Since 25 May 2020 the new law “Decreto Ley 9/2020 de medidas urgentes de protección del territorio de las Illes Balears” regulates the building standards in rural areas (“suelo rústico”).
We have compiled the most important points of the new Law 9/2020 for you.
New building parameters on rural ground:
- Only one detached family house can be built per plot of land. The square meters required to build are the same and range from 14,000 to 50,000 square meters, depending on the municipality and the categorisation of the ground in the territorial plan of Mallorca.
- Buildable area: 1.5% (1% for those located in the protected natural area). This percentage includes all buildings and fixed garages, as well as covered terraces, etc.
- Maximum building over by buildings and other elements: 2 % on rural ground (1.5 % for those located in the nature reserve). This includes pool terraces, paths, etc., regardless of the material used to cover the ground.
- Maximum volume of all buildings (including garage) in each category of rural ground: 900 m³. This corresponds to a maximum of 300 m² of constructed area for an average room height of 3 m.
- Only one pool per property with a maximum water level surface of 35 m² and a maximum volume of 60 m³.
Measures for landscape integration and ecological sustainability
- The plot of land must, as far as possible, be preserved in its natural condition. Forest areas or the number of fruit trees may not be reduced.
- Conservation and restoration of dry-stone elements.
- Non-traditional fencing elements must be removed.
- Reduction of environmental pollution caused by artificial lighting.
- Enclosures should be traditional and adapt to the landscape. Furthermore, priority should be given to the use of indigenous natural materials so that fauna can easily penetrate.
- Rainwater collection systems for reuse.
Effects on sellers of rural plots of land
If you own a plot of land without a valid building permission on rural ground (suelo rústico) of more than 14,000 m², you should know that the selling price will be affected as the buildability has been reduced considerably.
New building standards and the impact on sellers of completed finca properties
If you have a plot of land with several houses or a large house, this will contribute to the market attractiveness, as it will no longer be possible to realize new building projects of this size.
Consequences for prospective buyers
If you buy a plot of land on rural ground of at least 14,000 m², you can build a maximum of 280 m² constructed area, including all buildings, paths, terraces, and pool. Even on much larger plots of land you can build a maximum of 300 m² constructed area (before the new law the limit had been 500 m²).
If you need a larger house, you are well advised to look at the existing properties. You can find more information on legal topics here!