🏡 Who buys housing in the Balearic Islands and Formentera? Trends 2024–2025
The real estate market in the Balearic Islands continues to be one of the most dynamic and unique in Europe. The combination of climate, safety, quality of life, and natural surroundings positions Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera as privileged destinations for buying property.
But who exactly are the buyers driving transactions in 2024 and 2025?
Next, we analyse the most relevant profiles, with special attention to the case of Formentera, one of the most exclusive markets in the Mediterranean.
🌍 1. High weight of the foreign buyer High proportion of foreign buyers
In 2024 and 2025, the Balearic Islands continue to lead the national ranking for home purchases by foreigners. Between 30% and 40% of all transactions on the islands are carried out by buyers who are not residents of Spain, a proportion far higher than the national average.
Predominant nationalities:
Germany – the strongest and most stable profile.
United Kingdom – Despite Brexit, it remains a key buyer.
France – Notable growth in 2024–2025.
Italy – Special presence in Ibiza and Formentera.
Netherlands, Belgium, and the Nordic countries – high-net-worth segment.
These nationalities are mainly looking for a second home, a vacation property, or an investment.
🏖️ 2. Formentera: a boutique market
Formentera stands out as the most exclusive market in the Balearic Islands. The island offers a limited supply of real estate, strict zoning regulations, and high international demand, making it a haven for high-net-worth buyers.
The most frequent buyers in Formentera:
Italians
They are, by far, the largest group. Many spend long periods of time and buy to enjoy and preserve a “Mediterranean refuge.”
Germans and Central Europeans (Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands)
They are interested in villas, estates, and private properties with large plots.
French and Belgians
They increase year after year, looking for properties near Migjorn, Es Caló, or Cap de Barbaria.
Spanish national buyer
Although it is in the minority, it appears primarily in luxury acquisitions or purchases for tourist investment.
💼 3. What motivates people to buy? (2024–2025)
✔ Second home / vacation
It is, by far, the dominant motivation. The Balearic Islands are an aspirational destination, and Formentera is perceived as a place for total disconnection.
✔ Real estate investment
Prices on the island are stable and tend to rise due to supply shortages. Many buyers are looking for:
Long-term appreciation
Properties with high resale value
Possibility of generating returns through rent-controlled properties
✔ Telecommuting and international mobility
Although it’s a smaller percentage, there’s a growing profile of European professionals who can work from anywhere.
✔ Retirement and lifestyle
The Balearic Islands continue to attract people seeking a quieter, warmer, and safer life.
🧍 4. Most common buyer profiles
1. Foreign buyer with a mid- to high-level budget Mid- to high-end foreign buyer
Age between 40 and 60, with high income, buys for lifestyle and exclusivity.
2. International investor
Less emotional and more focused on the property’s performance and stability.
3. European couples or families with a high-end nomadic lifestyle
They are looking to spend long periods in the Balearic Islands.
4. High-net-worth local or national buyer
More minority in Formentera, but present in the Balearic Islands.
📈 5. Key Trends 2024–2025
🔹 Greater influence of the European luxury buyer
Especially in Formentera, where the selection is limited and exclusive.
🔹 Demand for sustainable properties and high-quality renovations
Energy efficiency, natural materials, and Mediterranean designs.
🔹 Increase in French and Belgian demand
Emerging markets, but increasingly interested in Mediterranean residences.
🔹 Product shortages and high prices
Formentera remains a market with limited opportunities: when a good property comes on the market, it sells quickly.
🏡 Conclusion
The homebuyer in the Balearic Islands—and especially in Formentera—in 2024 and 2025 is predominantly foreign, European, has high purchasing power, and is motivated by the pursuit of quality of life, exclusivity, and a secure investment.
Formentera, with its intimate, boutique character, attracts a very specific clientele: people who seek something truly unique and are willing to pay for it.
