Design Apartments and Penthouses for Sale in Mallorca

Contemporary architecture, open-plan living and generous terraces are what define a design apartment in Mallorca. At the top of the market, the same ideas reach their fullest expression in the island's designer penthouses. This page brings both together: new-build and fully renovated apartments and penthouses with a clear architectural identity, from Palma's city centre to the marinas of the south-west and the bays of the north.

Our team of Savills Associates selects each property, so you see homes that are worth a visit rather than a long list. If you are looking for classic top-floor homes without the design focus, see our page on penthouses for sale in Mallorca. For the full range of flats, see apartments for sale in Mallorca.

What makes an apartment or penthouse "design" in Mallorca

There is no official category, so we look at the same four things in every listing:

• Architecture: a signed project or a clear contemporary concept, not just a recent build.
• Layout: open spaces, high ceilings or large glazed areas that bring the view into the home.
• Materials and finishes: natural stone, solid wood, bespoke kitchens and integrated home automation.
• Outdoor space: terraces, solariums or roof gardens that work as an extra living room, often with a private pool.

Design apartments by area

Palma: urban style and sea views

Palma is where most design apartments are found. Santa Catalina combines a lively food scene with renovated buildings and modern penthouses with terraces. Portixol and the seafront promenade offer sea views and restaurants within walking distance. The Old Town attracts buyers who want a restored historic building with a contemporary interior, and Paseo Mallorca and Jaime III are the address for boutiques and fine dining. See the current selection of apartments in Palma and penthouses in Palma.

Puerto Portals and Bendinat

Puerto Portals is one of the island's reference marinas, with restaurants, boutiques and direct access to the sea. The apartments here are typically in contemporary residential complexes with communal pools and gardens, and some penthouses have private roof terraces. Nearby Bendinat has a similar profile in a quieter setting. Browse apartments in Puerto Portals and apartments in Bendinat.

Santa Ponsa, Costa d'en Blanes and Calvia

This part of the south-west is chosen for its golf courses, beaches and easy access to the airport and Palma. Modern complexes here favour large terraces, private pools and landscaped gardens. See apartments in Calvia.

Puerto Andratx

A working harbour that has become one of the most sought-after addresses on the island. Design apartments and penthouses here combine harbour or sea views with restaurants and a quieter pace than the south coast.

Pollensa, Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia

In the north, the lifestyle is more relaxed, with beaches and bays close by. Our apartments in Puerto Pollensa and penthouses in Puerto Pollensa are a good starting point.

Designer penthouses: the top floor, done properly

A designer penthouse usually has the best of the building: the most light, the widest views and the largest outdoor area. In Mallorca, that often means a private terrace of generous proportions, sometimes with a pool or a solarium, and direct lift access to the apartment. If you want sea views or a seafront location, tell us your brief early so we can show you what fits.

What to check before you buy

• Licences and documents: first-occupation certificate for new builds, community statutes and the energy certificate.
• Community and running costs: fees for pools, lifts, gardens and concierge services vary widely between complexes.
• Holiday rental: not every apartment can be let to tourists. Rules depend on the building and on current regulations, so we check this before you commit. See properties with a rental licence.
• Taxes: resale properties pay the Balearic transfer tax (ITP) on a progressive scale from 8% to 13%. New builds pay 10% VAT plus stamp duty (AJD). Confirm the figures for your purchase with your tax adviser.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a design apartment and a penthouse in Mallorca?

A penthouse is the top-floor home of a building, usually with a large private terrace and open views. A design apartment can be on any floor. What makes either of them "design" is the architecture, the layout and the quality of the finishes. Many of our listings combine both: a contemporary penthouse by a recognised architect, for example.

Which areas are best for a design apartment or penthouse in Mallorca?

Palma (Santa Catalina, Portixol, the Old Town, Paseo Mallorca) is the most urban option. Puerto Portals and Portals Nous, Santa Ponsa and Costa d'en Blanes, and Puerto Andratx are the most popular for sea views and marina access. Pollensa and Alcudia suit buyers who want a quieter setting.

Which taxes do I pay when buying a design apartment in Mallorca?

On a resale property you pay the Balearic transfer tax (ITP), a progressive scale of 8% up to 400,000 euros, 9% up to 600,000, 10% up to 1,000,000, 12% up to 2,000,000 and 13% above. On a new build you pay 10% VAT plus stamp duty (AJD). Rates can change, so we confirm the figures with your tax adviser before you sign.

Talk to our team

Our team of Savills Associates will help you find the right apartment or penthouse, arrange viewings and guide you through the purchase, including lawyers, notary and tax.

Contact our team