07184, Calvía Mallorca Tel: (+34) 971 670 300 Mob: (+34) 628 196 939

www.gc-property.com

Calvia – 2,775,000€

ref: CT62

A charming property on the outskirts of Calvia village with a large 40,000m2 approx plot.

The property has a total construction of 500m2 which is split between 2 fincas. The main finca on the ground floor has a large lounge with fireplace, and dining area overlooking the orange & almond grove. There is also a modern kitchen, bathroom and study (which could be used as a bedroom). Upstairs you find the large master bedroom with terrace, fireplace and ensuite.

The second finca has a kitchen with fireplace and 2 bedrooms with ensuite on the ground floor, whilst upstairs is a lounge, terrace and a further 2 bedrooms which share a bathroom.

The property has a private pool, orange grove, garage, storerooms, central heating and a/c throughout. The property also benefits from its own water supply as well.

Genova – 2,850,000€

ref: GEN4

Lovingly restored historical villa in Genova with fantastic views and many original features.

The main house has a total of 3 bedrooms (all ensuite), huge lounge with fireplace, dining room, tv room, kitchen with adjoining mini lounge and dining room, 2 wcs & laundry.

There is a separate guest apartment with kitchen, lounge, bedroom & bathroom, plus an additional guest bedroom & bathroom currently used as a gym.

Outside there is a beautiful pool with sea views and various terrace & eating areas.

Other features are central heating, a/c, parking, Mallorquin oven ++.

Must be seen!

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Rental rush

DEMAND for rental accommodation is higher in the Balearics than anywhere else in Spain, with the average renter willing to pay over €1,500 a month.

According to online classified company Mitula Group, Palma is the most competitive and hard-to-rent city, with 20% of rentals finalised within 48 hours of being listed.

Average rental prices are only higher in Barcelona and Madrid, but both are a less competitive market.

Calvia is the most expensive area to rent in Mallorca.

UNDER FIRE: Iglesia

Ivory towers

THE members of Spain’s antiausterity party Podemos are to vote on whether it's leader should step down after buying a €600,000 ‘luxury’ home.

The party’s half a million members will decide whether it was wrong for the staunch left-wing politician Pablo Iglesias to buy the property which has a swimming pool and a guest house - in Galapagar, northwest of Madrid.

He explained that he and his girlfriend, fellow Podemos polítician Irene Montero, need the extra space as they are about to have twins.

Iglesias had previously criticised the former Economy

Minister Luis de Guindos for buying a similarly priced apartment in 2012.

“Would you hand the economic policy of the country to someone who spends 600,000 euros on a luxury apartment?,” Iglesias then tweeted.

Several political commentators and real estate experts questioned the timing of the purchase of the house in Galapagar.

“With the public data we have, it looks like the couple have taken on more risk than is advisable,” said Juan Villen, the head of mortgage services at Idealista.

“It is not setting a good example to get into debt in this way, especially at a time when we’re asking for prudence from the financial industry to avoid the excesses of the past.”

Iglesias and his partner took out a 90% mortgage of €540,000 on the property, which they plan to pay off over 30 years.

Knockout deal for Conor CAGEFIGHTER Conor McGregor is soon to join the Marbella jetset after purchasing a luxury holiday home for a cool €1.5million. Located near La Resina Golf Course on the resort called The Heights in between the celebrity hotspot and Estepona, the property features an LED lit driveway, customised gym and a home spa.

Staying active W

ITH his usual residence on the British Virgin Islands uninhabitable, Richard Branson has revealed how his estate in Son Bunyola has become a more regular home.

“Whilst Necker Island is being rebuilt, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time at many of these [other] properties,” Branson told A Place in the Sun. “I’ve tried to create the kinds of places that I would never want to leave.

“I’ve always run my homes like businesses and run all my businesses like homes.”

The Virgin Group founder rebought his 700-acre luxurious Son Bunyola estate in 2015 after a previous dispute with the Mallorquin authorities who had denied him planning permission to build a luxury boutique hotel there in 2002.

“Son Bunyola is my favourite Mallorcan retreat, I try to visit as often as I can,” he said.

He now harbours plans to build Europe’s best eco-resort on the land.

“Central to the estate is a Finca building dating back to the 1800s, surrounded by vines, citrus trees, almonds and olive trees.

“It is absolutely beautiful and I

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British billionaire can’t resist spending more time on Mallorca estate

look forward to seeing how plans progress.”

The estate comprises a large manor house - the aforementioned Finca - which Branson stays in when he visits the island.

Accompanying the manor are three country houses, available to hire to the general public if they fancy a luxurious and relaxing break.

“The northwest coast has always been a location for which I have great fondness.

“It has so much to offer… unspoilt nature, picturesque villages, top-class restaurants and Finca hotels and culture.

“The region is dominated by the Tra-

muntana mountain range and its breathtaking scenery and is home to some of the most historical and picturesque towns on the island.

“My son, Sam, even named his daughter Eva-Deia in honour of the village of Deia, which is one of the most beautiful in the world.”

Branson has no plans for re-

tirement and after conquering the business world on Planet Earth with his Virgin brand he now has his sights set on outer space through his Virgin Galactic company which aims to deliver commercial space travel.

However, Branson knows that even the most successful business magnates need time to rest and recover - and Son Bunyola will provide him with this for many years to come.

“Mallorca is so special to me because it provides the perfect environment to relax, laugh, learn and love with my family,” he said.

“My favourite memories are the most simple: sitting around the table talking, admiring the scenery and enjoy-

G’day amigo SPAIN is emerging as an increasingly popular destination for Australian retirees, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

According to ABS data, 11,660 Aussies over the age of 55 made a permanent move overseas in 2016, compared to just under 8,000 in 2005.

The study found that Spain, along with Italy and Greece, was the most popular destination.

The cost of living and buying property in Australia is skyrocketing and the Iberian Peninsula can therefore seem like a much more affordable place to spend one’s twilight years.

Norah Ohrt, 71, lives in the small Andalusian town of Martos.

She told the press that if she still lived Down Under she would be only able to afford to live in state housing and would survive ‘on the smell of an oily rag on the Australian pension’.

In Spain she can afford to live in a three bedroom, two bathroom house with spectacular views of the town’s old city.

“If you’re on an Australian pension and struggling, I would strongly suggest that you look to alternatives, particularly if you have a second language that you can use,” she said.

OVER 30 YEARS IN MALLORCA PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE

Checking in THE construction of the Palau de Congressos de Palma generated €9.4 million for the local economy in 2017, according to the general director of the complex.

The conference centre revealed that a total of 127 events will also take place in the centre in 2018, involving 50,000 attendees.

Built in April 2017, the centre and its adjoining hotel - the Melia Palma Bay - aimed to provide the best conference facilities in the entire Mediterranean.

The facility features a Grand Auditorium which can house more than 1,900 people, a smaller auditorium for less than 500 visitors as well as exhibition areas and conference rooms, each equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Pasaje 19 de Marzo, 10 y 11, Poligono Son Bugadellas, Calvia, Mallorca

Tel: (+34) 971 69 30 04 Fax: (+34) 971 69 15 05 info@tiptoptoldos.com

www.tiptopmallorca.com

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Keys Isl nd to the

T

HE sun is definitely out, the sky is blue and temperatures are finally rising!

Thank goodness – it's a rare UK newspaper headline that London is having warmer weather than Palma in mid May. A strange Spring all round with two 'Beasts from the East' affecting the whole of Europe as far south as the Balearics.

We can take some solace - unlike the UK - that the sun will continue to shine for most of the summer months to come, although it was of course wonderful that sun was shining on the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan.

I didn't manage to see it live being busy with viewings (of which more later..), but even being at the mercy of the highlights, it looked quite beautiful - Windsor Castle particularly - looking absolutely magical with its striped lawns and Spring flowers, bordered by the cheering Union-flagged masses.

And what a juxtaposition it was - with Royal pomp and pageantry meeting head-on with African-American Gospel in a way that it never has before.

I am still chuckling at the sight of the ebullient American preacher giving it such elaborate theatre whilst familiar Royals giggled under their huge wedding hats - a superb show and image to project around the world - and a very beautiful couple to whom I wish eternal happiness.

Anyway, on to property. There is certainly no doubt the Mallorca market

By Amanda Butler

Sell, sell, sell

putting the price up to €1.1 million!! I was tempted not to tell them, hoping they would make a decision to buy the first line one for 1.25m, but clearly I rating agent having the key. This was couldn't in case they chose the Montall rather irritating when we had been port one. building up to this for two months, re- So I am now waiting to hear news viewing properties, short listing them it may of course help them to choose and making arrangements with 10 the penthouse which is my preferdifferent agents to coordinate view- ence, and I am crossing my fingers ings and timings. We that will be the case! finally had two properAlso providing a strong ties with significant inmessage to these A change of price terest from my buyer, owners that they can't with a seller pulling mess people around mid viewings back with little or no – a change in price immediate explanadoesn’t leave a mid viewings doesn't tion! Highly irritating, a good taste in good taste in the leave and potentially upsetanyone’s mouth! They ting for my clients! The mouth may of course still preestate agent's task is fer this one, since they almost always significould put more of their cantly more complicatown mark on it and it is ed than is often perceived. slightly bigger - but it could also comI was rather suspicious of the mo- pletely put them off altogether, which tives, and did suspect that once they would be rather upsetting all round. had a hint of interest that perhaps the Right at this minute I don't know what price would be going up. Which was their decision will be ....... but I'm keepexactly the scenario confirmed by the ing my fingers crossed and will let you other agent last night, with the owner know in the next June issue!

Mallorca has shifted to a seller’s market, writes Amanda Butler

has shifted from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market, which was unceremoniously highlighted last weekend when showing clients some sea view apartments in the Port Andratx area.

Having seen 15 properties over two days, my clients had shortlisted two that they wished to see on the Sunday before returning to the UK later that day - a 3-bed €1.25m first line 'turnkey' penthouse which has just come

on the market, and a 4-bed apartment at €950.000 higher up the hill in Montport, needing renovation which had been on the market at this price for 3 years with no serious buyers.

The first line apartment - and my personal favourite close to Club de Vela Andratx (the sailing club) - was well received but with the second one, the owner wouldn't let us see it at the very last minute, despite the collabo-

Contact Amanda J Butler to buy or sell your home: Tel: +34690075169, www.mjcassociates.net.

Your professional one stop property shop around the Island!

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MALLORCA VILLA IN BEST POSITION IN CALA MARMACEN

Ref. 7441 · Constructed area 455 m2 · 5 bedrooms · 5 bathrooms · Air conditioning, Alarm system, Built in wardrobes, Fully reformed, Garage / Parking, High quality, Lift, Office, Prime location, Privacy, Sea view, Swimming pool, Underfloor Heating, Utility room, Wine cellar, Wireless Internet · Price: 5.950.000 €

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Ref: 11883

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Bedrooms: 3

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Bathrooms: 2

Build: 220m2

1,870,000â‚Ź

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Elegant townhouse completely renovated in Portixol Elegant townhouse completely renovated in Portixol.

This beautiful house has 220 m2 of living space distributed over 3 floors, in the basement we find a large spa area, and a toilet, on the main floor a bright and spacious living room with a large kitchen integrated into the living room and with access to a terrace with a wonderful pool.

On the upper floor there are 3 double bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms, the last floor is a roof terrace with partial sea views. Located just 200 m2 from the seafront, very close to the beach, 10 minutes by car from the city center of Palma and only 15 minutes from the airport.

An ideal place to live or spend the holidays!

Ref: 11891

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Build: 441m2

2,650,000â‚Ź

Elegant house next to the golf course of Nova Santa Ponsa Elegant house next to the golf course of Nova Santa Ponsa.

This house has been built on a plot of 1309 m2, it has a living area of 441 m2 distributed over 2 floors.

The house has 2 double bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms, a large bright living room with large windows and a modern integrated kitchen. On the lower floor there is a nice and spacious guest apartment that has a very bright and spacious room with access to the outside of the house, living room, bathroom and kitchen. On the outside of the property there are large areas of gardens and terraces with a nice pool. This house is located in one of the most popular areas of the area, just a few minutes from several golf courses and the beautiful Puerto Adriano.

With all the necessary services to live just 5 minutes by car and only 20 minutes from the center of the city of Pama!

W W W. S G I - M A L L O R C A . C O M

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Y O U R PA R Twww.theolivepress.es NERS IN MAKING YOUR DREAMS COM E 24th T R- June U E6th 2018 May A PA R T M E N T S

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TOWNHOUSES COMMERCIAL

Ref: 11895

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PLOTS •

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VILLAS

R E N TA L S

PENTHOUSES •

FINCAS

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Bedrooms: 2

Yo u r s H e r m a n n K ö p p l e r

FULL SERVICE

Bathrooms: 2

Build: 115m2

1,060,000€

1st line apartment Nova Santa Ponsa Apartment on the 1st line of the sea in Nova Santa Ponsa.

This apartment consists of 260 m2, of which 115 m2 are living area, distributed in 2 double rooms with 2 en suite bathrooms and large dressing room each. Independent kitchen completely furnished and equipped, large living room with access to several terraces that have more than 108 m2 with stunning views of the sea and the beautiful Puerto Adriano. This apartment is in a luxury complex that has 3 beautiful swimming pools and several garden areas as well as a direct access to the sea. It is located just minutes from several of the golf courses and Puerto Adriano, with all the necessary services within five minutes by car in Santa Ponsa. A luxury place !

Ref: 11893

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 6

Build: 700m2

7,800,000€

Exclusive villa with panoramic sea views in Bendinat This exclusive villa has been built in 2005, with wonderful panoramic sea views. This house is located in one of the most exclusive residential areas of the island, next to the golf course of the area, shops, international schools, several sports places and the elegant city of Palma.

This Mediterranean style villa enjoys a South orientation and has been built on a plot of 1,800 m2 with a building area of 700m2 where we find 5 bedrooms and 6 full bathrooms. This property includes air conditioning, underfloor heating, garage and a large pool with large areas of solarium and jacuzzi. This prestigious Neoclassical style villa has been built with materials of the highest quality in the market, with exclusive details of the Italian style.

P U I G D E S C A S T E L L E T. 1 - 2 , B L . 3 , 0 7 1 8 0 S A N TA P O S A , M A L L O R C A (+34) 971 695 912 • INFO@SGI-MALLORCA.COM

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Castle kings As Game of Thrones announces its eighth series is to heavily feature an Andalucian castle, the Olive Press picks out its top ten best built Iberian fortresses

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PAIN undoubtedly has one of the largest and most stunning collection of castles in the world.

It’s no surprise that Game of Thrones will be featuring one in its upcoming eighth series.

Announced this month, the Almodovar del Rio castle (top right) near Cordoba will take

May 24th - JuneMay 6th2018 2018

centre stage in the hit fantasy series’ penultimate season. Previously a Roman fort, the current structure is of Moorish origin, from the year 760. During the Middle Ages, it underwent several renovations and reconstructions.

Below we have rounded up 10 other castles from Spain’s enviable collection.

DANGEROUS GAME: The Throne gang

Castle of La Mota, Valladolid This reconstructed fortress dates back to the 11th century. Many kings of Castile and Aragon fought over it, but it has been a Castilian holding since the 1400s.

The castle dominates the surrounding Valladolid Province.

At one time it was a well-known prison, housing inmates like Hernando Pizarro, conqueror of Peru, and Cesare Borgia.

FULL PRICE FOR YOUR HOUSE OR PROPERTY AS PAYMENT FOR ONE OF THESE BRAND NEW DESIGNER HOUSES

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Mallorca

C/. Islas Baleares 37 (Son Bugadelles) 07180 Santa Ponsa Tel.: +34 971 694 154

www.stork-mallorca.de

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Melanchthonstr. 114 75015 Bretten Tel.: +49 (0) 7252 91 40

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Bellver Castle, Mallorca

Lorca Castle, Murcia Lorca Castle was designed to be a defensive fortress, and it worked, having never been forcibly taken by invaders since being built in the Medieval era.

It sits on a site of a former Muslim citadel, and is now a heritage center, known as Fortress of the Sun.

This castle is the only circular fortress of its kind in Europe. Not only is the wall around the castle circular, but so are the towers and the castle itself. King James II of Mallorca built the masterpiece in the 14th century. It was later used as a military prison for political prisoners and today houses a museum.

Penafiel Castle, Valladolid Penafiel is noted for its length (150 metres) and its resemblance to a ship.

Standing tall at 30 metres, this fortress was built between the ninth and 15th centuries and still holds an imposing presence, especially when its lit up at night.

Telephone: 971 73 56 37 Carrer d’Espartero, 6, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears Monday to Friday 10am-8pm Saturday: 11am-2pm Sunday closed

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New Castle of Manzanares el Real, Madrid

This 15th century fortress is one of the best preserved castles in the Madrid area. Its other claim to fame is that it featured in a scene in the epic movie, El Cid. Built entirely of granite, The six-floor castle is a shining example of Spanish military architecture.

Today it houses a museum on Spanish castles.

Alhambra, Granada

It’s impossible to talk about Spanish castles without mentioning the stunning Alhambra.

As one of, if not THE most visited tourist sites in the country, there is nothing quite like it. The Alhambra - ‘Red Castle” in Arabic - has intricate architectural details representing the influence of the Moors who inhabited it for several centuries. Because this is such a popular attraction, the number of visitors is restricted; Alhambra officials recommend booking tickets in advance.

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Alcazar of Segovia The Alcazar of Segovia is the fairy-tale mold of European castles and is reported to be the inspiration for the Cinderella Castle at Disney World.

The castle sits on a hill and gives visitors the impression it is like a ship sailing toward them. Royalty lived here, including Isabella I who was crowned here in 1474. The castle is a museum today with paintings and an armory.

c/. Son Bugadelles, 9 | 07180 Santa Ponsa | +34 971 13 42 45 www.leanti-kitchen.com

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