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Growing Up in Mallorca
What was it like growing up in Mallorca? How has the island changed over the years, and what do you think has stayed the same?
It was very nice to grow up on the island. Perfect balance between a mid-size city and nature around. It has changed dramatically. Very few expats were living here, mainly retired older people. Tourists would come basically July-August and to specific parts of the island (Arenal, Magaluf, Port d’Alcúdia, etc). The rest of the year and the rest of the island was for us. I remember going to Es Trenc as a kid and it being a totally nudist beach where my mum wouldn’t allow me to go. It was kind of a “forbidden beach”. On the other hand, I’d say that the island was also more boring. Now you find much more activities to do. Few things have stayed the same, but of course you can still find, especially as a local speaking Mallorquín, authentic places and situations that are the same as 50 years ago.
Bridging Cultures
Having a local perspective but speaking fluent English – how does this dual advantage help you bridge the gap between international clients and the realities of Mallorcan property law?
It helps a lot. Most foreigners are quite afraid of the legal system in Mallorca, basically because they’re unfamiliar with it. Being a local solicitor allows me to fully understand not only the legal reality, but also the mentality and day-to-day practice of the property market on the island. To give an example, it is a great advantage to have another Mallorcan solicitor or realtor on the other side, speaking our language, rather than dealing with a foreign solicitor who may be much more closed to trust-based deals.
Life Outside the Office
Outside of the office, how do you spend your time in Mallorca? Any hidden gems or favorite spots that fellow residents might not know about?
I have a wide social life and practice a lot of sports and outdoor activities. Mallorca is perfect for that. I swim in the sea the whole year, I hike very often, I run in the mountains… Hidden gems, I must sadly say there are fewer and fewer as years go by, but of course there are some. For example, try any local product in the old “Forn de la Soca” bakery in Palma downtown, where they still prepare recipes that are centuries old. Very popular amongst Mallorquins.
Professional Expertise & Client Care
What are the most common misconceptions or mistakes you see international buyers making when purchasing property in Mallorca, and how do you help clients avoid these pitfalls?
I’m sorry to say that lots of them trust 100% what the real estate agents tell them about the property. I always recommend having a lawyer on your side because there’s such competition in this field that lots of real estate agencies are not as serious with the legal matters/documents as they should be, rushed by the urgency of selling as soon as possible and getting their commission.
Can you walk us through what the property buying process actually looks like here – from that first viewing to getting the keys? What surprises people most?
The process starts when finding the right property and agreeing on the price with the real estate agent (95% of the operations are managed by them). From there on, I always recommend my clients leave the rest to me, and not give any money, not even a small deposit, without signing a document (previewed or prepared by me). Then comes the due diligence period of the legal documents and situation of the property, negotiating, preparing and signing the preliminary private contract and finally the deed at the Notary. Then taxes must be paid and the deed registered at the Land Registry. People are mostly surprised by the fact that properties that were fully or partially illegally constructed can be purchased.
Spanish property law can feel quite different from what many internationals are used to. How do you explain complex legal concepts to clients who might be unfamiliar with the Spanish system?
What I normally do is have a first personal interview with them to explain the whole process and let them ask me whatever doubts or concerns they may have.
Building Trust & Understanding
What’s a property transaction you’ve handled that particularly stands out – perhaps one where your expertise made a real difference to the outcome for your client?
The last one I had, the client was fully trusting the real estate agent who told him that the property was “clean”. When I checked the documents and registers, it turned out that it had a seizure from Criminal Court, which the agent didn’t even know what it meant. As I am also a criminal lawyer, I could investigate the seriousness of the situation and recommend the client not to buy it.
Many people in our community are considering their first property purchase here. What would you say to someone who’s excited but also nervous about navigating the legal side of buying in Spain?
I’d tell them that there is a lot of competition and that they must carefully check any property they are interested in. As we say in Spanish, “no es oro todo lo que reluce” (not everything that shines is gold).
Beyond the transaction itself, what ongoing legal considerations should property owners in Mallorca be aware of – things like inheritance law, rental regulations, or tax implications?
Regarding inheritance law, I’d recommend them to issue a will here before a Spanish Notary regarding the Spanish assets. It eases the procedure of acceptance for the heirs in the future a lot. Regarding rental, they must consider that if they want to rent the property out, they must have a licence in case of touristic rental (which are frozen currently for new issues) and if it is long-term rental, the minimum time they will have to offer is 5 years.
Community Connection
What do you love most about working with the international community here in Mallorca, and how do you see your role in helping people make this island their home?
Mallorquins are very reluctant in dealing with foreigners. They are closed-minded about getting to know new people, they have their lives here (family, friends from childhood, job, properties…). Foreigners who want to get into those circles find it very hard. I like hanging out with both communities and always try to explain the others’ points of view. I recommend foreigners learn Spanish and Catalan (at least basic), to join activities where they can meet locals (sports, schools, markets…). The tendency of the island being a melting pot is not going to reverse, so we better get used to it, with respect for the local traditions, language, culture, but open to what the foreigners may bring to the island.
Luis is here to help you with legal advice as he specialises in both property and criminal law. Please send your enquiry here and he will contact you.
Working with Luis Moyà was a breath of fresh air during a very difficult legal situation. He is a highly skilled professional who stays focused on results while never losing sight of the human element. He kept me updated constantly and provided much-needed reassurance throughout the process. He is honest, professional, and genuinely cares about his clients—a rare find in the legal world. I highly recommend.