As anticipated in our 2022 Market Report and forecast for 2023, the Ibiza real estate market experienced a modest decline in sales over the past year. This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including the global economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and financial uncertainties stemming from inflation and rising interest rates. Despite these challenges, it’s important to note that the market has demonstrated resilience and stability.

Even with a slight dip in demand, the market has maintained a balanced outlook. While asking prices have shown an increase across the Balearics (according to data provided by Idealista), actual sales prices here at Prestige Properties Ibiza have demonstrated a decrease compared to the previous year, as evidenced by municipality prices per square metre where 4 out of 5 municipalities have experienced a decline. This suggests a potential adjustment in asking prices in the upcoming year to align with market trends observed in 2023. However, overall the Ibiza real estate sector remains robust and adaptable. Looking ahead, let’s take a closer look at our 2023 Ibiza real estate market report and predictions for 2024. Please note that this report uses internal and external data to present information on the property market in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands for 2023, along with its projected forecast for 2024.

The analysis covers the following three topics of discussion:

1. The Balearic Islands’ Housing Market Report for 2023
2. The Ibiza Luxury Housing Market Report 2023 by Prestige Properties
3. Predicted Forecast for 2024 by Prestige Properties Ibiza 

1) The General Balearic Islands’ Housing Market Summary of 2023

The Balearic Islands have shown impressive resilience over time, as depicted in the graph below. Despite experiencing slight declines in buying / selling and property prices in 2023, the consistent pattern of rebounding after each crisis offers reassurance for long-term investors. This trend underscores the Balearics’ reputation as a secure and enduring investment destination, with the market consistently surpassing pre-crisis levels over the past decade.

2) The Ibiza Luxury Housing Market Report 2023 by Prestige Properties

As anticipated towards the end of 2022, the beginning of 2023 saw a decrease in sales, primarily due to the prevailing global economic sentiment of stagnation and a limited availability of sellers in the market.

As we can see from the graph above, the sales volumes over the past five years seem to mirror broader global economic trends: a decline in the pre-COVID years, followed by a significant surge in the post-COVID years of 2021 and 2022, and now a slight downturn. It remains to be seen whether the 2023 downturn will stabilise or if it will lead to a prolonged downward trend, or whether it is just a short-lived dip. Monitoring the market closely will provide clarity on its trajectory moving forward, but nevertheless, in comparison to 2018, the past year still has a 36% increase in sales volume. Even with a dip in sales volume over 2023, the average asking price per m2 across the whole of Spain, the Balearic Islands and Ibiza has demonstrated a steady increase.

The graph above illustrates an overall significant price increase in Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Ibiza from 2022 to 2023. However, it’s essential to clarify that these prices are based solely on advertised asking prices from the national Idealista property platform, not actual sales prices. For real sales price development in Ibiza, please refer to the graph further down in the report.

The two graphs above illustrate a slight decrease in sales inquiries (demand) alongside a significant increase in the number of properties listed for sale (supply). This indicates a gradual transition from a low supply/high demand market in 2022 to a higher supply/lower demand scenario. Despite this shift, we are still currently in a sellers’ market. The developments in the coming year will determine whether a shift towards a buyers’ market is occurring, if this trend will stabilise, or if it is merely a temporary dip. Although the 2023 data suggests the beginning of a new trend, the next two years will be pivotal in providing more insight and certainty. Monitoring and understanding the market during this period will be crucial in determining whether this shift is permanent or temporary.

Average Price per Square Metre per Municipality in Ibiza in 2023

As mentioned earlier, the change in the balance between supply and demand signals a shift in the market. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in the average price per square metre on the island, indicating a move away from a seller’s market. These figures differ from those presented by Idealista, which primarily focused on asking prices. In essence, property owners may need to reconsider their price expectations. However, this could also present an opportune moment for them to sell their property and capitalise on the evolving market conditions, potentially transitioning towards a buyer’s market. 

In general, even with a decrease year-on-year we still can see an overall increase of 17% within a 5 year period (2018-2023). We have noticed a dramatic increase in demand for the municipality of San Antonio, where the average price per square metre has increased over the last few years, although it remains the most affordable municipality on the island, with many rewarding opportunities for buyers. 

Eivissa (Ibiza Town) – Average Price & Price per m2 in 2023

Ibiza Town accounted for around 13.4% of our sales volume in 2023. Although the capital’s average price per square metre of 6.268,97 € was slightly lower than in 2021 and 2022, it was still significantly higher than five years ago (20% higher). The most important type of property in the capital was the apartment. In 2023, the average size of an apartment was 73 m2. The houses sold by Prestige Properties in Eivissa in 2023 had an average size of 456 m2 and an average price per m2 of 5,498€.

Sales Volume: 13,41 %

Average Price: 919.700,00 €

Average Price/m2: 6.268,97 €

Average Property Size: 149,75 m2

Typical Property Types: Apartment and House

San José – Average Price & Price per m2 in 2023

As in previous years, San José is the municipality with the greatest interest and volume of sales, high in demand among affluent luxury second-home buyers. It is one of the few municipalities where the average price per square metre is still increasing, even slightly higher than in 2022, with an average of 8023.74 € per square metre. This area accounts for 41.62% of the Prestige Properties’ sales volume in 2023. In addition, it has the greatest mix of properties sold on the island. With apartments, houses and modern villas being the most prominent. 

Sales Volume: 41,62%

Average Price: 1.869.230,77 €

Average Price/m2: 8.023,74 €

Average Property Size: 246,62 m2

Typical Property Types: Apartment, Finca, House, Modern Villa, Plot with licence

Santa Eulalia – Average Price & Price per m2 in 2023

In 2023, the average price per square metre in Santa Eulalia was €6,293 . This price is 23% lower than last year (2022: 8.185 €). However, even with this drop, Santa Eulalia has seen an average of 1.7% increase in its price per square metre since 2018, returning to stable pre-covid and pre-boom levels. Santa Eulalia accounted for almost 30% of our total sales volume in 2023, placing it at second place after San José. 

Sales Volume: 29,78%

Average Price: 2.173.350,00 €

Average Price/m2: 6.293, 28 €

Average Property Size: 297,63 m2

Typical Property Types: Apartment, House, Modern Villa

San Antonio – Average Price & Price per m2 in 2023

At Prestige Properties we have seen the interest in the municipality of San Antonio grow over the years. It is still the most affordable municipality in Ibiza, with many rewarding buyer opportunities. While in 2018, Prestige Properties sold no properties here, in 2023 it represented 9.21% of our sales volume. The average price per square metre is €5,202 which represents a 20% increase from 2019 figures.

Sales Volume: 9,21%

Average Price: 767.928 €

Average Price/m2: 5.202 €

Average Property Size: 137,57 m2

Typical Property Types: Apartment, House

San Juan – Average Price & Price per m2 in 2023

In the municipality of San Juan, the average price per square metre is €10,472, the highest on the island and one of the few municipalities where the price per square metre has been rising steadily over the years. The average price/m2 in San Juan has seen a staggering 42% increase since 2018. It should be noted that properties in the north are scarce. Typical properties in the north are houses with large plots and protected land, with few neighbours, which is one of the reasons for the high prices. The municipality of San Juan accounted for around 6% of our total sales volume in 2023.

Sales Volume: 6%

Average Price: 1.625.000,00 €

Average Price/m2: 10.472 €

Average Property Size: 137,57m2

Typical Property Types: House, Finca

Average Sales Price of each Property Type in Ibiza

Deep Dive: Average Sales Prices of Properties that are "as new" vs "to renovate"

In 2023, Prestige Properties sold more new properties than those slated for renovation. Naturally, renovated properties typically command lower average selling prices; however, the difference per square metre between new and renovated properties is modest.

New properties are scarce in Ibiza due to limited space, stringent building regulations, and laws limiting new construction on the island. Consequently, Ibiza is appealing to buyers and investors seeking properties to renovate and resell.

Deep Dive: Reasons for Buying a Property in Ibiza

Ibiza has consistently proven itself as an exceptional investment destination, drawing interest from numerous international investors in recent years. The predominant choice among these investors has been acquiring second homes, either for leisurely holidays or as a respite from the chilly northern winters. In the year of 2023, this trend persisted, with an overwhelming majority—nearly 75%—of our clients opting for properties earmarked as their secondary (holiday) residences.

A noteworthy 14.7% of investors have strategically chosen properties for pure investment purposes, underlining the island’s allure for those seeking financial returns. Equally compelling is the fact that approximately 12% of Prestige’s clientele has chosen to invest in their primary homes, reflecting a genuine commitment to relocating, residing, and engaging in year-round endeavours within the vibrant and captivating landscape of Ibiza. The diverse preferences of our clients continue to underscore the island’s multifaceted appeal and enduring investment potential.

Deep Dive: International Interest and Percentage of Nationalities Buying in Ibiza

Ibiza attracts a diverse mix of cultures, with a significant portion of buyers hailing from European backgrounds. While the United Kingdom has traditionally been a major source, the event of Brexit saw a sharp decline in UK buyers during a period of time, however, in 2023 we see the UK buyers reclaiming their traditionally strong market share in Ibiza’s international clientele, comprising 24.4% of our buyers. However, we have also seen a shift in spending amongst UK buyers, with an increased preference for apartments as opposed to larger properties. This is reflected in the fact that UK buyers represented only 15.05% of our total sales volume.

There has been a notable increase in Spanish and Italian buyers in recent years, signalling a changing dynamic. Spanish nationals emerged as the second-largest group of buyers in 2023, accounting for 19.03% of the annual sales volume across houses, apartments, and plots with licences.

Belgian buyers, constituting 9.8% of our clientele, demonstrated the highest average spending in 2023. This discerning group contributed 18.65% of the total sales volume, showing a preference for larger properties intended as second homes. The evolving demographics of our buyers underscore the broad appeal of Ibiza and the diverse preferences shaping their investment decisions.

Deep Dive: Popular Ibiza Municipalities by Buyer’s Nationalities

In 2023, San José emerged as the top performer in terms of sales volume, accounting for 41.62% of total sales. This area has become a magnet for people of various nationalities. At Prestige, we’ve observed that it’s the most sought-after location on the island, particularly drawing the interest of investors. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s popularity has been steadily increasing over the years. Similar to 2022, in 2023, the majority of buyers were from the UK. San Antonio has become a favoured destination for UK nationals, particularly those who enjoy spending their summer vacations in Ibiza. 

Deep Dive: Prestige’s Top-Selling Locations of the Year 2023

Based on the Sales Transaction Volume, the top-selling municipality in 2023 was San José, followed by Santa Eulalia and Eivissa (Ibiza Town). Considering the actual number of properties sold in each municipality, the order changes to San José (31%), Ibiza Town (24%), Santa Eulalia (19%), San Antonio (17%) and San Juan (8%).

Long-Term Rental Interest: an indicator for potential buyers

Amidst limited availability and heightened demand for long-term rental properties, Ibiza persists as a lucrative investment destination for clients pursuing buy-to-let opportunities. Furthermore, for people interested in living here all year round or relocating to Ibiza, buying a property will be more attractive and, with the right budget, easier to find than a suitable long-term rental property. 

High Demand vs. increasing supply –  is the market changing?

In contrast to previous years, where there was a decline in property supply, Prestige Properties has seen a significant shift in supply dynamics in 2023. The number of new properties listed with Prestige Properties increased notably by 38% compared to 2022. This trend is expected to continue into 2024, indicating a growing trend among sellers to take advantage of favourable market conditions. Amid increasing financial uncertainty and a slight decrease in sales prices, sellers are encouraged to consider selling their property now to capitalise on the current high price levels. At the same time, for prospective buyers, the expanding supply of properties offers a wider range of options to choose from, making the Ibiza real estate market more attractive.

Conclusion: The Luxury Real Estate Market Ibiza 2023

Amidst global challenges, geo-political developments and financial uncertainty, the Ibiza luxury housing market is still flourishing. As one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, there is a high level of interest in investing in a property here. It is well known that the Balearic Islands have a very stable real estate market with the tendency to increase prices and rebound even stronger after a global economic crisis.

We can also see that the trend continues, and Ibiza’s average price per square metre is still higher than the overall price per square metre of the  Balearic Islands or the Spanish mainland.. Furthermore, the property supply is gradually increasing again, leaving the impression that the market might shift from a buyer’s to a seller’s market in the future.

3) Prestige Properties 2024 Predicted Forecast

As we cast our gaze toward 2024, the landscape of Ibiza’s real estate market points towards a potential shift to a buyer’s market, but a confirmation remains elusive due to incomplete data. The uncertainty is further fueled by geopolitical circumstances and financial insecurities, which may influence property purchases in the coming year. 

Sales in the Ibiza real estate market for the year 2024 are anticipated to stabilise, with an observable increase in the number of properties available on the market. This trend may persist, leading to a greater inventory of properties in the following year. Despite this, the current market conditions suggest that it remains a favourable time to sell properties in Ibiza, as prices are currently high. However, the trajectory of future prices is still uncertain, and whether they will stabilise or experience a decline cannot be confirmed yet.

Historically, Ibiza’s real estate market has exhibited resilience, with prices recovering and often surpassing previous levels after experiencing a drop. This characteristic makes the market in Ibiza intriguing for long-term investors who may view potential downturns as opportunities for future gains.

For those considering buying property in Ibiza, the island’s real estate market has demonstrated its ability to bounce back after crises, distinguishing itself from mainland Spain and other real estate markets. Ibiza’s multicultural environment, coupled with a high demand for luxury properties and holiday homes, further enhances its attractiveness for both sellers and buyers.

 It is currently a favourable time to sell due to high prices, and potential buyers may find opportunities, given the increase in available property, the historical resilience of the market and the island’s unique appeal.

To navigate this dynamic market successfully, staying informed with real-time updates, seeking guidance from local experts, and considering global economic conditions are essential practices. As the journey into 2024 unfolds, the Ibiza real estate market beckons with both challenges and prospects for those ready to explore its intricacies.