Archive for May, 2007

Tenerife Estate Agents

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

Buying a new home is likely to the largest investment you’ll ever make. If you’re buying in a foreign country, you need to choose the right estate agent; one you can trust and preferably one who knows the area extremely well.

Secondhometenerife are a renowned estate agent in Tenerife, with over 10 years of experience buying and selling property in the area. They sell property throughout the south of Tenerife in areas such as: Las Galletas, Palm-Mar, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Chayofa and Aguilas del Teide, Fañabé, El Duque, El Puertito, and La Caleta till Golf Costa Adeje. With a fun and vibrant approach to their work, they can make buying property in Tenerife an absolute breeze.

Investing in Tenerife
A recent article by Pamela Heywood, 27 May 2007 states that “Despite the recent property crisis in Spain, Tenerife’s property sales are still rising”. It’s good new for Tenerife estate agents and even better news for investors.

At the moment, property values in Tenerife continue to rise whereas on the Spanish mainland they are expected to drop within the next year – year and a half. This is mainly down to issues like “over supply of property, corruption scandals and land grab issues”.

With an increasing lack of confidence in the Spanish mainland, buyers are seeking property sales elsewhere, the Canary Islands being the first obvious choice. The islands belong to Spain although they are not part of the European Union. They avoid all European customs charges and have some of the finest beaches in Europe.

Tenerife itself is know as the “island of Eternal Springtime” and has what’s described as a perfect year round climate. The government have limiting the supply of new homes on the island thus preventing the over building issues they now have in Spain.

People are now even selling up their properties in Spain and reinvesting in Tenerife. And why not! With year round sunshine investors can achieve high rental income all year round.

The threat of global warming – Tenerife’s “hot” future
Things certainly are looking hot for Tenerife. Global warming is set to have a major impact on the international property industry and it’s only a matter of time before speculation takes it toll.

However, research has shown that Tenerife will be “relatively unaffected with only a few more tropical storms and some coastal erosion”. Compared to other destinations the effects of global warming on Tenerife will have little, if any affect on the islands property industry. Tenerife still looks set to remain one of the hottest investment areas for this year and for many years to come.

Property for sale in Tenerife
Two of the most exclusive areas on the island are Fanabe and Palm Mar. In Fanabe, you’ll find some truly exquisite properties. For a Prestigious 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom beachfront villa with community pool and guest apartment expect to pay around £886,000.

Rental costs on the island are high, encouraging locals to buy their own place as soon as possible. Tenerife has the fastest growing resident population in Europe and accordingly there’s and increasing number of mortgage providers offering finance.

At the moment there are numerous English speaking estate agents on Tenerife selling everything from small cosy studios to luxurious 4 and sometimes 5 bedroom huge luxurious villas.

Tenerife Property for Sale (Investment Options)

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

Two popular options are off plan and buy to let.

With off plan, you’ll have to pay an initial deposit, followed by installments at fixed dates until the project is completed. The advantage of this is that you only need a small mortgage. You can eventually borrow more money as the payments fall due. In this way, you enjoy substantial savings on interest.

In a buy to let situation, you buy a property and rent it out as soon as possible. Ideally the rent should cover the cost of your mortgage and if you’ve planned it well, you might even have some money left over. In order for this to be successful, you need to know the local letting market very well, so that you get guaranteed rentals.

Tenerife property has long been a popular investment option with UK buyers. It’s the closest island to mainland Europe where you get almost guaranteed winter sunshine. Investors are buying property for their own enjoyment as well as receiving a great return on investment. Tenerife enjoys an all year round season so you can rent out your property http://www.tate-properties.com/tenerife/property-for-sale.asp at peak season prices almost all throughout the year!

Tenerife Island – The island of “Eternal Springtime”
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Island archipelago. It has one of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes you’re ever likely to see – From the mighty volcanic crater “Cañadas del Teide” to the extremely fertile valleys filled with bananas and tomatoes.

Tenerife is clearly divided into a very dry southern part and a very humid and green northern part.

In the centre of the island there’s Mount Teide – Spain’s highest mountain peak (and 3rd largest volcano on earth). Often snow-capped, it contrasts dramatically with the hundreds of bikini bathers and sandy beaches.

Tenerife is a walker’s paradise. It also has some excellent mountaineering opportunities. You can enjoy warm climbing and walking in Europe’s winter months. Tenerife’s national park has many other interesting and challenging summits to try.

Other outdoor activities include; surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, camel tours, diving centres and golf.

All this under a perfect climate, it’s no wonder Tenerife is described as one of the “last paradise isles in Europe”.

New Developments on Tenerife (What you’d expect to pay)
Here are some examples of the latest new developments (http://www.tate-properties.com/tenerife/property-for-sale.aspon the island…

1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Palm Mar
Well presented 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
Price: €156.450 (approx £107.897).

1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Aguilas del Teide
Brand new 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
Price: €156.000 (approx £107.586).

1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Los Cristianos
Brand new 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment.
Price: €160.000 (approx £110.345).

Investing in Tenerife
Tenerife is suitable for all ages. It’s an island with great potential – both as a place to live and an area to invest in. Whether you’re looking for a new development or an existing property, you’ll find it here. There are numerous multi-lingual real estate agents that can help you find whatever you’re looking for.

Casa Post – property magazine in Tenerife

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

Casa-Post is a well established bi-lingual property magazine highlighting the best of property for sale in the Canary Islands.  Anyone who is considering buying a property in the Canary Islands and is unsure of the market place, and indeed which Estate Agent to contact, would be well advised to have a copy of this colourful property magazine to hand. Heavily distributed throughout the Canary Islands, copies will not be hard to find.

Tenerife Property for Sale

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

Tenerife property is a very popular investment with UK buyers. It’s the nearest island to mainland Europe where you can get almost guaranteed winter sunshine.

Investors are buying property for their own enjoyment as well as receiving a great return on investment. Tenerife enjoys an all-year-round season so you can rent out your property at peak season prices for almost every month of the year!

Tenerife Property for Sale (Prices)
For a three bedroom, one bathroom apartment you’d pay (€195.000) approx £134.483. This property is located in a quiet location with large terraces and a communal pool.

There’s a bar/restaurant with large front terrace in a good position going for £105.000 (approx €152.250). the interior is 84m² and the exterior is 40m². It will be sold fully equipped with new electrics, extractor fan and new kitchen fridges.

Background (Tenerife Island)
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Island archipelago. It has one of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes you’re ever likely to see – From the mighty volcanic crater “Cañadas del Teide” to the extremely fertile valleys filled with bananas and tomatoe fields.

Tenerife is clearly divided into a very dry southern part and a very humid and green north.

In the centre of the island there’s Mount Teide – Spain’s highest mountain peak (and 3rd largest volcano on earth). Often snow-capped, it contrasts dramatically with the hundreds of bikini bathers and sandy beaches.

Tenerife is a walker’s paradise. It also has some excellent mountaineering opportunities. You can enjoy warm climbing and walking during Europe’s winter months. Tenerife’s national park has many other interesting and challenging summits to try.

Other outdoor activities include; surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, camel tours, diving centres and golf.

All this under a perfect climate, it’s no wonder Tenerife is described as one of the “last paradise isles in Europe”.

New Developments on Tenerife
Here are just two examples of some of the latest new developments on the island…

1 bedroom Apartment for sale in La Caleta
South west facing one bedroom apartmeent.
Price: €215.250 (approx £148.448).

2 bedroom Apartment for sale in El Madronal
Brand new 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment
Price: €280.000 (approx £193.103).

Tenerife buyers guide
Before you do anything, you should first get your N.I.E. (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) number. You need this if you want to open a bank account or have any other fiscal representation in Spain.

You’ll have to pay taxes and fees on all transfers of Spanish properties. The Notary will charge you a fee for preparing the Escritura and there is a further fee for registering the property in the new owners name.

In total you’ll have to pay approximately 10% in taxes and legal costs.

Capital Gains Tax is charged at various rates on the annual increase in value since the previous sale of the property.

Tenerife is suitable for all ages. It’s got amazing beaches and plenty of things to do and see. It’s an island with great potential – both as a place to live and an area to invest in. Whether you’re looking for a new development or an existing property, there are numerous multi-lingual real estate agents that can help you find it.

Buying a property in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

The Canary Islands belong to Spain although they’re not part of the European Union. They avoid all European customs charges and have some of the most amazing beaches in Europe.

The average air temperatures on the islands are between 18º and 24º C. The water temperature varies from 22º C in summer to 19º C in winter. So you can comfortably go swimming and sunbathing all year round!

Tenerife itself is often called the “Island of eternal springtime” and “one of the last paradise islands in Europe”. It has an incredibly diverse landscape with deserts, mountains, exotic fauna and flora, volcanoes, lush green forests and miles and miles of spectacular coastline and beaches. It’s no wonder investors and homebuyers are jumping at the chance to buy property in Tenerife.

Every year more and more people are choosing to escape the doom and gloom of northern Europe and set up home on this paradise island. With all kinds of properties for sale (family business, apartments, villas, commercial, studios etc) all over the island and numerous English-speaking agents, buying a place here couldn’t be easier.

Buyer’s guide
Tenerife has an expat community, of mainly English, German, Belgian, Dutch, Swedish and Finnish. There are also a lot of tourists from Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland. So rest assured, wherever you’re coming from, you’ll find a real estate agents that speaks your language.

The actual process of buying a property in Tenerife is relatively straightforward and can be done within a matter of weeks.

The first obvious step is to establish your budget. If you require a Spanish mortgage, you will be offered a loan of 70% of the purchase price or 80% if you hold a residence card. With some banks this offer will be based on the valuation of the property so if the valuation is a lot higher then the purchase price, it may in fact be possible to secure a mortgage of up to 100%.

Spanish banks charge between 1 and 1.5% of the loan amount as an arrangement fee. This may sometimes be avoided if buying a property on a new development and taking over the builder’s mortgage.

Investor options (Off plan or Buy to let)
If you really want to get the most out of your investment and don’t immediately need to live in the property, off plan property is the best way to go.

Normally you’ll have to pay an initial deposit, followed by installments at fixed dates until the project is completed. The advantage of this is that you only need a small mortgage.

In buy to let situation, you buy a property and rent it out as soon as possible. Ideally the rent should cover the cost of your mortgage and if you’ve planned it well, you might even have some money left over. In order for this to be successful, you need to get to know the local letting market.

Targeting short-term visitors during peak seasons can bring in high rents over a short period (normally July and August). On the other hand, if you have a year round tenant you’ll receive a (lower) fixed rental income for every month of the year.

Long Term Rentals (Tenerife)

Monday, May 28th, 2007

Buying a new home is a big step, especially if it’s in a foreign country. It’s extremely important that you choose the right location. One of the best ways to decide is to actually live in the area before you go ahead and invest. There are numerous estate agents in Tenerife who look after long term rentals.

Renting a place in Tenerife is much the same as it is back in the UK. You sign a contract for a short term period (weekly) or for a long term period of three months or more. You have to put down one months rent in advance plus one months rent as a damage deposit.

You need to give a months notice before you are due to move out so the agents can advertise the property as “soon available”.

Also, if you wish to extend your contract you must notify the agents one month before your contract is due to finish.

Long Term Rentals (What you’d expect to pay)
For a three bedroom town house in Las Americas, you’d pay around € 1,200 (approx £828)per month.

To rent out a business premises in Adeje (Barranco De Las Torres) complex you’d pay around € 3.000. For long term rentals, the minimum rental period is normally three months.
About Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands. The north of the island is a lot greener, wetter and quieter than the south which is dry, sunny, warm and much livelier. The island has an incredibly diverse landscape with deserts, mountains, exotic fauna and flora, volcanoes, lush green forests and miles and miles of spectacular coastline and beaches.

There’s plenty of things to do in Tenerife. If you’re into sports you can try windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, tennis, trekking, climbing, football and much much more.

Santa Cruz (in the north) is the capital of Tenerife and home to the island’s main port. This is where you’ll find the best shopping on the island. All the major department stores are here like El Corte Ingles and Carrefour etc.

Tenerife is said to have the perfect climate. The minimum and maximum annual average air temperatures are about 24C in summer and 15C in winter. The island enjoys wonderful weather all year round. You’ll find the most sunshine, the least clouds and highest temperatures in the coastal areas.

Tenerife Facts (quick tips)
You get the most sun between Los Cristianos and Callao Salvaje. It’s windiest between Candelaria and Golf del Sur. The most peaceful areas are generally about 500-1000m back from coastline. If you’re looking for truly spectaular views you’ll normally find them from the tops of hills, not on the front. If you want sun all day long yhou need to rent/buy a place with a south facing terrace or garden.

The Canary Islands are one of the world’s major tourist destinations and not surprisingly, tourism is big business here. Many people come to the island, fall in love with it, and decide to stay for good.

For more information about long term rentals, buying a property, or just general advice about Tenerife you should contact one of the many English-speaking agents on the island.

Callao Salvaje Property for sale

Monday, May 28th, 2007

Callao Salvaje is located on the west coast of Tenerife, hidden between the resorts of Playa Paraiso and Playa de La Arena, just 12kms north west of the infamous Playa de las Americas. It’s an extremely popular residential area with a small beach, some local bars and restaurants and some excellent investment opportunities in apartments, studios, villas and business premises. This year, Callao Salvaje property for sale is in big demand.

The main town of Adeje with its numerous shops and large supermarkets is just a five minute drive away, making this one of the most up and coming investment areas in Tenerife.

Callao Salvaje was originally a small village that has over the past few years undergone a very rapid transformation. This development was carried out at a phenomenal pace to meet the ever-increasing demand for apartments, studios and villas etc. Every year more and more people are buying residential and holiday homes on this part of Tenerife.

Few destinations are more than a 45 minute drive away. It’s a very convenient base from which to explore the rest of Tenerife. Its proximity to the Tenerife motorway system makes getting about fairly easy, whether you’re going north into the Tiede National Park or south towards to more lively resort areas.

Callao Salvaje has an excellent selection of good quality, and reasonably priced, restaurants. For an even wider selection you can hop in a taxi and take a spin down to Playa de las Americas, just 10 minutes away.

The main town beach isn’t too spectacular and facilities are sparse. It probably has a limited appeal to families with children. At the moment, the local authorities are planning to create an artificial beach and either way there are some amazing beaches just a very short drive away.

Callao Salvaje Property for sale – latest offers.
One of the most popular developments in Callao Salvaje at the moment is Mirador de la Gomera. It’s has spectacular views to the Atlantic Ocean, the island of La Gomera and, on a clear day, all the way towards La Palma. This residential ‘frontline’ property complex is just a leisurely ten minutes stroll away from the town of Callao Salvaje.

What you’d expect to pay
In Playa Paraiso (an upcoming area close to Callao Salvaje) one bedroom apartments and studios are going for as little as €71.000 (approx £48.965). All have been totally refurbished.

In Callao Salvaje, you can find a one bedroom apartment, frontline to the beach, with fantastic sea views in a complex close to restaurants, bars and shops for €115.000 (approx £79.310)

In Los Menores (a two minute drive from Adeje), there’s a spacious two bedroom apartment with partial sea views going for €119.950 (approx £82.724). It has a large lounge with patio doors to terrace and american style kitchen.

In Callao Salvaje, you can buy a front line, one bedroom apartment with fantastic sea views a good sized terrace with sun all day for €130.000 (approx £89.655).

There’s a one bedroom apartment going for €131.250 (approx £90.517) in Playa Paraiso. It’s a second floor apartment in Marina Palace, sold furnished to a high standard. The bedroom is spacious with fitted wardrobes and patio doors with access to the balcony.

For a lovely one bedroom apartment in Callao Salvaje, sold fully furnished with a huge balcony and superb sea and mountain views you’d pay €134.400 (approx £92.689). This property also has a swimming pool complex – ideal for rental investment or a holiday home.

Inspection visits to Tenerife

Sunday, May 13th, 2007

If you’re thinking of investing in Tenerife but aren’t too familiar with the island, why not take an inspection visit and enjoy a holiday at the same time.

Holiday-sunrentals can look after your accommodation for you. They offer a wide range of rental properties including two bedroom holiday villas as well as one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. Holiday rentals in Tenerife are big business. Investors can make a fortune renting properties during peak seasons.

Holiday-sunrentals offer a wide range of accommodation styles throughout their seven 7 resorts, in Tenerife (las Rosas and El Marques resorts), Lanzarote and the Costa del Sol.

After my last visit, I’d definitely recommend them to friends as they were in no way “pushy” and never tried to offer accommodation that wasn’t suitable. The whole experience was informative and actually very enjoyable. There was none of the pressure that you often get from other rental agencies.

The amount of time and dedication given to me was unbelievable. I’m sure the management are proud to have such committed and diligent employees working for them.

Tenerife is known as the “Island of Eternal Springtime” and also as “one of the last paradise islands in Europe”. As soon as you arrive you’ll understand why. The weather is amazing! Balmy sunshine all day long and cosy (almost luke-warm) waters all year round.

It also has an incredibly diverse landscape too. Think deserts, mountains, volcanoes, exotic fauna and flora, lush green forests and miles and miles of spectacular coastline and beaches.

Los Gigantes is located on Tenerife’s picturesque west coast, beside the small village of Cueva del Polvo and the resort of Puerto de Santiago. It’s home to the impressive blue flag beach of Playa de le Arena.

Every year more and more visitors are coming to this idyllic part of the island looking for holiday rentals.

The resorts of las Rosas and El Marques are popular investment areas in Los Gigantes.

Inspections visits
If you live outside of Spain and you are thinking of buying a property on Tenerife, one of the easist ways is to book your accommodation through Holiday-sunrentals and spend some time on the island, before you take the plunge.

They specialise in quality holiday rentals in Tenerife. Each exclusive resort has its own individual characteristics.

At Holiday-sunrentals, the staff are a team of highly experienced professionals, all with a detailed knowledge of Tenerife.

They look after huge numbers of prospective and existing clients who are based outside of Spain, arranging accommodation for clients wishing to view properties on the island.

Holiday rentals in Tenerife are in big demand all year round. There’s now a huge selection of accommodation on the island – everything from small one bedroom apartments to luxurious four and five bedroom villas.

The climate, spectacular scenery and wonderful beaches make Tenerife one of the top tourist destinations on the Canary Islands. Come and see for yourself!