Buying a home in Mallorca: what to check before moving in
Beyond the keys: practical checks for access, shared spaces, utilities and handover.
In this guide
A purchase involves legal, financial and technical checks beyond the scope of an editorial guide. Once your advisers have confirmed the transaction, focus on the practical details that make the home safe and usable.
Before completion
Obtain independent legal advice about ownership, registry matters, charges, planning status and tax implications. Inspect the physical property with qualified professionals and verify the scope of the sale. Do not rely solely on a seller’s summary.
Access inventory
Ask for a complete handover of door keys, spare keys, building fobs, garage remotes, postbox keys and any digital access credentials. Test each one while the handover contact is still available.
Doors and building systems
Inspect entrance doors, patio doors, garage access and communal entry systems. A door that does not close smoothly may need adjustment rather than a more expensive replacement. In apartment buildings, ask who maintains communal equipment.
Plan your first improvements
Prioritise safety, water and electricity, then lock and access management, climate control and cosmetic work. For locksmith services, request a written scope explaining the cylinder, compatibility, number of keys and any authorisation controls.
Decide access responsibilities early
Agree who will hold keys during inspections and minor works after completion. Separate permission to enter from permission to duplicate a key or order changes to the locks.
THE TAKEAWAY
Your practical checklist
Tick items as you go. This checklist is kept only in this browser tab and is cleared on reload. You can print the guide for an offline copy.
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions worth asking
Should I change the cylinder when I buy?
If you do not know who may still have keys, ask a professional locksmith to assess your options.
Do all apartments control copies of their keys?
No. Key systems vary. Some protected keys require authorisation or a property card; others can be copied more freely.
