RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

China has its Eye on Mallorca

29th June 2015 Print
7102 Sol de Mallorca 3.3m euros

A little over a year since Nanjing-based Jiangsu GRPO International Business purchased five-star Hotel Valparaiso in Palma, Chinese businessmen and dignitaries have been back to the Island to discuss further investment.

In March, the Economic Advisor from the Chinese Embassy, the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Investment in Spain, the Chinese Ambassador, and representatives from 23 major Chinese investment groups with interests in Spain, attended a meeting in Palma de Mallorca. They confirmed that they were targeting large-scale investment in the Island’s tourist and real estate sectors – primarily at luxury level. Then, at the end of May, Prime Minister Li Keqiang, the second most powerful man in the country (and 13th most powerful person in the world 2014 according to Forbes) came with an entourage of 120 to cement, and accelerate, these Chinese intentions. They, of course, booked out the entire GRPO Hotel Valparaiso Palace & Spa for their two-day visit.

Alejandra Vanoli, Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty, says “China has already invested a billion in Spain and, as the world’s largest economy, has plenty more to spend. Luxury property and tourism are high on the list, largely due to the expectation that many more Chinese nationals will holiday and live in Spain in the future. 300,000 Chinese are predicted to visit Spain in 2015, rising to a million by the end of the decade. And, with more than 100 million Chinese going on holiday this year, the potential is obvious. Likewise, the Golden Visa has attracted 530 foreigners since its introduction in September 2013, with most property investors being Chinese, Russian or Arab. Little wonder Li Keqiang is keen to increase cultural exchanges and trade relations between the two nations.”

“Already in 2015 we have sold to one Chinese buyer and are in negotiations with a second,” continues Alejandra. “The first selected a modern-design seven-bedroom refurbished Palma palace, close to the waterfront to indulge their love of sailing, and the second is keen to secure a buy-to-let home that will someday become a second residence. The appetite is certainly there and, as the Golden Visa requirements continue to relax and Chinese authorities keep up their constant flow of money and ideas to Mallorca, we will certainly feel the effects at Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty.”

Recent research says that as at 31 December 2014, 4,925,089 foreigners live in Spain - some 56.32% coming from within the EU. The Chinese are the third largest non-European nationality in Spain, and the sixth overall, with 191,078 residents. Furthermore 14 hotels in Spain have been rated ‘Chinese-friendly’ meaning, amongst other characteristics, they have menus in Mandarin and never give a Chinese guest a room on the fourth floor or with the number four in it – a number that sounds similar to the word for ‘death’ and is avoided by Chinese speakers.

On the Market in Mallorca:

Ref 7102 – Villa, Sol de Mallorca

This modern villa, designed by architect Luis Garcia, is located in the residential area of Sol de Mallorca, just 20 minutes by car from Palma, several golf courses and the stylish leisure marina of Puerto Portals. Overlooking the Bay of Palma, green zones and the Mediterranean, the property has open-plan living, four bedrooms, a swimming pool with generous terraces and private access to a small beach below.
Four Bedrooms, Six Bathrooms
Built Area 450m², Plot Size 2,700m²
Price 3.3 million euros (approx 2.34 million pounds)

For more information, visit mallorca-sothebysrealty.com.

Ref 7087 – Apartment, Palma de Mallorca

This apartment is situated in one of the best areas in the Old Town of Palma de Mallorca and retains much of its original character. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a bright light-filled atmosphere throughout. There is also an impressive 60m2 terrace and a tower with stunning views of the City and Bay of Palma.
Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms
Built area 250m²
Price 850,000 euros (approx 603,600 pounds)

For more information, visit mallorca-sothebysrealty.com.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

7102 Sol de Mallorca 3.3m euros 7087 Palma 850,000 euros