Tenerife Property For Sale
Area Guide
The stunning island of Tenerife is perhaps the best known of the Canary Islands, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, nearer the coast of Africa than that of Spain, which has ruled the island since its conquest in 1493, Tenerife property for sale enjoys a fantastically sunny climate and a wonderful blend of both traditional culture and modern facilities.
Coast
Coastal Tenerife property for sale can be found all along the island's 67km of beaches. The north of the island is largely characterised by dramatic steep cliffs and pebble or coarse sand beaches, which are jet black and have a unique beauty rarely seen elsewhere. To the south, which tends to draw more tourists at high season, the beaches are comprised of much finer sand, which is lighter in colour.
Climate
Tenerife property for sale enjoys an almost perfect climate for sun-lovers. Though on the same latitude as the Sahara, the cool sea currents and trade winds that have long made the Canaries important ports on transcontinental routes result in an almost constant year round temperature, free from cool winters and unbearable summer heat or humidity. Typically the average summer temperature is around 27°C, while winter averages are only a few degrees less at 23°C. However, the natural geology of the island can often result in many varied microclimates. Santa Cruz, for example, is much less likely to experience cold winters or rainfall than its near neighbour La Laguna. When buying Tenerife property for sale it is advisable to enquire about the climate specifically in the chosen locality as altitude, geology and position can have a dramatic affect on the weather.
Beautiful Tenerife property for sale can be found throughout the island in each of the 31 administrative municipalities. Of these only three, Tegueste, El Tanque and Vilaflor, are landlocked. Vilaflor is a largely mountainous area with the highest altitude in the Canaries. The largest municipality is that of La Orotava, which contains much of the Teide National Park.
Tenerife is known for its spectacular, yet rugged, beauty and Tenerife property for sale is often surrounded by the island's unique landscapes. The island is dominated by the snow-capped Mount Teide, which, at over 12,000 feet, is the highest point in Spanish territory and responsible for the rich fertile soils that produce a wealth of vegetation and delicious produce, as well as the dramatic black cliffs and beaches. The dornmant volcano of Teide now offers spectacular views across the whole island, and the rest of the archipelago beyond, and can be easily reached via the cable car. The area surrounding the mountain is now a National Park characterised by extensive pine forests and dramatic rocky outcrops.
As Tenerife is such a popular tourist destination, Tenerife property for sale offers not only a superb second, or even primary, home, but also has excellent holiday letting potential with good returns. The south of the island, due to the hotter, drier weather and the more golden sandy beaches tend to attract the majority of the islands tourism. In and around the Playa de las Americas and Los Cristanos areas there are several resorts with abundant sports and leisure facilities, as well as 'home from home' shops, bars and restaurants. The north of the island is altogether more atmospheric, with dramatic volcanic rocks, pounding seas and a true taste of the unique culture of Tenerife. Here Tenerife property for sale can be found amid lush vegetation and in the sleepy fishing villages and old harbour towns that are dotted along the black cliffs. The north of the island generally offers a more traditionally Spanish way of life than the often stunning modern architecture of the south.
Typically Tenerife property for sale, away from the modern apartments and villas of the towns, possesses immense traditional charm. Often the older properties are low, stone-built dwellings with quaint lattice windows and large wooden balconies that make the most of the beautiful climate. Outside the buildings are typically unfussy with little exterior ornamentation, but often have an interior sun-courtyard and gallery, making the rooms of traditional properties exceptionally light and airy.
Away from the towns and resorts, the island is surprisingly rural and Tenerife property for sale is often found surrounded by beautiful countryside. The agriculture of Tenerife is largely based on fruit crops, such as bananas and grapes, and flowers, which creates great swathes of colour in the summer months. Also important to the local economy is the island's long fishing history.
Lifestyle
Many of the beaches and harboursides are crowded with open-air cafes and seafood restaurants, and Tenerife property for sale is never far from an excellent restaurant serving delicious traditional fare. Often the locally caught seafood is simply cooked, or baked in a salt crust and served with the local 'wrinkly potatoes' and mojo sauce. This traditional sauce varies from place to place but the 'green mojo' is often coriander based while the 'red mojo' is a hot, sweet chilli based sauce. A traditional accompaniment is 'gofio', made from roasted and ground cereal grains. Once a staple food, especially in times of hardship, today the dish has evolved into a base for a variety of dishes ranging from soups to ice cream. Cheese is also important in the Canarian diet with a speciality of Tenerife being a delicious goat's cheese. Wines are also produced locally in the numerous vineyards that flourish in the sunny climate. Of special note is 'malvasi', so widely exported it is even mentioned it works by Shakespeare and Walter Scott.
Getting to Tenerife
Tenerife property for sale is easily accessed from the UK, with two international airports serving the island. Alternatively, a regular ferry runs from Cadiz. Transport on the island is well maintained and modern, with an excellent bus service and a motorway that encircles almost the whole island. The remoter and wilder regions are often best reached by car, although the roads in the rural areas can be unlit and with sheer drops on either side. This should be considered with rural Tenerife property for sale. There is also a 12.5km tramway connecting Santa Cruz and La Laguna, stopping at hospitals, theatres and museums, as well as the university.
Tenerife property for sale boasts a location with not only fantastic weather and amazing natural landscapes, but also a wealth of modern facilities, entertainment, and sporting venues. Arguably the best way to enjoy the unique landscapes and diversity of wildlife is by exploring the underwater environment. The dive centre in Corralejo offers equipment hire and lessons for all levels of expertise; perfect for enjoying the unique coastal environment and marine life, and perhaps even the dolphins often spotted playing in the sparkling blue waters. Another way to enjoy the unique volcanic landscapes is by a round or two of golf on one of Tenerife's beautifully crafted courses. The sunny climate allows golfers to enjoy games all year round and the clubs offer full equipment hire and tuition for all levels. Of course, mountain biking and hiking are always popular, especially through Tenerife's many National Parks, which make up almost half the island's area. The beaches also offer more than just relaxation and sunbathing, with a wide variety of watersports offered. El Medano Beach to the east of the island is an excellent spot for surfing and windsurfing, with competition level facilities and qualified instructors. The beaches and ports also offer many sailing opportunities, with organised cruises, rentals, with or without crew, and even submarine trips.
With almost half the island being protected as part of an initiative to preserve the wide va
Buying a Property in the Canary Islands
1. Putting down a Holding Deposit
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. This part of the process is not binding. We would recommend using an independent English speaking legal advisor. Once a purchase price has been agreed, normally a holding or reserve deposit will be required to ensure the property is removed from the market. The sum required will vary between properties and will be based on the purchase price. A time limit for the preagreement to be signed will be arranged and there will also be legal checks to be made.
2. Setting up a Pre-agreement (Contrato privado de compraventa)
The pre-agreement will set out the conditions under which the Buyer and Seller agree to complete the purchase of the property and the price they have agreed upon. Relevant details will generally be included for example the property details, purchase price and the date for completion. A deposit will be required at this point, this will vary, but will generally be 10% of the agreed price. This agreement will include a penal clause if the sale does not go through. If the seller pulls out of the sale your compensation will be double the deposit you have paid, but if you decide not to go through with the sale then your deposit will be lost. Certain checks will need to be made before signing the contract, checks should be made against the title of the property, mortgage status and if the property has any debts held against it. The planning status should also be looked into. These conditions can be varied by the seller and the buyer and other types of agreement can be made.
3. The Contract (Escritura de compraventa)
Before a non-Spanish purchaser can buy a Spanish property they will need to have set up a Spanish bank account and obtained a Spanish tax number (NIE). The completion will take place in the presence of a Notary Public. This is a Spanish public official, by law the deed of sale must be witnessed by a Notary Public. You will also need your own independent, expert legal advisor to act on your behalf. On Completion the buyer must pay the balance, that is the price agreed after the deposit has been deducted, plus any other fees on the completion date. Both buyer and seller must sign the Escritura de compraventa contract, (this is the Spanish equivalent of the title deeds). The title deeds (escritura) will be given to the buyer, this will be done in the presence of a Notary Public, they will certify that the transfer has taken place. The tax office will be sent a copy and the property registry will be informed of the transfer.