Although everyone looks forward to it, the annual family vacation can sometimes leave you feeling exhausted, stressed and (probably) broke, wondering why you bothered to even leave the office in the first place. In some cases, you’ll need another holiday just to get over the stress of the last one.

According to a recent study by NatWest Bank, more and more Brits are investing overseas partly to avoid the expense and stress of the annual family holiday.

Holiday Hassles
Family holidays are meant to be a time for relaxation and rejuvenation – in a place where you can unwind, away from the stress of the office. Unfortunately though, they often end up as being hugely traumatic.

The hassle and expense of organising the whole affair can be more exhausting than just spending the time in work and sticking to your usual routine.

There’s location and accommodation to consider. Then there’s flights, car rental, packing, taking the kids stuff and (nowadays) airline luggage weight restrictions. It all adds up in terms of time and money. And this is before you’ve even left. Once you get there you’ll have to work hard on not killing each other!

One thing’s for certain, if the accommodation is terrible, the holiday will be “challenging”.

Buying a holiday home
If you’re going to be going to the same holiday destination every year (like most people do) it makes sense to invest there. After all, rent is dead money.

A holiday home can be an excellent investment, cutting the stress out of the annual holiday and bringing in significant rental income for periods that you are not using it. It should just basically pay for itself.

The long-term benefits of owning a second home should greatly outweigh the initial up-front costs. You obviously won’t have to pay for your holiday accommodation anymore – a significant saving. Along with rental yields (mentioned earlier), if it’s a good quality property in a popular location it should accumulate substantial property appreciation.

So where’s popular…

Spain “tops the tables”, in terms of popularity, according to Mike Freer (Head of Business Development at NatWest International Personal Banking).

Top European Investment Locations
Spain and the Canary Islands have been firm favourites with UK investors for many years. The warm climate, friendly locals and chilled out pace of life has attracted more immigrants than any other country in European.

According to homesworldwide.co.uk, “Foreign residents now comprise almost ten per cent of the total population, adding up to 4.48 million out of a total of 14.12 million people”. Spain now has more foreign residents living in the country than Germany or the UK.

A significant proportion of these are British. Spain has a large English expat community on both the mainland and on the Canary and Balearic Islands. The numbers are growing too. Every year more and more families and young couples decide to leave the dreary UK climate and set up home in Spain. Most never look back.

Buying Property in Spain (2007)
Most experts agree that despite the recent property “crisis”, Spain and the Canary Islands still have excellent long term potential. The market is predicted to stabilize and just become more realistic.

Overbuilt tourist traps like Marbella on the Costa del Sol have been hit the worst but this vast country still has many untouched areas with plenty of fresh investment opportunities. Take the Costa de la Luz (Cadiz), inland towards Olvera, Alpujarras region, La Gomera and Fuerteventura etc.

The Canaries offer year round sunshine and warmth, unlike the mainland. As it’s literally always peak season here, buy-to-let investors can charge peak season prices all year long. Tenerife, the largest island in the group is one of the most popular. Click on the following link to find available properties – Tenerife Property.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.