The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
Tired of scouring the internet for incomplete, incorrect or out of date information about Tenerife?
TENERIFE GURU is your ultimate guide to Tenerife, covering everything you need to know about our amazing island.
BREXIT UPDATE for UK Nationals buying Property in Tenerife after January 2021 – Pitfalls and procedure when buying non-urban land. Last updated: 5th November 2024 Brits looking to purchase property or land in Tenerife that is classed as ‘non-urban’ or ‘rustic’ may now have additional hoops to jump through since 1st January 2021 due to…
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Tenerife Solicitors are the first and only firm of English Solicitors & Spanish Abogados registered and authorised to practice in the Canary Islands. They can assist with a wide variety of legal issues from their offices in San Eugenio, Tenerife and in Bromley, England. As they hold practising certificates to operate in both countries, advice…
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The following article covers those looking for both Tourist and Residential rentals: A: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (Long lets of 3 months minimum duration or longer) Renting, as opposed to buying, is by far the most popular (and safe) way for new arrivals to test out island life and decide if it is for them before taking…
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UPDATED 24th March 2025 (the most recent developments are listed towards the end of the article). Those reading English language newspapers and internet blogs in Tenerife over the past few years may be familiar with articles discussing the law applicable to tourist rentals. However, many people are still confused and unclear about the situation, no…
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There are two distinct categories of rented properties in Tenerife, namely ‘Residential’ and ‘Touristic’, both of which are subject to different laws. ‘Touristic’ lettings are basically defined as stays of less than 3 months, whilst ‘Residential’ lettings basically cover stays of more than 3 months. Owners of Residential status properties are free to rent them…
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Whether you are considering the purchase of a resale property, or indeed refurbishing/extending a property you already own, care must be taken to ensure that the works are carried out legally. Failure to do so can lead to fines and even a demolition order in respect of the illegal works. Buyers should also check that…
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Although new building projects have slowed significantly since the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, there is still a fair amount of development, particularly in the luxury end of the market. For many of us dreaming of our first holiday property, buying something brand new that can be fitted, decorated and furnished to your own specifications…
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UPDATED: 18th February 2021 Plus Valia is a tax imposed by the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) upon the sale of a property. Broadly speaking, it is a tax on the notional increase in value of the relevant plot of land. The formula used to calculate the tax is based on the Catastral value of the…
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Until quite recently, under-declaring the real sale price of a property was a national sport in Spain and was particularly popular in Tenerife. Essentially, a lower price was declared on the official paperwork and the balance typically changed hands in cash. The buyer would then only pay the 6.5% stamp duty purchase tax on the…
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When buying property in Tenerife, it is strongly recommended to organise your finances before proceeding, particularly if you require a mortgage. Spanish banks are notoriously slow in processing mortgage applications, by which time you may have already agreed to purchase a property and signed a contract with a deadline to complete. Alternatively, you may expect…
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Tenerife Solicitors often get asked for advice regarding this subject. In recent years, certain unqualified firms have been advising clients to purchase or register their property in the name of a limited company in order to minimise or avoid Inheritance Tax, regardless of their individual circumstances. The fact that no qualified lawyer, accountant or other…
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This is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask when buying a property in Tenerife. The answer is obviously YES! You are about to make what could be the second biggest investment of your life in a foreign country and in a foreign language, where bureaucracy and paperwork is notoriously complex and different….
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This long-established profession perhaps doesn’t have the glossiest reputation around the world. Sadly, Tenerife is no exception to this tarnished image. The island is not helped by the fact that the industry is entirely unregulated in Spain. Whilst there are professional real-estate organisations such as GIPE and API, the vast majority of agents are not…
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Many people dream of buying a property in Tenerife. Perhaps as a holiday home for the family, to rent out as a source of income, or perhaps simply to live in once they have made a permanent move to Tenerife to work or retire here. However, procedures can differ significantly from those in other countries….
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