Encounter between Mint impacts Peggy and Steff - Heading to the restroom.
In the sun-drenched islands of Mallorca, the picturesque scenery belies a growing challenge for expats: soaring rents. With tourism on the rise, the demand for accommodation has skyrocketed, pushing prices to record levels.
Expats like Steff and Peggy Jerofke, who moved to Mallorca in 2009, have witnessed a tripling of rents in the past decade. Their struggle is shared by many others, including Caro and her husband Andreas, who have recently moved due to the escalating living costs.
The average rental price in Palma de Mallorca now stands at around €3,431 to €3,833 per month, with certain central and desirable areas commanding prices as high as €5,450 per month or €18.3 per square meter - the highest among Southern European tourist cities[1][3][4]. This steep increase is driven by high demand, limited housing stock, and growing interest in property purchase, which in turn pushes rent and sale prices to record levels[3][4][5].
For single expats, monthly costs are estimated at around €2,166, with rent pressures contributing heavily[2]. While areas offering cheaper rent, such as Rafal-Son Forteza at about €1,500/month, exist, they may be less central and offer fewer amenities or accessibility[1].
To tackle the housing challenges, expats are advised to consider several strategies. These include seeking accommodation in less expensive neighbourhoods, working with local real estate agencies, considering shared housing or co-living arrangements, and exploring longer-term lease agreements[1]. Advocacy for local housing policy changes to encourage affordable housing development and limit speculative rental inflation is another solution, although its impact may take time to materialise.
Meanwhile, Steff, in an effort to address the accommodation issue for his seasonal staff, has discovered an empty hotel as a potential solution. However, Peggy, who is running a restaurant, "Tikki Beach", is less enthusiastic about the hotel solution. She is currently grappling with issues related to ventilation and the cash register, and sees the hotel as a distraction from her gastronomy business.
Despite these challenges, Steff sees the hotel as an investment for his retirement from gastronomy. Caro, who has been living on Mallorca since 2003, is preparing for her naturalization exam, having passed it after a delay due to not having her passport. The workshop at "Tikki Beach", where former "Bachelor" Paul Janke acted as DJ and attracted a female audience, was a success, with the venue becoming packed.
As the sun sets on another day in Mallorca, the struggle for affordable accommodation continues, underscored by the island's booming tourism industry.
[1] https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.com/2021/07/27/property-prices-in-mallorca-rise-by-19-per-cent/ [2] https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.com/2021/07/26/average-rents-in-mallorca-reach-3833-per-month/ [3] https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.com/2021/07/20/mallorca-rents-are-the-highest-in-southern-europe/ [4] https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.com/2021/07/19/mallorca-property-prices-rise-19-per-cent-in-first-half-of-2021/ [5] https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.com/2021/07/16/mallorca-property-prices-rise-19-per-cent-in-first-half-of-2021/
In the midst of rising rental prices in Mallorca, expats like Steff Jerkel and Peggy Jerofke are turning to creative solutions, such as Steff's consideration of an empty hotel for his seasonal staff. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry makes its mark on the island, with celebrities like Paul Janke attracting large crowds at venues like "Tikki Beach". In the world of social media and pop-culture, the challenges faced by expats in Mallorca are becoming increasingly apparent as they navigate the complexities of their new home. Movies and TV often glorify the expat life, but the reality of soaring rents and limited housing options is a harsh reminder that such a transition is not always as glamorous as it seems.
