Buying in Canary Islands: what overseas buyers should know
The Canary Islands sit off the northwest coast of Africa and offer some of the mildest winter weather within reach of the UK. The group appeals to holiday-home owners, retirees, remote workers and investors, thanks to a long season and steady visitor demand. Property spans resort apartments and townhouses, coastal villas and homes in the quieter interiors across the different islands.
What buyers are looking for in Canary Islands
Each island has its own character, from the larger, busier Tenerife and Gran Canaria to the calmer Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, so buyers can choose the pace that suits them. Across the group, the coast offers apartments and villas geared to holiday and rental use, while inland and northern areas hold more traditional homes. Both resale and new-build property are available, with demand strongest near the beaches, resorts and amenities.
Buying as an overseas buyer
UK citizens can own freely in Spain. You can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, with non-lucrative or digital nomad visas for longer stays; the Golden Visa route has now closed. You will need an NIE and a local lawyer, and completion takes place before a notary. Budget for a transfer tax on resale homes or VAT on new-build, plus the annual local property tax (IBI), and note that Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually with a larger deposit. Treat this as a short summary and take current local advice. Start your search to see property for sale in Canary Islands, or contact our team to be connected with a local partner agent.
Where to find property for sale in Canary Islands
Choice starts with the island. Tenerife is the largest, with resort apartments and villas in the south and greener, more traditional towns in the north, while Lanzarote offers low-rise, design-led homes and a calmer feel. Gran Canaria mixes a lively capital with resorts and mountain villages, and Fuerteventura is known for its beaches and space. Coastal homes suit holiday use and rental, while inland properties appeal to buyers after a permanent base. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.