Process

How our process works

HOW TO BUY PROPERTY IN MALLORCA

It’s easy to imagine owning a second home in Mallorca. Enjoying long Mediterranean summers, the whole family together, opening something chilled instead of a laptop. Because home ownership is emotional, it has to be a safe move. Our processes are meticulous.

You’ve found a property:

Full background check

We perform a comprehensive check on the property’s legal registration, including planning consents and building licences. We liaise with the seller and examine Land Registry information, checking ownership, rights of way and debts (in Spain, debts are held against the property, not the owner). We then examine the Cadastral Register – a more detailed, visual record of boundaries and property dimensions – to see if anything’s amiss (it’s common for swimming pools and garages not to be recorded so owners pay less council tax).

In safe hands

Technical inspection of the property

We recommend a Due Diligence report – a full analysis of the property’s legal situation by an independent architect. It will detail any restrictions or debts, use of buildings (i.e. residential, agricultural), rights of way and community costs the owner is liable for. The architect will also check for any infringement of building regulations with the town hall. While that’s underway, we start preparing a bespoke reservation or option contract that will secure the sale and ensure you remain fully protected.  

The deal is done

Property exchange & registry

We work with the Notary to prepare the deeds for signing; if you can’t attend, our lawyers can sign on your behalf with Power of Attorney. We also offer a full administrative package to complete tasks on your behalf, such as obtaining the NIE number, help securing a mortgage, finding comprehensive home insurance, updating your property’s new ownership details with the authorities, and filing taxes.

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There’s nothing more important than creating a home – wherever that home might be

testimonial

PRAISE FROM CLIENTS

  • Francisco provided a genuine commitment to my house purchase in Mallorca. He was able to advise on the strategic and practical angle, not simply the legal side, which put us one step ahead. Despite the unusual circumstances of purchasing during Covid-19, Francisco’s communication, patience and expertise ensured that I completed the process with confidence. I value Francisco’s attention to detail as well as the friendship we developed during the process, and I can recommend Mercadal Abogados to others.

    Prof. Dr. Andreas Dombret
    Global banking adviser and board member of Deutsche Bundesbank 2010-2018, Germany
  • My wife and I and our five children live in London. After coming to Mallorca for years, we decided to buy a house and used Francisco as our lawyer. We structured the purchase to achieve various estate planning goals. It was a complicated transaction. Francisco helped us tailor a unique structure that solved for all of the issues. I am a partner in a Magic Circle law firm so I know good lawyering, and Francisco and his team did a truly great job for us. His knowledge of local issues is invaluable. I recommend him without reservation.

    Kevin Muzilla
    Partner, Allen & Overy LLP, UK
  • Buying a property overseas is an exciting but overwhelming process, and Francisco understood us – and the guidance we wanted – right from the start. We came to him with one property dream, then changed to another, and Francisco was wonderful and helpful during the whole process. His approach is refreshing; the kind of lawyer who you enjoy speaking to, who’s easy to understand, and who’ll deal with blips before you even know they’re an issue. If you’re considering buying property in Mallorca, we have nothing but praise for Francisco’s team.

    Penelope Cheshire
    Managing Director, Beauty Works, UK
  • I was introduced to Francisco when buying our second home in Mallorca. From our first meeting, we had the most personal and competent advisor – not only legally, but also as a representative of the culture and history of Mallorca. We would never have completed the property transaction without Mercadal Abogados; Francisco solved deal-breaking points between both parties. We continue to use Mercadal Abogados as they work almost as part of our family. We feel in the hands of a trusted advisor on any question about Mallorca.

    Henrik Andersen
    Group President and CEO, Vestas Sustainable Energy, Denmark
  • Mercadal Abogados is an efficient and effective practice. The team has excellent knowledge of the whole property purchase, from pre-sale checks through to helpful after-sales care. As a professional real-estate developer, I’ve worked with many property lawyers over the years, and I highly recommend Mercadal Abogados. The business focus, quick responses and reliable communication make working together a smooth process – we’ve completed many projects together, with more to come.

    Henrik Jönsson
    Real Estate Developer, DandeLion Property AB, Sweden
  • Francisco, Javier and team worked tirelessly to complete my purchase. The process was complex, and only their effort and heavy-lifting made it possible. They showed great patience and were always calm – regardless of the challenges put in their way. They were also extremely responsive and extremely professional. The consummate trusted advisors, in my view. I’m glad I had Mercadal Abogados by my side and truly appreciate everything they made happen.

    Pete Coulton
    Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, UK
  • Francisco has built an excellent team that is highly knowledgeable and experienced, but also has a youthfulness and a dynamic energy. We always feel so welcomed at the office in Palma – that was refreshing when we started working together in 2020, and we’ve been impressed by the personable service ever since. Francisco and his team assist us with purchases and acquisitions, from initial negotiations to notary appointments and closing deals. But, above all, they give us peace of mind – because they are always there to lean on when we need them.

    Monty Berrow
    Co-founder, Berrow Projects, Mallorca