Making your £ work for you

 

With the unsettling political situation in the UK making the £/euro exchange rate unsteady, this is the time to think about buying your property in Mallorca. With refreshed hopes on the horizon for a Brexit deal the exchange rate has risen to almost 1:14 today and though it certainly isn’t the lowest the exchange rate has been over recent months, it could tumble over coming weeks depending on the outcome of Brexit.
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The property market here in Mallorca is buoyant and there continues to be some really great deals on off-plan property, so if you are looking at a way to pay for your property in set stages, this is probably the best option for you. This way you can pay a smaller deposit whilst the £/Euro rate is lower and hope then that the unsettling times stabilise.

If you are in a position to either get a mortgage or are a cash buyer looking to buy outright, then picking up a key ready property in a stunning location could be done fairly quickly ensuring you get good value. If you are an investment buyer looking to let out property and earn an income then your investment could start paying for itself in no time at all as visitors to the island remain high.

This is no wonder with a fabulous climate and superb range of outdoor pursuits to fill the time of a holidaymaker. Championship golf courses, great beaches, fine dining and amazing shopping facilities make Mallorca a lovely destination. Couple that with beautiful countryside and chic Palma that begs to be explored and you have an instant recipe for holiday success.

If you are looking to retire here then finding that fabulous villa overlooking the sea or a great little apartment on a golf course won’t be too difficult. Talk to us today about some of the fabulous property deals we have on the market and how to lock in an exchange rate.

Pretty Palma has it all

 

Palma simply put is one of the most beautiful cities boasting a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan character and endless web of grand historical sights. Streets and squares thrive with life both day and night, so you’re in for an all-round beachside treat. You’ll find everything along the gorgeous, glistening waterfront, so explore on foot to take it all in.

With lively squares both day and night, Palma’s got it all. You’ll see street performers and classic cafés underneath arches, so stopping for a latte’s basically essential. For the brightest nights out over the summer, it has to be Pacha. The global clubbing brand has a stylish venue right by the marina.

For a relaxed afternoon, why not head to the beach? You’ll find stretches of sand with the heralded Blue Flag status, plus shallow waters for a quick paddle. Rent parasols and sun beds, and pull up a chair in one of the numerous bars to enjoy a cold one.

History and Culture

La Llonja might look like a cross between a church and a castle, but this 15th-century building on the seafront was actually once the city’s stock exchange. Today it houses a collection of fine art. The Castell de Bellver overlooks the city, this uniquely round castle has been standing for more than 700 years. For many of those years it was used as a prison, but it now contains Palma’s museum of municipal history, and includes pottery from different eras. It also offers wonderful views over Palma Bay. There is plenty more to see with the Arab Baths and Basilica de Sant Francesc.

Eating & Drinking

Palma is a city made for enjoying gastronomic delights whether that is in a trendy tapas bar or exclusive seafood restaurant but can enjoy a wander around the gastronomic food market in San Juan. The stalls are set up in the modernist complex of S’Escorxador, a former slaughterhouse. The market offers a tempting array of food from around the world, from Thai and Japanese to Spanish and Majorcan. There’s also a cocktail bar and wine section.

Palma is the perfect city break destination and really you could come here just to shop! Property in Palma ranges from exclusive villas to waterfront apartments. If you are looking to buy here in Palma then it will definitely be worthy investment.

 

Are you thinking of retiring in Mallorca?

If like many people you have fallen in love with Mallorca over years of visiting here and have decided to retire here then it’s all in the planning. Most of us aren’t that old when we start our retirement planning, let’s face it – 60 is the new 50, we’re still in the prime of our lives and living a more active life in Spain will definitely keep you younger.

Healthcare

With everything going on in the world right now it is best to take out private medical cover if possible. If you’re going to be beyond retirement age when you end up living in Spain you will be covered by a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Spain for your basic healthcare needs, although no one knows the exact impact Brexit will have yet.

Location

You may love the idea of being in an isolated villa, but in real terms access to amenities becomes more important as you get older and potentially don’t or can’t drive. Popping to the shops, going out to dinner or to hospital can become tiresome if you always have to drive, get a lift or a taxi.

Your social circle

Being near people is important as increasing your social circle will help you ground yourself in an area. Learning a little Spanish goes a long way too. Join clubs and groups to integrate and you’ll soon find you are as busy as you want to be. Get outside and enjoy the climate as with over 300 days of sunshine each year golf days and long lazy lunches by the beach will soon be your norm. Of course, you will be inundated with visiting family and grandchildren but making new friends is just as important.

Your Will

Sorting out your will is one of the most important things you need to do when retiring to Mallorca. Make sure you have a local will in Spain that covers all of your assets in the country. You will also need one in the UK if you still have British assets and you will need legal advice to make sure your affairs are properly dealt with. The laws of succession in Spain differ to those in the UK. If you don’t have a will stating your intentions, your estate may not be dealt with as you would have wished.

Your taxes

It may be prudent to get a good accountant too as the tax system in Spain can be very complicated especially when you bring property taxes and foreign earned income into the mix.  A good accountant will help you make head and tail of the taxation system and protect you from paying too much.

Have fun

Looking for your perfect property in Mallorca can be fun. Make a wish list of things you want and things you could compromise on and understand that requirements for finding a property to live in are different to choosing a holiday home. When you are living here year-round it is not ideal to have your property right by the communal pool as it will be busy and potentially noisy during the summer months. Walking distance to the beach is lovely, but imagine the views you can enjoy from a property that is on a hillside overlooking the sea. Our team of property experts know the Mallorca very well and can help you consider areas that would suit your lifestyle. Contact us today if you would like help finding your dream retirement property as there are some great deals to be had

Mallorca in the Autumn

We all know what a delightful island Mallorca is during the popular summer months, but what does the lovely offer during the quieter cooler months? For one thing Palma. The capital is the perfect place to explore on foot with leafy promenades flanked by clothing stores, cafes and charcuterie shops.

For a taste of history and culture the Museu Fundación Juan March, is a museum celebrating Spanish artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Juan Gris, and Salvador Dalí. The museum is free to visit, and housed in a grand 17th-century building worth seeing for its own beauty, not to mention the precious artwork it holds. Other Palma sightseeing highlights include stopping by its many churches, like the Santa María Cathedral and Sant Francesco Church.

You can enjoy some of the best restaurants in town without queuing for a table and head down to the Bay of Palma to enjoy the sights.

Of course, one of the nicest reasons to visit Palma in these cooler months are the designer shops. It is the perfect time to top up your Christmas gift list keeping cool whilst you do it.

Take a day trip to Deià, only 45-minutes away from Palma by car. It is a beautiful village that attracts stars of all magnitudes from its enchanting position surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. Stars that have enjoyed relaxing breaks here include Beyonce, Harry Styles, Leonardo Di Caprio, Tom Hanks and Gwyneth Paltrow. There is an arty culture here but it’s not a place for tourism, really a hidden gem. There are some charming eateries and even if it’s chilly, walking the glistening coastline will bring on some amazing photo opportunities.

Of course, this time of year is ideal for getting out into the fresh air so you could be hiking in the mountains, cycle around some stunning villages or improve your swing on one of the golf courses.

Autumn heading into Winter is a great time to enjoy the delights of our lovely island. It is also the ideal time to look for property. Whether you are thinking of moving here permanently or buying a holiday home, our team at Lifestyle Properties are here to help.

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