Nearly 500 Occupied Houses for Sale on the Balearic Islands – What It Means for Buyers and Neighbors

Nearly 500 occupied properties on the market – an overview

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It may sound odd, but it happens: apartments or houses where people live are simultaneously put up for sale. In the Balearics there are currently almost 500 such properties listed. That amounts to roughly 1.5 percent of all properties for sale on the islands – a figure that seems low at first glance, but closer inspection reveals practical problems.

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How it all started

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Usually it's a mix of debts, inheritance issues, or unscrupulous owners. Real estate agents report that keys are often left with someone, sometimes boxes stand in the hallway, sometimes curtains are still hanging. I was in Palma's old town last Thursday around 11 a.m. and met a broker who said: "You can't tell from the listings until you call."

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Nationwide, the share of occupied sale objects is higher: for apartments it's around three percent. On the mainland, cases occur considerably more often in certain cities – Girona reports almost nine percent, and Tarragona, Seville and Almería also appear more frequently in the statistics.

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Palma: Below the average, but visible

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In Palma the share is about 2.5 percent, thus slightly below the Balearic average. Nevertheless: For buyers looking in the area around Carrer Sant Miquel or near Plaza Major, such offers can quickly dampen the mood. A young buyer from Santa Catalina told me: "I was totally perplexed when the listing didn't say anything about living there – and on-site someone was sitting on the balcony."

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What buyers and interested parties should watch out for

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If you want to view a property, check the exact status beforehand: Is it rented? Is it an occupied property? Ask about the reason for occupancy and have documents shown. Notary and lawyer are important in such cases – especially if eviction proceedings loom or lease agreements need to be transferred.

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Practical and honest: Morning viewings are often more informative – residents are more often at home and conditions can be assessed more accurately. A neighbor on Passeig Marítim dryly said: "Better to have a coffee first and see, than fall for surprises."

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What the numbers mean for the island

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Statistically, the share of occupied sale objects is not a warning sign, but for individual buyers and residents it can become uncomfortable: uncertain legal positions, longer negotiation times, and sometimes extra costs. Authorities, lawyers, and brokers advise transparency in the listing – that protects both sides and ensures that a sale doesn't become a test of patience.

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If you're currently house hunting: stay skeptical of too-cheap offers, obtain documents, and schedule viewing appointments with a little buffer. The Balearics have a lot of beauty to discover – but sometimes there is more behind it than the photo in the listing suggests.