Gran Canaria Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain)

Gran Canaria, the second most populated island in the Canaries chain, lies 1,350 km / 839 miles from Europe and 150 km / 90 miles from the African coast. For many years a popular tourism and expat destination, the island has excellent infrastructure that includes an extensive modern road system, a major international airport and an important commercial seaport serving both passenger and cargo vessels.

Gran Canaria's climate is mild, ranging from daytime temperatures of 22°C / 72°F in winter to 26°C / 79°F in summer. Its capital, Las Palmas de la Gran Canaria, is linked with the rest of the island by motorway and is the main commercial and industrial centre.


Many of the island's towns and villages lie along the coastline, with the east coast beaches and Playa del Inglés the favourite destinations of the annual two million visitors. Inland, much of the territory is protected, with one-third of the island a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

A wide selection of property is available, including beachside apartments and Spanish-style villas in Las Palmas and the resorts along the southern coastline, as well as traditional village houses, bungalows and luxury homes with swimming pools and superb coastal views.

Las Palmas property prices are on the high side, similar to those in popular locations in mainland Europe. However, in the smaller towns and villages, bargains can still be found, particularly since the fall in the market since 2008. Apartments and gated housing development properties are often sold 'off-plan'. Research is advisable regarding the developer's company and reputation, as problems may occur.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are readily available, both in Las Palmas and in many other Gran Canaria towns and resorts such as Playa des Inglés, Bahia Blanca and Maspalomas. Rental prices give a considerable saving over comparable hotels.

Most have a beachside location and are situated in modern complexes or aparthotels with facilities including swimming pools, restaurants, shops and bars. The apartments are well furnished and equipped with Internet access and satellite or cable TV as standard.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Although property purchase by expats in Gran Canaria is unrestricted, with new-build homes it is advisable to check whether the correct planning permission has been obtained by the developer.

The purchasing process in Spain is similar to that in the rest of Europe, beginning with an 'option to purchase' contract and the lodging of a ten percent deposit. Both parties have obligations - if the sale does not proceed, an indemnity must be paid. Finally, a deed of conveyance is signed before a public notary, the balance of the purchase price is paid and the property transferred. Taxes and legal fees amount to around ten percent of the purchase price.

Real Estate Agents

Gran Canaria has a number of English-speaking estate agents offering properties across the island.

Check out the following Gran Canaria real estate agents:

Home Sweet Home Spain
Address: Paseo de Las Canteras 9, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Canary Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 928 22 0033
Email: infolp@www.homesweethomespain.com
Website: www.homesweethomespain.com
This agency is UK owned and managed, and has an office in Playa des Inglés.

Cardenas Gran Canaria
Address: Calle La Lajilla 2, Arguineguin, Gran Canaria, 35120, Canary Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 928 15 0650
Email: info@cardenas-grancanaria.com
Website: www.cardenas-grancanaria.com
Established for 30 years, this agency's English website has a good selection of properties.

Seacoast Gran Canaria Properties
Address: Playa de Arinaga, Gran Canaria, 35118, Canary Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 680 37 5914
Website: www.seacoast-grancanaria.com
This German-owned and run agency specialises in coastal properties around Gran Canaria. Its informative website is in English, German and Dutch.