Online and in the magazine there’s a wide range of property types on offer; everything from small cosy studios to huge luxury villas and country houses. In between there’s an endless range of apartments and townhouses.

Every month, Casa Post publishes various articles about the Canary Islands.

This month we look at the Pyramids of Guimar – an ongoing mystery that continues to divide opinion across the island.

Inside Tenerife - the Pyramids of Guimar

When a local newspaper claimed that strange pyramid type structures were found on the holiday island of Tenerife, Archaeologists and local authorities laughed, dismissing them as simple stone terraces – a common sight throughout the Canary Islands.

One Man thought different however…

“They were painstakingly built step-pyramids, constructed according to similar principles as those of Mexico, Peru, and ancient Mesopotamia”.“With slopes of the volcano Mt. Teide at their back and facing the Atlantic, the edifices are precisely aligned according to the sunset on the summer solstice, as are other sacred structures in different parts of the world.”Thor Heyerdahl has done extensive research on the pyramids of Tucume in Peru. After visiting the Guimar site for himself, he had no doubt.

There was no way they were random piles of stone or simple terraced steps, as some of the local authorities had claimed.

The Evidence

Unlike your standard pile of rubble, every stone was turned with its flat side out and placed together by stonemasons.

On the west facing side, there were carefully built stairways that lead up to the summit – a perfectly flat platform; as if designed for sun worship or perhaps some kind of religious ceremony.

Unlike stones found in the fields, they were not weather worn and rounded. These stones were made out of sharp fragments of lava. Some of the corner stones had even been trimmed, in order to fit perfectly into the structure.

The conclusion

A number of archaeologists from La Laguna University were called in. They performed a test excavation of the site and much to Thor Heyerdahl’s delight, found that a ceremonial platform between two of the pyramids had been built of blocks, gravel and earth and wasn’t just a random pile of rocks.

The local sceptics gave in and eventually admitted that there was some kind of ceremonial architecture there but were still unsure of how the Guanches, the original inhabitants of Tenerife, had been capable of building such a structure.

All the evidence would suggest that these fascinating structures were built by some pre-European voyagers who sailed the Atlantic waters in ancient times, and possibly built them as some kind of time measuring device.

Today the pyramids remain intact. They were once slated for destruction to make way for urban development but are now preserved. Two of the smaller pyramids have even been restored.

If you come here, come with an open mind and decide for yourself, as Dr. Heyerdahl would want. The symbol of the resort is a question mark asking visitors to make up their own minds.

Contact details:
The Pyramids of Guimar, Canary Islands, Spain
Address: Casa de Chacona
Calle Chacona
Guimar 38500
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Spain
Telephone: (34)-922-51-45-10
Fax: (34)-922-51-45-11
Website: www.fredolsen.es

Casa Post Magazine
Casa Post is a free magazine published monthly. You’ll find it throughout the Canary Islands, Tenerife in particular. It’s distributed through cafe bars, airports, petrol stations, information centres, waiting areas, and central meeting points.

Instead of visiting Estate Agent websites individually, why not log on to  www.canaryproperty.com together with its  blog www.canarypropertyforsale.com and let them do the hard work for you.  Searching for property in the Canary Islands has never been easier.  With plenty of property for sale in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma, your property search in the Canary Islands just couldn´t be more simpler using the most up to date property search facilities.

To advertise on Canary Property contact Gary on info@canaryproperty.com

Using the most up to date search technology, Casa Quest have created a site where you can search through all properties on site and build up a portfolio before contacting the real estate agent representing the properties.

With Casa Quest you get an unbiased view of the whole buying and selling process. It’s an information site aimed at providing the most honest and up to date information regarding property for sale in the Canary Islands.

New Developments in the Canary Islands
Investing in a new development can bring about substantial returns on investment. They often increase in value significantly before completion. In most cases you’ll have to pay in stages, therefore only needing a small mortgage. There’s a wealth of information and support about new developments on the internet.

Here’s just some of the latest new development you’ll find online…

1 Bed Apartment in Costa del Silencio
These are the last two one-bedroom apartments left on this brand new quiet residential complex. The complex is situated near the sea. Viewing is highly recommended.
Price: €101.350 EUR

1 Bed Apartment in Callao Salvaje
Brand new one-bedroom apartments situated in the quiet residential area of Callao Salvaje. Finished to a high standard with quality materials.
Price: €116.500 EUR

The Purchase Process (Buying a property in Spain)

Doing the research
Firstly, decide on which one of these paradise islands you’d like to buy property on. Is it to be a home or an investment? Find out about the state of the market as well as facilities, weather, transport, schooling, etc.

Think realistically about the type of property you can afford. Look at a variety of different properties within your price range; this will give you a broader knowledge of current market values.

Once you’ve drawn up your shortlist of properties take a couple of weeks off and spend it in your chosen location.

Buying the property
This is where you make an offer subject to contract. The solicitor will help draw up the purchase contract and a deposit will be paid.

Once the offer has been accepted, the solicitor will prepare the ‘Title Deeds’ (Escritura).

This will need to be signed in front of a Spanish “Notary” – which is someone who works as both a lawyer and a public official. He/she will make sure that the conveyance deed is drawn up correctly and will witness the signing. The notary also collects the fees and taxes.

Once the balance of the purchase price has been paid and witnessed by the notary, the sale is complete.

After the purchase
The notary will then arrange for the details of the title deeds to be sent to the local land registry for official registration.

About the team
Freedom4sale are not actually a real estate agent. They’re an independent property company that work with some of the best English-speaking estate agents on mainland Spain, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. They’ve recently branched out and now include other up and coming property investment areas of Europe in the magazine and on the website.

The magazine & Website (www.freedom4sale.com)
The magazine is free and the properties on the web site are updated by the estate agents themselves, ensuring the up to date and accurate information.

Since the beginning (over seven years ago) Freedom4sale have built up a wealth of information about property in the Canary Islands, including; maps, buying advice and local information.

The website is very user-friendly. They’ve made it as accessible as possible for the first time user and at the same time have drawn back many returning visitors.

Online you’ll find a specific property search function, where you can search through a massive amount of properties right throughout mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. You can also search properties via a certain estate agent.

Other online feature include; a property Forum - where you can discuss property issues with other website members; information on investment property; a newsletter; property articles; local information; property statistics; and mortgage & finance information.

Featured Article – “Price of New Homes On Rise in Canaries”

“According to a recently released survey from the Sociedad de Tasacion, (one of Spain’s leading mortgage evaluation agencies) the price of a new home in the Canary Islands has risen by 8.5% over the last year”.

We can now see some emerging “hot spots” that will no doubt be of great interest to hungry investors. Tias, on Lanzarote saw the biggest increase in price at 16.5% over the last year. Other growth areas include; San Sebastian, La Gomera (12%) and La Laguna, Tenerife (10.1%).

One of the main reasons these areas have gone up in value so dramatically is because of their lack of buildable land. When there’s a shortage of designated land available for new development in the district, the areas become more exclusive and prices automatically go up.

“The Canary Islands are the fourth cheapest region in Spain”.

Apparently these “Happy Islands” are just behind Extramadura, Murcia and Galicia, when it comes to Spain’s cheapest region for buying a home.

Compared to other popular tourist spots like Andalucia’s Costa de Sol and the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands appear to be seriously undervalued – meaning better value for money for anyone buying here.

In the Canary Islands the average cost of a new home is still just €1,827 per square metre, whereas in Andalucia and on the Balearics you’d pay €2,142 and €2,763 respectively.

If you’re serious about buying or selling anywhere on Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria you should set up your own freedom property account. With this you’ll be able to keep track of the properties you are most interested in, stay updated with the latest properties coming on to the market and much much more.

This Glossy magazine is published monthly in both Spanish and English. It’s become a household name that’s highly recommended by Tenerifenos, recent homebuyers and investors. It’s an absolute must have for anyone looking to buy or sell a property on the island. It’s also one of the best ways to get to know the Tenerife property market.

The Spanish property market
Spain has always been looked upon as a safe and steady overseas investment area. Demand for properties here has been rising steadily since the eighties.

Along with low mortgage rates, Spain also has an excellent climate; superb beaches; nightlife; a good infrastructure; and a spectacularly diverse landscape, where you can practice every type of outdoor activity imaginable.

Recently though, an over supply of property along with various land grab issues has caused a property crisis on the mainland, whereas on Tenerife property values continue to rise.

The increasing lack of confidence in the Spanish mainland, has forced investors to look somewhere else – further south. People are now even selling up their properties in Spain and reinvesting in Tenerife. Unlike the mainland, Tenerife’s year round sunshine means investors can achieve high rental income all year round. It’s non-stop peak season!

Estate Agent Property Listings (Casa Post)
Here’s just some of the properties you’ll find both online and in the magazine…

On Golf Costa Adeje, there’s an outstanding villa with some amazing views out over the course and also some spectacular sunsets over neighbouring La Gomera Island. It’s got three bedrooms, a study (or 4th bedroom), separate kitchen, lounge, dining area, large garage, terraces and mature garden. It’s also got a private pool.
Contact details:
www.lacaletaproperties.com
Tel: 922 782 382 / 670 358 501

In Roque del Conde you’ll find a lovely Villa, fully air-conditioned and complete with private heated pool.
The property consists of 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms (en-suite) kitchen and utility room, lounge, cloakroom, terrace and garage. It’s part furnished and enjoys splendid views to the sea and mountains.
Contact details:
Tenerife Properties
Local 3, C.C. Palo Blanco, San Eugenio, Adeje 38660, Playa de Las Americas
Tel: (0034) 922 724 110
Email: info@tenerifeproperties.net

Distribution & Quality (Casa Post)
The magazine is distributed all over the Canary Islands, southern Tenerife in particular. You’ll find it for sale in over 1000 shops and petrol stations. It’s free in cafe bars, information centres, waiting areas, central meeting points, airports and tourist information centres.

Casa Post literally has no shelf life. It goes straight from the printer to the shop (distribution point) to the end user. Every month, buyers, sellers, investors, estate agents are all desperate to get their hands on a copy.

For more information you can contact them by Telephone or Fax: 
(0034) 922 724 169 or by email: 
info@casa-post.com