We looked at exactly the same thing 12 months ago so here goes........

Would be interesting to know your family circumstances because I think that does affect alot of your plans.... We holidayed in Sa Coma last year and I thought it was a beautiful area / coast. Unfortunately I think it is a 6 month resort only. Indeed we looked at the other side of the island around Santa Ponsa / Palma Nova which we thought would be more a 12 month resorts.... which it is a little but to be honest Santa Ponsa in Nov was quiet. That is fine of course if there is only 2 of you, as you can live during the winter on your summer efforts and just tick over during the winter... maybe not the case if you have younger family mouths to feed....we have 2 daughters and felt the income opportunities would not be as we would need.
Don't get me wrong I love Palma Nova, and Majorca - and would love to live there, but for us I don't think it was right just yet. We are now looking at the Canaries.

I can most heartily recommend Jamie and Sheldon for a Majorcan estate agent.... Chris there was really friendly and not pushy at all like some companies, he listens and offers honest assessment.... If you want more detail let me know via reply or PM

Good Luck!!

Hi David. I've sent you a pm.

Hi David. I think Sa Coma would be better for us. Was the estate agent you mentioned in Palma Nova? Did you look into schools etc in Sa Coma/Santa Ponsa. How far have you got with the Canaries? Dont' know how you feel but this is my last chance before we are too old

Hi,as I dont know your circumstances and the area you mention it is difficult for me to advise but as my son has owned 4 bars,three in Ibiza and one now on the mainland over the last ten years I do have some experience.
I would say that if you intend to borrow money to actually open a bar then you are probably on the first step down the ladder of doom.If you can get open in a reasonable position in the town,preferable with not too many A1 Hotels around you and more importantly lots of rented out apartments close by as these are the people who spend the most.Its obvious really as hotels have food,drink and Sky Football etc.
Taxes,accountant fees,licences and worst of all paying staff's national insurance costs a fortune and for instance the starting up costs of our last bar/restaurant was over 100% over budget.

Sorry if I sound like the devils advocate but unless you start out right you could be back in the UK skint very quickly,Ive seen it happen so often and especially if you do not have any experience in this business,all the best and if you have any specific questions I can answer please ask away,John.

P.S.Re schools Ive found that if you can get your kids into a Spanish school before they have reached the age of 11 they should be OK,its extra tough for them after that.Two of my grandchildren go to school in Ibiza and at the age of 4 and 7 they are both speaking 4 languages.........

Hi John. Thanks for responding to my question re buying a bar. I've got a few questions so I will send you a pm and look forward to your reply.

Hi,by all means if there are any personal questions that you want to ask by all means PM me but if anything else might be of interest to members reading the topic please feel free to ask them on the forum and maybe they will join in too,best wishes,John.