Video viewings and more – how Charles Marlow is adapting to the new normal for Mallorca and Ibiza real estateJune 6, 2020

Charles Marlow adapts to the challenges facing the Balearics property market, finding hidden benefits, and seeing positive signs and discovering the delights of video viewings.

Video viewings are just one way Charles Marlow has adapted to being unable to show potential clients around the properties the company offers for sale.

“We’ve discovered that video viewings are a fantastic way to give our clients a personalised tour of a house,” says Maria Garde, West Coast Sales Manager for Mallorca. “The response to the first one we made has been fantastic.”

Charles Marlow’s video viewings give clients who can’t travel to Mallorca the feeling they’re walking through the house themselves.

“These video viewings are different from the 90-second videos we’ve been doing for some time to highlight the essence of a house,” Maria explains. “With the video viewings, we really dive deep into every detail. We begin with an introduction to the exterior and then walk the client around the house, talking them through each feature, sun orientation, potential improvements to be made and so on.”

Maria thoroughly enjoys doing the videos. “It makes me feel like I’m back out doing viewings, chatting with clients as we walk through the house,” she says. “I’m looking forward to doing more video viewings for sure.”

Charles Marlow rentals – emphasising peace of mind

For Andreas Thau Loftager, West Coast Rentals Manager for Charles Marlow in Mallorca, video is also proving to be invaluable and fun.

But he acknowledges that a bigger challenge is reassuring potential rental clients they’re fully protected should they not be able to travel to Mallorca.

“The first thing we did back in March was to contact our lawyers’ office and find out what rights our guests had. Within a week, we’d written our coronavirus cancellation policy. For extra reassurance, we’ve gone from standard contracts to unique contracts for every rental. We know our guests are dreaming of being on Mallorca and Ibiza and we’ll do everything we can to offer peace of mind.”

although the future might be uncertain right now, I know for sure that these islands are protected and loved internationally

Charlie Hill

Andreas is hoping that extending the holiday rental season will be one way guests will get to Mallorca and Ibiza in 2020.

“We’ve long thought that the climate in Mallorca and Ibiza is great for winter tourism. November may well be my favourite month in Mallorca. Even in December and January, we enjoy many marvellous days of warm, sunny weather. Sure, the weather can be changeable but that means you get to explore Palma and the rest of the island when it’s quiet and peaceful and experience the real Mallorca.”

What advice does Andreas have for homeowners?

“We’re finding that by accepting that this year won’t be as we expected, it’s getting better all the time. I suggest that homeowners do the same. Be more flexible than ever, look for creative solutions, be quick to respond to last minute enquiries and offer honest discounts. But I’d also stress that potential guests need reassurances and you may well see cancellations and have to refund deposits.”

Looking to the future, does Andreas have any predictions for the rental market?

“The best person to ask is Charlie Hill.”

Sales – increased activity breeds cautious optimism

Charles Marlow clients rarely buy in Mallorca and Ibiza as an investment. It’s more about falling in love with the island and its lifestyle.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen a clear increase in potential clients stepping up their search for their dream home,” says Charlie Hill, Partner and Co-founder of Charles Marlow. “This could be because they have fewer demands on their time or, having been stuck at home or trapped inside the borders of their own country, they’ve decided now is the time to buy a home in a place they love.”

If this trend continues, Charlie believes, “the luxury market is likely to see higher levels of activity this summer than the previous 12 months”.

But Charlie also expects the surge in activity to ease off.

“We’re likely to see the real economic fallout from the worldwide pandemic in winter,” he says. “But we’ll continue to offer our clients worldwide the best homes in Europe. We’re passionate about constantly upping our game. It’s going to be key to us doing more than just survive. I’m really excited about the innovations we’ve put in place, like video viewings.  And, although the future might be uncertain right now, I know for sure that these islands are protected and loved internationally. So, while there maybe challenges ahead, people will always want to live in Mallorca and Ibiza. There’s a quality of life deeply rooted in their magical vibe that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

S’Atalaya is an outstanding sensitively restored 14th century castle perched above Valldemossa. Find out more about this exceptional home here.

Call us on +34 971 636 427 or email hello@charlesmarlow.com.