Over the past few months, many foreigners interested in buying a property in Spain have seen headlines that have caused some concern. News about possible restrictions on purchases by non-residents or proposals for new taxes has led many people to ask the same question:

Is it still a good time to buy a property in Tenerife?

The answer is yes. However, it is important to understand what has actually been proposed, which measures are currently in force and how they may affect each individual case.

In this article, we explain the current situation and the main points you should consider before making a decision.

Where Does the Uncertainty Come From?

At the beginning of 2025, the Spanish Government announced its intention to consider measures aimed at limiting property purchases by certain foreign non-resident buyers, with the objective of making housing more accessible to the local population.

These statements generated numerous headlines in the international press, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, where there is strong interest in buying property in Spain.

However, it is important to distinguish between a political proposal and an approved law.

As of the publication date of this article, there is no legislation in force preventing foreigners from buying property in Tenerife.

Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a property on the island, it is important to rely on trustworthy information and assess your particular situation before allowing uncertainty to influence your decision.

Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Tenerife?

Yes.

At present, a foreign citizen can buy a property in Tenerife regardless of whether they are a resident or non-resident in Spain.

However, the purchasing process, the required documentation and the subsequent tax obligations will depend on factors such as:

• Your nationality.
• Whether or not you live in Spain.
• The intended use of the property.
• Whether it will be your main residence, a second home or an investment.

This is precisely why there is no single answer that applies to every buyer.

Do These Reports Affect British Citizens?

Following Brexit, British citizens became third-country nationals in relation to the European Union.

This means that some administrative procedures differ from those applicable to EU citizens.

Nevertheless, British citizens can still buy property in Tenerife.

What changes are certain aspects related to residency, taxation and the documentation required if they later wish to settle in Spain.

For this reason, it is particularly advisable to assess each individual case before completing a purchase.

What About Citizens of the European Union?

Citizens of the European Union can continue to buy property in Spain as usual.

If they later move their residence to Tenerife, they will need to complete the relevant procedures relating to residency, municipal registration, healthcare and taxation. However, purchasing the property itself remains entirely possible.

Buying a Property Involves Much More Than Signing the Deed

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that everything ends on the day the deed is signed before the notary.

In reality, that is often only the beginning.

After the purchase, several other matters may need to be addressed, including:

• Tax obligations.
• Municipal registration.
• Setting up utility services.
• Registration with the healthcare system.
• Residency in Spain.
• Changes in tax residency.
• Purchasing or registering a vehicle.
• Wills and estate planning.

Planning all these matters correctly from the outset helps avoid unnecessary problems and costs in the future.

So, Is It a Good Time to Buy?

Every situation is different, but there are several reasons why many people continue to consider Tenerife one of the most attractive destinations in which to buy property.

These include:

• Its excellent year-round climate.
• Quality of life.
• Safety.
• Good transport connections with the rest of Europe.
• The stability of the residential market in many parts of the island.
• The well-established international community.

In addition, people looking for a property in which to enjoy their retirement or establish their permanent residence usually make the decision with a long-term perspective. In these cases, factors such as quality of life carry much more weight than temporary headlines.

The Most Important Thing: Buying with All the Necessary Information

Rather than asking whether now is a good time to buy, perhaps the right question is:

Am I making this decision with all the information I need?

Every buyer has a different situation.

Buying as a resident is not the same as buying as a non-resident.

Purchasing a home to live in is not the same as buying a second residence.

Nor is buying as an EU citizen the same as buying as a third-country national.

For this reason, before signing any transaction, it is advisable to consider not only the price of the property but also all the administrative, tax and legal implications of the purchase.

At Asesoría Quintero, We Can Help You

Buying a property in Tenerife is an important decision and, in many cases, marks the beginning of a new stage in life.

At Asesoría Quintero, we help numerous international clients every year to complete this process safely and with confidence.

We can advise you on:

• Property purchases.