Working and Living in Mallorca: the lifestyle change

Following a busy summer that bucked the trend of previous years, Engel & Völkers Mallorca, with 18 property shops on the island, has witnessed a marked shift in thinking and willingness by buyers and long-term rental clients to consider a lifestyle change with some wanting to live and work from the island.  

Mallorca’s capacity to offer international schooling, fast internet connectivity for smart working, modern healthcare, safety and security, good transport connections, excellent sports facilities plus the island’s mild and sunny Mediterranean climate are among the compelling factors.

Mallorca provides the necessary infrastructure for year-round living

For some families recently arrived on the island, children have just started school in one of the 17 international schools and colleges in Mallorca that educate children from pre-school to primary up to A-Level or International Baccalaureate students of up to age 18 years such as the Queens College in Genova; The Academy in Marratxi; the Agora Portals International School or the Rafa Nadal International School in Manacor that allows students to combine sports with their studies. Apart from the mainstream academic colleges, there are alternative education schools such as the Montessori Mallorca School in Santa Maria and the Fundació Sa Llavor school in Binissalem, that claims to be the first holistic centre for nursery and primary school education. For a full list of colleges click here. 

Says Florian Hofer, Managing Director, Engel & Völkers Balearic Islands; “In the past five years new international school openings reflect the increasing demand from overseas families wanting to settle on the island and give their children an opportunity to learn in a safe, healthy environment and emerge multilingual with the relevant academic certificates to move onto further education or universities in their country of origin“.

What families are looking for their home in Mallorca

A study undertaken by the local Balearic Government (The Department for Technological Development, Innovation, Research & Tourism) in August 2019, confirmed that fast wide broadband coverage is now available in over 98% of the Balearic Region together with Mobile 4G network.  Furthermore, fibre optic connections are available offering high-speed broadband of 100Mbps in over 82% of homes. This connectivity has now become a major selling point for potential buyers who, if necessary, can work effectively from the island whilst enjoying the island’s Mediterranean lifestyle. During the lockdown, the challenge of working remotely and staying connected has greatly influenced the way in which we work now and in the future. ​

Healthcare with multilingual staff and top specialists: the island has one of the most advanced, modern healthcare systems in the Mediterranean with five main public hospitals and six principal private hospitals. Plus dozens of private clinics and over 60 local public surgeries throughout the island.  In a normal year, the island is geared up to look after the health and safety of millions of tourists, staffed by multilingual staff and leading healthcare specialists.

On the other side, the island’s international airport is Spain’s third largest airport with direct flights (in a normal year) from all major cities throughout Europe that are only 2-3 hours flying time away.  Daily ferry connections are also available from the Spanish Mainland. In July this year when the borders finally re-opened, Palma International Airport handled over 1.1 million passenger movements, more than any other in Spain, highlighting the demand for the destination.  

Concludes Hofer; “For buyers and rental clients that want to live on the island more permanently, no other Mediterranean island offers Mallorca’s unique combination of superb infrastructure, nature, culture, sports facilities and warm, sunny climate”.