How Long Does It Really Take to Build a House in Mallorca?

Building a home in Mallorca is one of the most rewarding investments you can make — but it’s also one that requires patience, planning, and precision. Between architectural design, permits, construction, and finishing, the timeline for a luxury build can vary significantly. Understanding these stages is key to managing expectations and achieving a seamless result.

At Robinson Architecture, Design & Construction, we guide clients through every phase of the process, combining experience, transparency, and meticulous planning to ensure projects stay on track and deliver beyond expectations.

1. The Design and Planning Phase

The journey begins long before construction starts. The architectural design and planning phase typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the project’s scale and complexity. During this period, we develop concept designs, technical drawings, and coordinate structural and engineering input. For coastal or rural plots, we also address topography, solar orientation, and environmental factors.

Once the concept is approved, we prepare the full technical project and submit documentation for building licenses. Because of local administrative variations, approval times can differ from one municipality to another. In Palma or Calvià, for instance, it can take 6–12 months for permits to be granted, while smaller towns may process them more quickly.

Learn more about our integrated approach in Architecture Services.

2. The Construction Phase

Once permits are in place, the construction phase begins — the most exciting and visible stage of the project. A standard luxury villa in Mallorca, ranging from 300–600 square meters, typically requires 12 to 18 months to complete. Larger, more bespoke projects may extend to 24 months.

Our Construction & Project Management team coordinates every aspect: scheduling, trades, suppliers, and on-site supervision. We plan each milestone carefully to ensure precision, quality, and safety. Weather, material lead times, and client-driven design changes can affect timing, but with proactive management, delays are minimized.

3. The Interior Finishing Phase

After structural works are complete, interior finishes bring the home to life. This stage usually takes 4 to 6 months and includes flooring, carpentry, bathrooms, lighting, kitchens, and final details. For fully customized projects — particularly those developed under our Design & Turnkey Solutions — the process is managed in tandem with LoNiu Home to ensure that interior design, materials, and craftsmanship align seamlessly with the architecture.

By integrating both design and construction within one structure, we reduce miscommunication, speed up decisions, and deliver a more coordinated final product.

4. The Licensing and Handover Stage

Before you can move in, every project undergoes a final inspection to ensure it complies with all municipal and safety standards. The final occupancy license (known as the “Cédula de Habitabilidad”) typically takes 1 to 3 months after completion. During this time, we perform final checks, snagging, and ensure all systems operate perfectly.

For clients living abroad, our team manages all logistics — from documentation and utilities to furnishing and key delivery — so that when you arrive, your home is truly move-in ready.

5. Factors That Influence the Timeline

Every property is unique, and several variables can influence how long the process takes:

Location and access: hillside or rural plots may require special foundations or logistics.
Permit processing times: vary between municipalities.
Material lead times: custom finishes or imported elements may extend production schedules.
Design modifications: mid-project changes can add time but are managed through flexible scheduling.
Weather conditions: although Mallorca’s climate is mild, heavy rains in winter may briefly affect site progress.

We mitigate these challenges through thorough planning and transparent communication from the start — ensuring that your timeline remains realistic, predictable, and achievable.

6. A Realistic Summary

From the first design sketches to the moment you receive your keys, the full process of building a home in Mallorca typically takes 18 to 30 months. However, with a turnkey, design-build model, that journey is smoother, faster, and more controlled. Having one expert team manage the entire process guarantees efficiency, cost control, and exceptional quality at every stage.

Explore how our Building in Mallorca guide outlines each step in greater depth.

7. Build with Confidence

At Robinson Architecture, Design & Construction, we believe that time invested in planning delivers lasting value. Our integrated design and construction team ensures that every villa we build is executed with precision, transparency, and care — from concept to completion.