Spain’s Balearic Islands are one of Europe’s most attractive and loved summer sun destinations. Holidaymakers from mainland Spain, along with the UK, Germany and Italy flock to the islands every year, craving their perfect balance of sun, sea and sandy beaches. Amongst Spanish residents, the Balearics come second only to Andalusia in terms of popular tourism destinations, accounting for 18% of total bookings according to HomeAway figures.
The principle island of Mallorca saw 9.54 million visitors arrive through Palma Airport during H1 2015, an increase of 2.9% over the same period last year. Both April and May saw passenger numbers reach record levels. The figures are good news for the island’s property market, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, explains,
“More visitors arriving in Mallorca has had a positive impact on the island’s economy and has pushed up demand for second homes, with many of those who visit – myself included – falling in love with Mallorca almost on first sight.”
Marc was an early advocate of island life, moving to Mallorca back in 1989. Since then, the island has changed dramatically, yet has still retained its essential charm and stunning, unspoiled vistas, from pristine beaches to steep, rocky mountains.
Now, with more visitors and holiday home sales booming, Mallorca is enjoying property prices rises of up to 10-15% in some locations, according to one local estate agency. Apartments with outdoor space in good locations are the properties most in demand, advises Marc Pritchard,< "Buyers want to enjoy the sunshine at home, as well as at the beach, so homes with well appointed terraces that offer space for sunbathing or for outdoor dining sell particularly well." Two of Taylor Wimpey España's most popular developments on the island are Cala Magrana III and Cala Anguila II. Both enjoy extensive grounds, with lush landscaping and large shared pools. Individual apartments all have generous terraces and well considered views, in addition to high spec interiors. Prices start from €220,000 at Cala Magrana III and from €230,000 at Cala Anguila II.
For second home owners from the UK, access to Mallorca is set to get even easier from 2016 onward, with British airline Jet2 opening a new line between Manchester and Palma from February 2016, with up to three flights per week, and between Edinburgh and Palma, with two flights per week from March. Jet2’s Steve Heapy has commented that the flights should help to combat tourism seasonality and holiday home owners will certainly want to take advantage of this, as part of the joy of owning a second home on Mallorca is the ability to enjoy the island not just during the peak of summer but also earlier and later in the year when the masses have headed home.
So, will the new flights contribute to further price increases on the island, as demand continues to soar?
“It’s certainly possible,” concludes Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard. “Mallorca has proven itself to be an enduringly popular location over the years and demand for high quality properties here is high right now. If demand continues at this level I think we can look forward to prices continuing to rise over the months and years ahead.”
For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
