We get asked hundreds of questions and we are always happy to answer them. Here are the most common ones!
Purchasing property in Tenerife/Los Gigantes can be very straightforward. At Paul Ruane we strive to make the entire purchasing process stress free. Any issues surrounding a property are always dealt with before the property is marketed for sale.
The completion of a property sale depends entirely on the Vendor. If the vendor lives in Tenerife then it can be as little as 24 hours. However, if the vendor is in the UK then we have either to ‘Achieve power of Attorney’ from the UK or the Vendor would need to be present, this can take anything from one week, to one month. There are extenuating circumstances sometimes which can make the process take a little longer.
Paul Ruane is the leading estate agent in Los Gigantes with extensive experience and knowledge.
Adding 8.5% to the purchase price of any property in Tenerife is generaly the purchase cost. This cost will include, Notary and Registry fees, Taxes and all the conveyancing fees.
This depends entirely on the size and type of property, for instance a property on a complex with a lift and a pool and gardens will cost more than a property without these amenities. Most properties have a small annual community fee which would include the upkeep and services such as rubbish collection etc., however, some in Los Gigantes area do not have these additional fees. Again this would be determined by the type of property you are looking for but our team would guide you through all of it.
In most instances it is possible to rent a property out long-term without any issues, however, there are communities that would not allow holiday or short-term rentals. There are many different avenues you can take but this would all be taken into consideration before you decided on the perfect property for you.
The crime rate in Los Gigantes and Tenerife overall is very low, of course there are always people who will try to take advantage of holiday makers, the same as any tourist/seaside resort anywhere in the world. The policing in Los Gigantes is excellent and crime is kept very low.
It is not important to have a Spanish Will to purchase a property, however, if you plan to reside at the property or are already living in Spain then a Spanish Will is essential. In most cases a copy of the Will where you are resident will take precedence over a Spanish Will in every instance. If you feel this is necessary to have a Spanish Will, Paul Ruane are equiped to help you with that.
It is not always necessary to use a lawyer to purchase a property in Tenerife. On average, most people are happy to proceed with a purchase of a property without a lawyer. Paul Ruane is equipped to do the work of a lawyer. Should you wish to employ your own Lawyer you are welcome to.
Yes you do need a Spanish bank account to pay your standing orders once you have purchased a property. Opening a Spanish bank account is generally clear cut, you will need proof of identification, proof of income, a Spanish NIE and national insurance number from your country of residence.
The distance from Tenerife South Airport, Reina Sofia, to Los Gigantes is approximately 40 km which can take 30/35 minutes by car.
It costs somewhere around 50 euros from the airport to Los Gigantes by Taxi.
Tenerife is known as the island of eternal spring. That being said April through to September do get noticeably warmer with August being the hottest month of the year.
There are various forms that can be obtained from the local police station in order to secure an NIE number. Paul Ruane, Los Gigantes Properties s.l. offer this service and are able to organise this for you.
There are a variety of things to do in Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes is known as a resort town, so you would expect to find most things that you would get at any seaside resort anywhere in the world. Depending on your requirements and hobbies there is something for everyone, whether that be Green Bowls, Golf, Scuba Diving or Parascending, there are fun activities and sightseeing trips in abundance.
Los Gigantes was built with families in mind, the resort was originally used by local families as an escape and that ethos has been carried on through the years. The area is very safe and with a village feel, families feel at home.
Los Gigantes boasts some of the best climate in the world, being situated on the west coast of Tenerife, Los Gigantes benefits from exceptional weather all year round.
This depends entirely on your specifications, there are areas in Los Gigantes which are quiet to suit those who wish to have a more serene lifestyle or, there are the busier areas which benefit from Bars and Restaurants. Los Gigantes is fairly hilly so if this is something you do not wish for, then we are able to show you properties in other areas, this is something that we are happy to help you with.
Due to the land value in Los Gigantes you get far more for your money compared to the more popular resorts of Los Cristianos or Las Americas.
At Paul Ruane we value properties according to the current market value but the final sale price depends on the Vendor. We can assist you in making offers and are happy to give you expert advice and assistance.
It is possible to get a Spanish Mortgage but it can be problematic if you do not know what you are doing. We are experienced in dealing with Spanish banks and Mortgage brokers and will assist you every step of the way.
In Los Gigantes and the surrounding area there are a variety of restaurants and standards to suit all, from Michelin starred to Cafe’s, Los Gigantes offers it all. Fancy a curry, Chinese or a typical Caniaran meal, you will be able to find it in Los Gigantes.
With the current economic climate it is very difficult to predict whether BREXIT will cause difficulties in purchasing properties in Tenerife. It is unlikely that there will be any issues, but we keep ourselves abreast with all the current laws and requirements and will be able to advise you accordingly.
The cost of selling a property in Tenerife is generally between 3 and 5 % depending on the size of property and circumstances, whether you are buying and selling or purchasing for the first time, this figure can vary. The cost will include the agents commission and all the legal costs. In addition there are sales taxes which for non residents is 3% retained, plus any value added land tax and an energy efficiency certificate.
Los Gigantes translated means ‘The Giants’. These huge cliffs vary in size rising from 500 to 800metres from sea level, descending approximately 30m underwater.
Yes is it possible to swim in the sea at Los Gigantes, however, it is the Atlantic Ocean and therefore you should respect the water as it can have a rather strong current, and can be cold at certain times of the year. It is advisable to use the designated safe swimming areas.
The beach in Los Gigantes known as Los Gigantes beach, or locally as Playa de los Guios or Playa Argel. With many facilities available such as sunbeds and umbrellas, this is a stunning beach to relax and enjoy the incredible views.
The Hotel Los Gigantes was the first commercial building to be built in the area over 50 years ago.
The harbour at Los Gigantes has a few local fishing boats but is more of a recreational harbour offering exciting sightseeing boat trips around Los Gigantes and Tenerife.
In the area of Los Gigantes you will find the most popular Supermarkets in Spain, from Lidl to Mercandona. Alternatively, there are many convenience stores situated close to the hotels.
There are a variety of shops in Los Gigantes which include gift shops and clothes shops, however, if you are thinking about going on a serious shopping trip then there are an abundance of facilities all within a 20 minute drive, or alternatively you can take the bus.
The Island opposite Los Gigantes is called La Gomera. La Gomera is the second smallest island in the Canary Islands it stands out for its rugged volcanic mountains, and is particularly beautiful on a clear day.
This is a group of individual Real Estate Agents that have offices along the South coast of the island. In order to join the group you have to have lived on Tenerife for more than 10 years and anyone who would like to join it are vetted to ensure that they are trustworthy and do not have a spurious past.
We are proud members of The AIPP (The Association of International Property Professionals). This is a british organisation which assists those who wish to purchase properties abroad. For further information please visit their website.
Paul Ruane is a qualified real estate agent having studied 40 years ago to achieve his certificate Expertos Inmobiliarios de España (Real Estate Experts of Spain) at the University of Barcelona. Member No. 1021
The nearest golf course to Los Gigantes is the Abama. The Abama Golf is a world class course and was the first Golf course in Spain to receive the IAGTO quality assured certification. Within a half hour drive there are a further four golf courses of varying standards and price.
There are Seven Golf courses in Tenerife in total.
The Island of Fernandos is fictitious, however, it is filmed in Tenerife
Siam Park is approximately 30 minute drive by car (22km). If you are planning on taking the bus from Los Gigantes it will take approximately 45 minutes to Costa Adeje bus station where Siam Park is a short walk from. Alternatively there are many available taxis in Los Gigantes.
There are numerous bus routes from Los Gigantes which will take you all over the island. For further information please visit Titsa.
A local taxi will usually cost up to 5€ depending on your destination.
Winter in Los Gigantes is the busiest period because of the winter sunshine. The climate is warm throughout the year.
The average temperature throughout the year in Los Gigantes is 23 degrees.
The cost of living in Tenerife can be far less than in the U.K with no heating bills, or Poll Tax for instance. Grocery shopping is comparable depending on where you shop.
The contract/deed will be in Spanish but it is officially translated in to English or any other language at the request of the purchaser.
There is a very eclectic mix of nationalities in Los Gigantes with Spanish and British people making up the largest demographic in the area.
Crab Island is generally the quietest area in Los Gigantes because there are no commercial buildings , but there are other areas such as San Francisco which is also less busy.
In some cases properties are sold with a garage or a dedicated parking space. There is generally on street parking in the area.
In most cases properties are sold fully furnished less personal belongings.
This can vary depending on the community and the rules. We will be able to assist you with these enquiries.
Once you have established a property you would like to visit please contact us by any means, either website, telephone, social media, or pop into the office. We will be happy to help.
There are a number of famous people who live or have retired in or around the area of los Gigantes.
Properties are advertised in the currency dictated by the Vendor. This is a service we offer.
If you are planning to reside in Tenerife for more than three months you will need to apply for Spanish residency.
Buying property in Tenerife as a private individual is not possible without an NIE. The NIE is a personal identification number that every foreigner who wants to buy a property in Spain must have. This is something we can help you with.
The current documentation required to purchase a property in Tenerife is an NIE number, passport, Spanish bank account and if you are planning on living in that property, residency is required. Paul Ruane can assist you with all the legal paperwork and requirements to make your purchase as simple and stress free as possible.