Palma is the capital of Mallorca and of the Balearic Islands, and the place where most of the island’s services, jobs and connections are concentrated. If you are looking at property for sale in Palma, this guide gives you an overview of the city, the type of homes available and the points to check before you buy or sell.
What Palma is like
Palma faces a wide bay on the south coast of the island. Its historic centre is dominated by the Gothic cathedral, La Seu, and the Almudaina palace, with narrow streets, courtyards and squares behind them. The Paseo Marítimo runs along the seafront past the marinas, and the airport is a short drive east of the city.
Beyond the old town the city is made up of very different neighbourhoods: Santa Catalina and El Terreno to the west, residential districts such as Son Vida and Génova in the hills, and seaside areas like Portixol, El Molinar and Ciudad Jardín to the east. The Ma-20 ring road connects them with the motorways to the rest of the island.
Types of property in Palma
Palma has the widest variety of homes in Mallorca: apartments in historic buildings and in modern blocks, penthouses with terraces, townhouses in older neighbourhoods, and detached houses and villas in residential areas on the edges of the city. You will also find new-build and fully renovated apartments.
Whatever the type of home, the condition of the property, its orientation, its outdoor space and the state of its documents make a real difference to its value and to how easy it is to sell. Before you compare properties for sale in Palma, it is worth knowing what to look out for.
What to check before buying in Palma
- Holiday rental: in Palma, new tourist lets are heavily restricted, particularly in apartment buildings. Do not buy on the assumption that you can let to tourists.
- In older buildings: the state of the building, the building inspection report and any works approved by the community of owners.
- In the historic centre: heritage protection that may limit alterations.
- The cédula de habitabilidad, especially for converted or renovated properties.
- The nota simple from the Land Registry, the IBI receipt and, if there is one, the community of owners’ certificate of no debts.
Never sign an arras contract or pay a deposit before these points have been checked. It is much easier to solve a problem, or walk away, before you are committed.
How we help you buy, sell or value in Palma
We help owners and buyers in Palma and across Mallorca. If you are selling, we start with a free, no-obligation valuation and a review of the documents, then prepare the listing and handle enquiries in English, Spanish, French and Russian. If you are buying, we tell you honestly what we see in each property and check the paperwork with legal support before you commit.
If you are coming from abroad, our guide to buying property in Mallorca explains the NIE, the arras contract, the notary and the taxes. If you own property here, start with a free, no-obligation valuation to know where you stand. If you prefer to let, our rental management service looks after long-term tenancies for owners.
Still deciding on the area? Compare with nearby Santa Catalina and Son Vida, or see all our area guides for Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions about Palma
Which neighbourhoods does Palma include?
Many, from the old town and Santa Catalina to Son Vida, Génova, Portixol and El Molinar. Each has its own character and type of home.
Can I rent out an apartment in Palma to tourists?
In general, new tourist lets in apartment buildings in Palma are not allowed. Check the specific situation of any property before buying.
Do you offer a free valuation in Palma?
Yes. Our valuation is free and without obligation, for any neighbourhood of Palma.
Write to us about property in Palma
Write to us at info@inmobiliariapalma.es or use the contact form. Tell us what type of property it is, where it is and what you would like to do: buy, sell, rent or get a valuation. We reply in writing.