Mallorca

Mallorca

Mallorca’s treasures – Contribution to the First Mallorca Blog Parade

The German Blog “Mallorca Talks” invited bloggers to the first Mallorca Blog Parade – an exciting story, which of course I wanted to be part of! There are two questions to answer: “What is Mallorca’s greatest treasure” and “Your ultimate Mallorca experience”. Here’s my own personal answers. Mallorca’s greatest treasure The whole world celebrates the wonders and treasures of Mallorca. These miracles are the pink and white blossoming almond trees in spring, the calas lapped by the azure waters in the summer, the brightly coloured trees in autumn by the Tramontana, the snow covered peaks which can sometimes be seen in winter at Puig Major. The almond bloom begins in late January in Mallorca signalling the start of spring. The t...
Mallorca, Real Estate

Infographic Mallorca Property – Best Place to live in the world

Palma de Mallorca has just been honoured by the Sunday Times with the title of “Best Place to live in the world”, topping a competition of 50 other cities. The travel editors of the Times explained their choice that Palma was one of the “most picturesque cities in Spain”. It is a “pocket sized city that has everything.” Palma is described as a gateway to the beautiful Mallorca with its beautiful beaches, with the journalists raving about the attractive flight connections to the island and praising the local gastronomy. Interesting facts and figures about our favourite island are summarised in this infographic. Did you know for example, that there are ten international schools in Mallorca? An important factor for new residents with school-age children ...
Franchise, Mallorca, Porta Mallorquina

10 Years of Porta Mallorquina – A Reflection

When Joachim Semrau moved to Majorca in 2001 to relax and enjoy an early retirement after a successful venture with his founded company Travel 24.com AG , the real estate market on the island was completely different than today. There were several well establised so-called “top dogs”. “Mobile Agents” that negotiated real estate without office, only with a business card and phone. Only a few companies had their own professional websites and incoming email inquiries were handled rather trivially. For Joachim Semrau, internet pioneer (Travel 24.com the first group-independent Internet travel portal in Germany) this was an incredible opportunity. However, the industry was affordable at that time, prices rose at double digits every year and for almost any property they found buyers. It all ...
Mallorca

Modern architectural island celebrities

Mallorca has grand buildings and true architectural gems. But here neither the Cathedral nor the Art Nouveau and Gothic buildings will be spoken of. Instead, we take a look at exceptional contemporary architecture and its most famous builders. Can Lis and Can Feliz by Jørn Utzon “Can Lis” constructed by Jørn UtzonSource: Torben Eskerod Not everyone knows that the Danish architect and builder of the Sydney Opera House, Jørn Utzon has lived many years with his family in Mallorca and has created two monuments here. As one of the most important architects of the 20th century, he has left his mark on the world, and also designed two houses in the southeast of the island: Can Lis on the coast between Porto Petro and the Mondragó Nature Reserve and Can Feliz inland at Horta. ...
Event, Mallorca

“El Tren de Sóller”: The musical celebrated its premiere in Mallorca

Have you already been on the train to Soller?   Departure since the premiere of the musical “El Tren de Sóller”, which took place on 08 August, is from the small as well as historical cinema in Sala Augusta in Palma. At this charming venue, the musical picks up its guests and takes them on a journey through the Majorcan countryside, where the traveler will encounter people of diverse cultures.   “El Tren de Sóller”- the act During the train ride, the musical guests are accompanied by the charming and sympathetic at first glance Susanne from Berlin. Susanne travels for the first time by train to Sóller. She is excited, looks a bit lost and does not know what to expect on the trip. Love has led her to make the journey into the unknown to Sóller. The...
Mallorca

Street Art in Palma

A city tour with a difference Palma’s old town has two faces. At first glance, we are enchanted by the medieval city palaces, the magnificent patios, and the elegant Art Nouveau façades. But today we didn’t meet on the Plaza Mayor to follow the tide of tourists. Instead, we allow ourselves to be led through the narrower, darker laneways to the Sa Gerreria quarter. This is where the city reveals its second face which exudes an unexpected, morbid charm. Street art on a garage door in Palma’s Calle Can Pueyo   Palma’s second face   Even close to the Mercè Church, there are countless empty houses waiting for investors willing to renovate. Until they arrive, the dilapidated façades serve as canvases for urban artists such as Manrique Daniel Durán. The Argentinian’s studio is i...
Mallorca, News, Real Estate

Majorcan real estate as an investment – why now is the time to buy at good value

“The property market in the UK threatens the overall economy,” and similar developments are determined by the British property market. The government has helped to heat up the demand for real estate vigorously. Buyers can obtain loans at favourable conditions and with virtually no equity. 5% of the purchase price is all that is needed to apply for a house purchase, thanks to government support for the buyer. As a consequence, the prices of real estate are rising rapidly. Consequence: Rapid rise in prices Since 2000, housing prices have risen in Britain by 109%. The average price of a house has risen to a new high of the equivalent of about 230,000 euros. Since the spring of 2013, the prices recorded have increased massively in the UK, especially in London where the property ...
Mallorca, Taxes

Holiday lets in Majorca – here’s how to let legally to holidaymakers

Since the reform of the tourism regulations, everyone is talking about holiday letting in Majorca. No wonder given that such lettings offer owners attractive additional income during the times when they are not using the property themselves. But what about holiday apartments? Can they be legally let too? And does the owner become a tour operator if he offers his finca to let on the Internet? On 26th April Porta Mallorquina invited guests to a Brunch with speakers talking on the subject of holiday letting. These and other urgent questions were answered on 26th April by solicitors Guillermo Dezcallar Enseñat and Javier Blas Guasp from the legal firm ILLESLEX at our info event and brunch at our estate agency in Pollensa. Señor Dezcallar Enseñat, why is there so much confusion at the moment...
Mallorca, Real Estate

FAQs about Mallorca’s new Land act

When does the new Act come into effect? It was ratified by parliament on 11.03.2014 and must be approved with an absolute majority by all of the Island Councils. Menorca and Ibiza have already passed the law. This is due to happen shortly in Mallorca. What does the Act entail? Generally speaking, it is an integral regulation of urban activities and deals with the simplification and rationalisation of construction regulations. All of this has been implemented in concrete form as follows: Faster issuance of building permits (e.g. approval for smaller structures by means of simple, advance registration). Amnesty: legalisation of properties “not in compliance with zoning regulations”. More stringent penalties and greater liability of those involved (builders, technicians, civil servant...
Mallorca, Porta Mallorquina

Porta Mallorquina supports the Lions Club Majorca’s “Comida para todos” social project

As a successful real estate business, we believe we also have a corporate responsibility to society, and therefore donate part of our advertising budget to various aid projects. In the past we have supported the “Mundo de Niños” association that looks after street children in Peru, as well as ASPAYM Illes Balears, an organisation that assists people with disabilities. Porta Mallorquina supports the Lions Club Majorca In 2014 we are pledging our support to a very special project, founded by the Lions Club Majorca: the “Comida para todos” campaign. For many people, one hot meal every day is not something they can take for granted. And that’s also the case in Majorca – the island that stands for holidays, sunshine, easygoing living and carefree pleasure. This is the shadow side of the suns...