Where buyers get caught out
Resort apartments are often marketed with rental yields. Whether a licence is possible depends on the building and the zoning of the island plan, and in many cases it is not. Buyers should calculate the investment on long-term or own use unless a valid licence exists.
The community of owners
We obtain the community administrator's debt certificate and the minutes of recent meetings. They show approved levies for roofs, façades or pools, disputes and statutory restrictions. Levies approved before the sale should be allocated to the seller in the contract.
Townhouses in the old centres
Many townhouses in the historic centres of Maó and Ciutadella are catalogued buildings. Renovation is possible, but façades, roofs, materials and volumes are controlled. We check the protection level before you buy. See planning lawyer in Menorca.
Parking, storage and terraces
Parking spaces and storerooms must be named in the contract and deed with their registry data. Closed terraces and roof extensions are checked against the licences and the community's consent.
Rental options
| Use | Typical position |
|---|---|
| Holiday rental | Depends on zoning and the building; often not possible for apartments |
| Long-term rental | Possible under the urban leases law |
| Seasonal rental | Possible with a genuine temporary purpose |
| Own use | Possible |
See holiday rental licences in Menorca.
Where apartments are bought
Mostly in Maó, Es Castell, Ciutadella and the resorts of Son Bou and Cala Galdana. The rest of the process is the same as any purchase: see our property lawyer service. Menorca.law is part of Castell.law.
An illustrative example
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A buyer chose a townhouse in Ciutadella's old centre and planned to add a roof terrace. The building was catalogued and the terrace was not allowed in the form planned. Knowing this before signing, the buyer agreed a lower price and redesigned the project with an architect.
Before you sign or pay, ask a lawyer
Send us the document, the listing or a short summary of the problem. A lawyer will tell you what matters, what it could cost you and what to do next.
Questions about buying an apartment in Menorca
Can I rent my Menorca apartment to tourists?
Only if the building and the zoning allow a licence. In many cases they do not.
Who pays levies approved before the sale?
We allocate them to the seller in the contract.
Can I renovate a townhouse in Maó's old centre?
Yes, within heritage rules and with a licence. Check the protection level first.
Is the parking space included?
Only if the contract and the deed say so.
Can I join two apartments into one?
Possibly, but it changes the building's division and usually needs the community's agreement and a licence. We check before you buy.