Buying a home in Tenerife: the complete guide
Published 14 August 2026
This guide brings together, in one place, everything we cover with every buyer who comes to Tenedomus from outside Tenerife: why the south of the island, which area suits which kind of buyer, what type of property you'll find, what you'll actually pay, and what steps the process follows from start to finish.
Why south Tenerife
The south of the island — mainly Arona and Adeje — holds most of Tenerife's established residential and tourist housing stock: dry, stable weather almost year-round, direct flight connections to much of Europe through the south (Reina Sofía) airport, and a mature layer of services — schools, healthcare, shops — geared both to year-round residents and to those using a property as a second home.
Choose the area before the property
The area matters as much as the property itself, and each one has a different character:
- Los Cristianos: fishing-village roots, year-round atmosphere, more accessible entry prices. We compare it in detail with Costa Adeje in our guide to Costa Adeje vs Los Cristianos.
- Playa de las Américas: the classic tourist hub, with complexes like Parque Santiago III steps from the promenade.
- Adeje / Armeñime: quieter, more residential areas, close to both Costa Adeje and the coastal tourist strip.
You can browse the full catalogue by area on homes for sale, filtered by Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Adeje.
What type of property you'll find
South Tenerife's stock is dominated by flats and studios in residential and tourist complexes from the 1980s and 90s, with compact floor areas and good shared amenities (pool, gardens). There are also rural plots for buyers after something more secluded, and commercial premises for those investing in a business alongside a home. At Tenedomus we work exclusively on sales — no rentals, no business transfers — across these three categories.
What you'll actually pay in total
The asking price is never the final figure. Between taxes (IGIC or ITP, depending on the case), notary, land registry and gestoría, budget an extra 8–10%. We break it down with a full worked example in our guide to taxes and costs when buying in Tenerife.
The process, step by step
- NIE number and bank account — the first step if you're not a Spanish resident. We cover this in detail in our guide for foreigners.
- Viewings and shortlisting — in person, or guided remotely by video call if you can't travel yet.
- Deposit contract — secures the property with a deposit, after checking any charges and, where relevant, the community bylaws.
- Financing, if needed — property valuation and the specific terms that apply to non-residents.
- Signing before a notary — in person, or via power of attorney if you're buying from outside Spain.
- Registration at the Land Registry — closes the process and formalises your ownership.
If you're planning to let it to tourists
You'll need the Vivienda Vacacional (VV) licence, which not every building allows — some communities of owners expressly ban it in their bylaws. We cover this in detail, including what to check before buying, in our guide to the holiday rental licence.
How we work at Tenedomus
Since 2001 we've guided buyers through this whole process in English, Spanish, Italian and French, from the first viewing through to signing before a notary. If you're starting to consider buying in south Tenerife, browse our catalogue of homes for sale right now, or write to us directly about your specific situation.
Where should we start?
Tell us what you're looking for — area, budget, timeline — and we'll help you take the first steps.
Talk to an agent