Dreaming of a place in the sun that works all year round? Tenerife combines spectacular landscapes, a sunny climate and strong property appeal. Here’s everything you need to know to buy confidently.
Tenerife has long held a special place in the hearts of overseas buyers. For some, it’s the easy winters, warm enough for breakfast on the terrace and a dip in the sea before lunch. For others, it’s the thrill of exploring volcanic peaks, traditional towns and a coastline backed by beach bars and whale reserves. But before you start browsing for bungalows in the south or penthouses in Costa Adeje, it’s worth understanding the full picture. Keep reading to learn more…
Contents
- Why buy property in Tenerife?
- What’s the weather like?
- Tenerife property market update
- Where to buy in Tenerife
- How easy is it to get to Tenerife?
- Is Tenerife a good investment?
- Steps to buying property in Tenerife
Download the Spain Buying Guide
Why buy property in Tenerife?
Tenerife is the largest and most populated island in the Canary Islands. Retirees and holidaymakers in search of winter sun have been coming to the island for decades, but it’s now also drawing in remote workers, younger families and investors looking for year-round value.
The island is home to more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, a vibrant tourism industry and a remarkable mix of beach, volcano, city and forest. The north of the island is cooler and greener, with avocado farms and historic towns. The south offers dry heat, golden beaches and family-friendly resorts.
You’ll find UNESCO sites, botanical gardens, marine reserves, mountain hikes and Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide – all on one island.
Tenerife’s breathtaking scenery
What’s the weather like?
Tenerife enjoys a subtropical climate tempered by Atlantic breezes and trade winds, meaning it rarely gets too hot or too cold. From March to October, daily highs typically stay in the 20s (°C), peaking around 30°C in August. January is the coldest month but still often reaches 20-21°C.
The south tends to be drier and hotter – one reason it’s so popular with visitors – while the north gets more rain and cloud cover, supporting its lush landscape.
Occasionally, calima winds from the Sahara bring dry, dusty conditions.
If you’re hoping to use your home year-round or even move permanently, the climate makes Tenerife one of the most attractive options in Spain.
Tenerife property market update
Tenerife has seen strong property price growth in recent years. At the end of 2024, the average property price in the Canary Islands was around €216,000 – an increase of 47% over the past five years [1]. This is due to a combination of limited housing supply, increased demand from overseas buyers and a strong local tourism economy.
That said, the island still offers better value than mainland hotspots like Barcelona or Marbella. Here’s what you can expect to get for your budget:
| Property type | Approximate budget | Typical location |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment with pool access | €150,000-€200,000 | Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz |
| Townhouse or older finca | €120,000-€180,000 | Rural or northern areas |
| Family villa | €300,000+ | Costa Adeje, La Caleta |
| Luxury penthouse or new-build villa | €500,000+ | Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur |
If you’re specifically looking for a new-build, Tenerife leads the Canaries in terms of modern developments and off-plan properties, particularly in Costa Adeje.
Is Tenerife a good investment?
Tenerife continues to offer good rental yield potential – especially for holiday lets. However, regulations around short-term rentals are evolving, so it’s essential to take legal advice before buying with rental income in mind.
The Canary Islands also benefit from lower property taxes than many parts of mainland Spain. The transfer tax (ITP) on resale properties is 6.5% in Tenerife, compared to 10% in places like Valencia. Combined with year-round tourist interest, that makes Tenerife a solid choice for lifestyle buyers and investors alike.
Where to buy in Tenerife
Tenerife’s towns and resorts each offer something slightly different depending on your priorities.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Tenerife’s capital, a working port city with cultural attractions, stylish shops and one of the largest carnivals in the world.
- La Laguna: a World Heritage-listed university town with colonial architecture and cool, walkable streets.
- Costa Adeje: upmarket, well-developed and close to golf courses and luxury resorts.
- Los Cristianos: a long-standing favourite for British buyers with sandy beaches, a marina and excellent services.
- Playa de las Américas: popular with younger buyers and holiday lets thanks to its nightlife and beach scene.
- Puerto de la Cruz: quieter and greener, ideal if you want a more laid-back pace while still having amenities.
How easy is it to get to Tenerife?
You can fly direct to Tenerife from most major UK airports year-round. The island has two airports: Tenerife South (Reina Sofía), which serves most international flights, and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos), which is primarily used for inter-island and domestic Spanish routes.
A flight from London takes approximately four and a half hours. If you’re already in Spain or visiting another Canary Island, regular ferries run between Tenerife and destinations such as Gran Canaria and La Gomera.
Steps to buying property in Tenerife
Here’s how to approach buying in Tenerife with confidence:
- Start researching: set your budget and explore properties online. Decide whether you’re looking for holiday lets, long-term living or both.
- Build your team: you’ll need an estate agent, an English-speaking property lawyer, a currency specialist like Smart Currency Exchange, and potentially a mortgage advisor.
- Plan a viewing trip: narrow down your preferred towns and book viewings. Factor in travel time between each property to avoid burnout.
- Make an offer: if your offer is accepted, you’ll sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit. Your lawyer will handle due diligence and coordinate with the notary.
- Finalise the purchase: you’ll sign the title deed (escritura pública) in front of a notary and pay the remaining balance, plus applicable taxes and legal fees.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re picturing lazy mornings with coffee on your own terrace or the excitement of owning a holiday rental in a top-performing market, Tenerife ticks a lot of boxes. It’s got the weather, the infrastructure and the lifestyle buyers crave – just make sure your purchase is guided by people who understand both the dream and the detail.
Sources:
[1] Canarian Weekly – Property prices in the Canary Islands have risen by 47% in five years
You might also like:
