Before buying a villa, finca, or rural home in Mallorca, it’s essential to check the property’s urban planning status and land classification. These factors determine what you can build, renovate, or even legally use.
At Borderless Lawyers, we carry out urban planning checks for every foreign buyer to ensure your investment is legally sound.
🧱 Urban vs Rustic Land – What’s the Difference?
Mallorca’s land is classified into different planning zones:
🌆 Urban (Urbano)
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Fully developed residential zones
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Construction and renovation generally allowed
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Clear access to utilities and town services
🌾 Rustic (Rústico)
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Protected agricultural or undeveloped land
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Strict limits on new construction or alterations
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Often used for fincas or country homes
💡 Many attractive rural properties sit on rustic land, which requires extra legal scrutiny.
🛠️ Why Planning Checks Matter
Foreign buyers often fall in love with properties that:
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Were extended without permits
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Lack a first occupancy license
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Are not registered correctly
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Cannot legally be renovated or rented
✅ We prevent costly mistakes by verifying all permits and land status before you sign any contracts.
📋 What Urban Planning Checks Include
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Confirm land classification (urban/rustic/industrial)
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Check permitted building uses (residential, tourist, agricultural)
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Verify construction licenses and compliance
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Identify protected zones or development limits
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Review municipal zoning plans (PGOU)
We work directly with local town halls in Mallorca to obtain official planning certificates.
🧾 Documents We Review
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Cadastral record
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Nota simple (Land Registry extract)
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Licencia de obra (construction permits)
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Certificado urbanístico (urban planning certificate)
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Licencia de primera ocupación (first occupancy license)
✅ These checks are included in our full due diligence service.
❌ Risks If You Skip Urban Planning Checks
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Inability to obtain a mortgage
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Future fines or demolition orders
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No access to legal utilities
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Loss of resale value
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Denied permits for renovation or pool installation
💼 What We Do for You
At Borderless Lawyers, we:
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Investigate the land and zoning status
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Flag any past or ongoing planning violations
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Inform you of renovation and rental restrictions
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Provide clear advice before signing the arras contract
💬 Final Word
Urban planning and land checks are essential in Mallorca, especially for rural properties or traditional fincas. Don’t rely on estate agent promises — get a legal verification from a qualified lawyer.
📞 Contact us today to include urban planning checks in your Mallorca property due diligence.