1. New from Minkner & Partner
At last the Minkner App is available to download
With our new free real estate app for your i-Phone or i-Pad you will find over 1,500 properties and can access our current and comprehensive real estate offers anytime and anyplace. Extensive detailed information as well as numerous photos concerning our purchase and rental properties, at your fingertips. Easy to use, comfortable and competent, just as you would expect from Minkner & Partner. You can request the desired property directly via the app or we will call you back. Have fun with the new, free real estate app from Minkner & Partner. If required the app can be downloaded as below:
https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/immobilien-mallorca/id918490346?mt=8
Balearic Islands: August 20 % increase in real estate sales
In the month of August which is normally a poor month for sales, the Balearics have shown a 20 % increase in real estate as compared to the same period last year. According to information received from the Spanish statistics institute, in August 2014 a total of 657 contracts were signed, 193 of which were for the purchase of new properties and 464 re-sale properties; sales in rural areas increased by almost 30 %. Specifically sales to an international clientele are higher than others but are not reflected separately in this statistic. Minkner & Partner, as one of the leading real estate professionals in Mallorca, have almost doubled their figures in comparison to last year.
2. Mallorca- Construction, economy, law and taxes
(1) Construction/Investment
Playa de Palma: Mallorca’s largest shopping and leisure centre ‘Palm Springs’ due to open in autumn 2016
The French/ Dutch group Unibail-Rodamco are applying pressure. Mallorca’s largest shopping and leisure centre ‘Palm Springs’ which will be built on land in the area of Ses Fontanelles, and will open in autumn of 2016. The centre will comprise a sales area 75,000 m² with 188 shops and there will also be a car park with parking for 3.223 vehicles. Gastronomy will also play an important part with 35 themed restaurants established there. Alcampo will establish a branch there and the Inditex group alone (Zara, Pull & Bear) will occupy 8.000 m² floor space. There will also be 12 cinemas and the expected total investment is 60 million Euros.
Palma de Mallorca: Second ring road to open in February
Construction of the second ring road in Palma is progressing well. The connecting road between Coll d’en Rabassa and Es Pont d’Inca is under construction since last year. In February 2015 the two of the four to be completed sections of the ring road will be open to traffic; these are the stretch of road between Es Pont d’ Inca and the Inca motorway and that between Son Ferriol and Es Pont d’Inca. Cost of these two sections is approx 40 million Euros.
Port Andratx: The town hall acquire the ruins of a theatre for cultural events
Andratx town hall has acquired the Orpa Theatre in carrer Colon in the Port of Andratx from its previous owner, the diocese of Mallorca for a purchase price of € 350,000. The plan is to restore the theatre to its former glory and to return it to its original use. It will become a place for social and cultural events. The purchase will be funded by revenue from the sale of land in Camp de Mar. As was to be expected the socialist party complained that the price of € 350,000 was too high.
Mallorca: Lighthouses to be given a new lease of life with gastronomic projects
Mallorca’s lighthouses will in the future be given a new lease of life. Their original function has been automated for the most part and so many of the buildings stand empty. The Ministry responsible for infrastructure have received 19 requests. Those of special interest refer to the lighthouses in Alcanada, Alcudia, Pollenca, Soller und am Cap Blanc in Llucmajor. Investors plan to use the lighthouses as hotels, restaurants and cafés. Other uses include the possibility of turning some of them into museums.
(2) Economy
Tourism: Balearic hotels have also good booking figures for October
2014 has been a record breaking year for tourism in the Balearics and end of season figures are excellent. The hotels have been 95 % booked which is an increase of 20 % as compared to the same time last year. This is good news for the politicians and tourist experts who want to extend the season on the island. Many hotels, particularly those in Palma already show good occupancy figures for the winter months. However, those hotels in the ´purely` tourist areas are preparing for hibernation. This year due to special funding, this time will be used for renovation purposes. Politicians and the tourist trade are still working intensively on programmes to revive the winter season.
Tourism: More flights from Scandinavian companies
The Scandinavian airlines Norwegian and Scandinavian, want to offer more flights to Mallorca in the low season. During the low season last year just 12 flights weekly were offered which in future will be 40, making an increase of 340 %. Flights will be operated to and from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki. Palma’s Tourist Minister Sr. Gijon believes that the increase of flights is due to the Tourismstiftung365 participating in numerous travel fairs which has boosted the interest of the Scandinavian public.
Resident discount: Mainland subsidy is increased
Balearic residents have for many years received a resident discount for air and sea travel to compensate for the fact that they live on an island. Originally this discount was just for Spaniards, EU citizens and those from Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland. As of last year non – EU citizens also qualify if they are residents on the island.Due to the financial situation of the Balearic Islands, the central government will increase its contribution to secure this 50 % discount for the future.
The banking family March to participate in AENA the airport operator
The banking family March will partake in the partial privatisation of AENA the airport operator and will take over 8 % of the shares through the ‘Corporacion Financiera Alba’ which belongs to the Banca March group. This means that ALBA together with the construction company Ferrovial and a British investment company will hold 21 % of the AENA shares. A further 28 % of shares are to be sold on the stock exchange and 51 % will remain with the Spanish government.
Spainhas more rich people in 2014 than last year
The Swiss bank Credit Suisse has been watching the development of asset accumulation in European countries. Credit Suisse has estimated that for 2014 there are 465,000 people who have assets worth more than 1 million dollars (€ 740,000), which is an increase of 24 % compared to last year. Worldwide the number of millionaires has increased by 12,4 %. The richest Mallorcans come from the areas of banking and the hotel trade. According to Forbes the richest Mallorcan with 1.3 billion dollars, is the founder of the Melia hotel group Gabriel Escarrer.
(3) Law, taxes and finance
Spanish local elections: Registration in the electoral register
Foreign residents can participate in the local elections on May 24, 2015 if they come from Member States of the European Union and are registered in the relevant electoral register. The entry in the electoral roll must be made by December 30, 2014 in the respective Town Hall of residence. The town hall will send appropriate invitations to foreign residents in their community. Anyone who has ever voted in local elections is as a rule already in the entered in the electoral register.
Home and landowners association established on Mallorca
The acquisition and holding of property can be a nightmare if one doesn’t have the right consultant. Now on Mallorca, a home and property owners association has been established, under the name ‘Haus und Grund Mallorca’ and it will provide its members with individual information regarding real estate and can also put them in touch with reliable and affordable companies to resolve their problems. Cost of membership is € 90 + vat yearly and a one off enrolment fee of € 40 + vat: For further information please seewww.hausundgrundmallorca.com
3. Minkner Art Gallery
Brigitta Nottebohm “ART LIGHTS UP“
Brigitta Nottebohm was born in Salzburg, and studied in the art academy in Vienna and then as a student travelled through Italy, France, and Spain and then later New Mexico, Arizona and Los Angeles and since 1984 has been living between Mallorca and Münich. Since 1987 she has built her atelier on Mallorca.After earlier photorealistic images she has now dedicated herself to the conquest of new spaces, of light and its refraction through the matter and the landscape. There was a series of pictures entitled "SPACE LIGHT LANDSCAPE". In another series of paintings "PANTA RHEI" the artist dealt with the theme of constant change - being as eternal dynamic change. On large-scale wood or canvas surfaces, relief structures and pigments are applied creating abstract paintings that generate the tactile reliefs and the application of colour depth and dynamics. The picturesque and compositional openness conveys memories of nature scenes. Presently Brigitta Nottebohm paints large-scale, abstract paintings. Red and gold is artfully applied in infinitely many nuances in superimposed colour and image layers. Underlying swatches are only hinted at, and ultimately for the viewer to guess. By using pure pigments Birgitta Nottebohm creates remarkably energetic, radiant paintings.
MinknerArt Gallery– Avenida Rey Jaime I, 109 – ES 07180 Santa Ponsa, Tel. +34 695 255
Exhibition dates: 03.10.2014 – 31.12.2014 – opening hours: Mo – Fr 09.30h-18.30h, Sa. 09.30h-14.00h
Diego Arango Arango, Hanne Holze – the naive send their regards
Originally naïve art was a group of untrained people who presented their dreams of an ideal world. Most of their works represented rural life, but from this a modern art movement has developed which is identified by a childish representation. The Minkner & Partner art gallery has put together an exhibition of two international artists. Diego Arango Arangowas born in Columbia but has lived on Mallorca since 1988. He paints in a naïve style that brings together symbols and dreamlike images. On the current art scene he is classed as the ‘sophisticated naïve artist’. Hanne Holzehas lived on Mallorca since 1998. She observes people and parodies them in her paintings- always positive, benevolent, loving and carefree characters that are perfectly rotund with sometimes strange anatomies.
Minkner & Partner - Ronda Migjorn, 145 B - ES 07620 Llucmajor, Tel. +34 971 66 29 29
Exhibition dates: 01.07.2014 - 31.12.2014 – Opening times: Mon-Fri. 09.30h-18.30h, Sa. 09.30h-14.00h
Johannes, Dagmar Adamski, Karin Darby – let the flowers speak
The Minkner Art Gallery in Llucmajor also presents a collective exhibition of German artists, who have in their own way dedicated them to still life and collectively have created a lush bouquet in our estate agents. Johannesthe pop-artist who paints flowers in bold colours, sensitive Dagmar Adamski and meticulousKarin Darby. Each isdedicated to still life in a convincing manner. ‘Let flowers speak’ an invitation to Minkner’s Art Gallery in Llucmajor.
Minkner & Partner - C./Des Saluet, 1 (Deutsche Bank) - ES 07157 Pto. Andratx, Tel. +34 971 671 250
Exhibition Dates: 01.07.2014 – 31.12.2014 - Opening hours: Mo.- Fr. 09.30h-18.30h, Sa. 09.30h-14.00h
4. VERANSTALTUNGEN und TIPPS
October 18, 2014, Hans Theesink - Blues & Roots, Son Baulo Cultural Centre, Lloret de Vistalegre
Hans Theesink is the highlight of all the major blues, jazz and folk festivals in Europe and America. A Dutchman living in Vienna, with more than 7,000 concerts and two dozen albums. On 18.10.2014, he will be at the Son Baulo Cultural Centre in Lloret de Vistalegre with his own compositions and those of Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Brownie McGhee. 18.10.2014, Hans Theesink - Blues & Roots, Cultural Son Baulo, Lloret de Vistalegre, 17.30 h Coffee & cake € 5, 19.00 h Concert € 18, then menu 4 courses € 26. Reservations +34 971 524 206, www.son-baulo.com
October 19, 2014, spice trade fair in Felanitx
Felanitx will see "red" this weekend, as the spice trade fair of the red pepper powder `Pebre bord` takes place. This paprika is an important part of the island specialty sobrasada. With 400 booths, there is the opportunity to try Mallorcan specialties and take a look at and buy handicrafts. But there is also a social programme, such as, Mallorcan folk dances, a bird of prey show and vintage cars will be exhibited. For more information see:www.ajfelanitx.net
23 to 26 October 2014 charity flea market in favour of "Nuevo Futuro" in Palma - It Jonquet
The Foundation "Nuevo Futuro“ has for 20 years cared for underprivileged children on Mallorca. The non-profit organisation will organise from 23rd – 26th Oct. a charity flea market on the Paseo Maritimo below the windmills Es Jonquet. Second-hand items such as clothing and housing accessories, crafts and books will be available for purchase. There is also be food stalls. 23. - 26.10.2014, charity flea market in favour of Nuevo Futuro, daily from 12.00 h - 21.00 h, Paseo Maritimo, below the windmills Es Jonquet.
1st and 2nd November Golf con Corazon, this time in Alcanada and Son Gual golf courses
The Foundation "Golf con Corazon" (Golfing with Heart) has for years provided support for children with cancer and their families on Mallorca. Overall, in recent years, almost 1 million Euros have been raised. The next charity event will take place on the 1st and 2nd November 2014, this time on the golf courses Alcanada and Son Gual. Participation fee is 122 Euro. Applications may be made directly to the clubs. Club de Golf Alcanada +34 971 549 560, info@golf-alcanada.com und Golf Son Gual +34 971 785 888, info@son-gual.com. Minkner & Partner will once again be sponsoring this event.
22nd November 2014, Lions Club Calvia, Charity Golf tournament - Golf Santa Ponsa II
The traditional charity golf tournament of the Lions Club Calvia will take place on 22nd November this year. The charity tournament will be held with the support of the Club Santa Ponsa Golf SA, Santa Ponsa II golf club will donate the golf course therefore no green fee to be paid. The proceeds of the tournament will go to improving disabled facilities on Mallorca. For more information, Golf Santa Ponsa II +34 971 232 531.
Finally: Mini train picks up speed - unfortunately without guests.
For several days, a mini train has been running between Cala Millor, Sa Coma and S`Illot, to transport tourists from A to B. Previously, the taxi drivers in the region had protested against this mini-train, as it was feared the little train would take away guests. Guests? What guests! The train currently runs without guests. Why? The operating company Cala d'Or Express started its operation almost at the end of the season. Most hotels in Cala Millor are already closed.