Buying Household Items at the End of Season

The End-of-Season Opportunity

Every year between September and October, something remarkable happens on Ibiza. Thousands of seasonal workers — bartenders, hotel staff, boat crew, DJs, and hospitality workers — prepare to leave the island after the summer season ends. Many of them have furnished apartments and villas that they need to empty before their contracts expire. This creates a unique buyer's market for second-hand furniture, appliances, and household goods at significantly reduced prices.

Whether you're a new arrival setting up your first Ibiza home, a long-term resident looking to upgrade, or someone preparing for the next season, this is the best time of year to find quality household items at bargain prices. In this guide, we cover the best timing, what to look for, where to find deals, typical prices, and how to negotiate effectively. For more tips on safe transactions, check our safe buying guide.

Best Timing: When to Buy

Timing is everything when it comes to end-of-season buying. The window of opportunity is relatively short, but if you plan ahead, you can score incredible deals.

Early September: The First Wave

Workers whose contracts end in August start posting items. Competition among buyers is still low, so you have the best selection.
Prices are slightly higher than later in the season because sellers still have time and are less desperate.
Best for premium items: quality furniture, electronics, and nearly-new appliances that go quickly.

Late September to Early October: The Sweet Spot

The majority of seasonal workers leave during this window. The market is flooded with items and sellers become increasingly motivated.
Prices drop 20-40% compared to early September as sellers face tight deadlines to vacate their accommodation.
Best time for bulk buying: multiple items from the same seller, complete room sets, or entire apartment contents.

Mid to Late October: Last Chance Deals

Remaining items are often sold at rock-bottom prices or even given away for free. Sellers with flights booked will take any offer.
Selection is limited — most quality items are already gone — but you can still find great deals on bulkier furniture that is harder to sell.
Check listings daily during this period, as new posts appear continuously from last-minute departures.

Popular Items and What to Expect to Pay

End-of-season prices on Ibiza are significantly lower than what you would pay new or even second-hand at other times of the year. Here is an overview of the most popular categories and typical price ranges during the September-October window.

Furniture

Sofas and couches: €50 - €250 (originally €300 - €1,200). Ikea-style sofas are the most common. Check for stains, pet damage, and sagging cushions.
Beds and mattresses: €30 - €150 for frames, €20 - €80 for mattresses. Double beds are the most available. Consider hygiene — mattress protectors make used mattresses more acceptable.
Dining tables and chairs: €20 - €120 for sets. Outdoor dining sets are especially common and cheap at end of season.
Wardrobes and storage: €15 - €80. Often free because they are difficult to transport. If you have a van, these are excellent finds.

Kitchen and Appliances

Washing machines: €50 - €150 (one of the most sought-after items — act fast on these).
Refrigerators: €40 - €120. Mini-fridges go for €15 - €40. Test that the cooling works before buying.
Microwaves, toasters, blenders: €5 - €25. Small kitchen appliances are abundant and dirt cheap.
Complete kitchen sets: €20 - €60. Pots, pans, plates, cutlery — often sold as a bundle for one price.

Electronics and Entertainment

TVs and monitors: €30 - €150 depending on size and age. Smart TVs in good condition go fast.
Speakers and sound systems: €15 - €80. Bluetooth speakers and party equipment are common finds.
Fans and air conditioning units: €10 - €60 for portable units. Ironically cheapest right when you no longer need them, but a smart investment for next summer.

Outdoor and Leisure

Outdoor furniture: €20 - €100. Terrace sets, sun loungers, parasols — all heavily discounted.
Bicycles and scooters: €30 - €200. Check for rust from the sea air and ensure brakes work properly.
Surfboards and water sports gear: €20 - €150. Paddleboards, wetsuits, and snorkel sets at end-of-season prices.

Where to Find End-of-Season Deals

Knowing where to look is half the battle. Here are the best places to find end-of-season household items on Ibiza.

Online Marketplaces

Ibiza Marketplace: The dedicated platform for buying and selling on the island. Browse the furniture category for the latest listings. Set up notifications to be alerted when new items match your search criteria.
Facebook groups: Several Ibiza buy-and-sell groups are active during this period. "Ibiza Buy & Sell" and "Second Hand Ibiza" are among the largest.

Physical Locations

Supermarket notice boards: In Mercadona, Eroski, and other supermarkets, check the bulletin boards near the entrance. Many seasonal workers post flyers with photos of items for sale.
Worker accommodation areas: San Antonio, Playa d'en Bossa, and Ibiza Town are the main areas where seasonal workers live. Drive around these neighbourhoods — items are often placed outside with "gratis" or "for sale" signs.
Second-hand shops: Stores like Reuse Centre Ibiza and local charity shops receive a flood of donations in October and price items to move quickly.

Word of Mouth

Tell friends, colleagues, and neighbours that you are looking for items. The Ibiza expat community is tight-knit and word spreads fast.
Ask at local bars and restaurants — staff there know who is leaving and may connect you directly with sellers.

Negotiation Tips

End-of-season sellers are often motivated, but good negotiation skills will help you get the best deals. Here are proven strategies that work on the Ibiza second-hand market. For more on pricing, see our pricing strategy guide.

Understand the Seller's Position

Ask about their timeline: "When is your flight?" or "When do you need to hand back the keys?" The closer the deadline, the more flexible the price.
For sellers leaving within days: Their priority is getting rid of items, not maximizing profit. Offer 40-60% of the asking price and be prepared to pick up immediately.
For sellers with more time: A fair offer of 70-80% of the asking price is more appropriate. Be respectful — they may still find another buyer.

Bundle Deals

Buy multiple items from one seller: If someone has a sofa, a table, and kitchen items, offer a single price for everything. Sellers strongly prefer one buyer who takes everything over multiple individual transactions.
Offer to clear the apartment: Some sellers will give you an excellent deal if you agree to take everything and leave the place empty. This saves them disposal costs and effort.
Typical bundle discount: Expect 30-50% off the combined individual prices when buying multiple items together.

Practical Tips

Bring cash: Cash transactions are fastest and sellers appreciate the convenience. Many do not have Spanish bank accounts for transfers.
Bring transport: Having a van or large car gives you a huge advantage. Offer to pick up immediately — this is a powerful negotiating tool because many sellers cannot deliver.
Be flexible on timing: Accommodate the seller's schedule. Being available at short notice can land you deals others miss.
Check quality carefully: Inspect items in person before paying. Test electronics, check for water damage, and look for hidden defects. The excitement of a bargain should not override basic due diligence.

What to Avoid

While the end-of-season market offers great opportunities, there are some items and situations to be cautious about.

Mattresses without covers: Unless you know the previous owner, heavily used mattresses without protective covers are best avoided for hygiene reasons.
Gas appliances without documentation: Gas heaters and stoves should have proper safety certifications. Never buy uncertified gas equipment.
Cheap furniture that will not survive a move: Flat-pack furniture that has already been assembled and disassembled multiple times is often structurally compromised. Pay slightly more for solid wood items.
Overpaying due to urgency: Even though the buying window is short, do not rush into purchases. New listings appear daily throughout September and October.

Planning Your End-of-Season Shopping

To make the most of the end-of-season opportunity, plan your approach strategically.

Make a list: Know exactly what you need before you start browsing. This prevents impulse buys on items you do not actually need.
Set a budget: Decide your maximum spend per category. It is easy to overspend when everything seems like a bargain.
Arrange transport in advance: Rent a van for a day or find a local transport service. Companies on Ibiza offer furniture delivery from €30 - €80 per trip depending on distance.
Measure your space: Nothing is more frustrating than buying a sofa that does not fit through your door or a wardrobe that is too tall for your room.
Check listings morning and evening: New items are posted throughout the day. Checking twice daily on Ibiza Marketplace ensures you do not miss the best deals.

Conclusion

The end of summer season on Ibiza creates one of the best second-hand shopping opportunities in Europe. From September through October, you can furnish an entire apartment for a fraction of the cost of buying new. The key is timing, preparation, and knowing where to look.

Start browsing the furniture listings on Ibiza Marketplace today, set up your search alerts, and be ready to act quickly when the season winds down. For more tips on buying safely, read our safe buying guide and furniture selling tips if you also have items to sell before leaving.