We hear a lot of what’s going on in Spain, in relation to its economy and the effect it’s having on the property market but how much do you know about the Canary Islands, and, in particular Tenerife. It is the biggest of the islands and hosts between five and six million tourists a year with recent figures increasing, because of problems  elsewhere in the world. About a third or more of the tourists are  Brits, and also a lot of French and Belgians. Why? Well it’s all year round sunshine may have something to do with it, and a mere three to four hour flight from UK and France makes it easily accessible. But apart from this the Island has many and varied wonders to offer. It’s been one of the hotspots for Brits for many years but, like mainland Spain, it was hit hard by the recession, but has bounced back, with prices now rising quickly and getting back to previous levels.With ever increasing improvements to the amenities and the fact that tens of thousands of people are moving here permanently, there is no doubt that prices will continiue to increase! Strangely enough,even with these increases, the value for money, compared with other destinations, is still number one!

Not for the feint hearted ,because it takes a brave person to take the step, but when you see what the island offers it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this will be one of the best places to either invest or make a permanent home!

Banks are offering up to 60% mortgages  to non residents  with interest rates running at around 4 to 5 %. It pays to look at the right areas and look out for pitfalls. Many people have been caught out thinking they have a bargain when they’ve bought apartments at cheap prices and thought they could use them for their own holidays, a few times a year and in between rent them out on short term lets. Many have got away with it, but if your apartment isn’t on a complex which allows short term rentals, and you do not have a  touristic license,  you’re letting yourself open to substantial fines,  and apartments in touristic complexes are hard to find at bargain prices.

For those of you who don’t want to be in among the “lager louts” places like Las Americas,and all along that south western corner, there are more discerning destinations just a little further along the South coast, in places like Amarilla Golf and Golf del Sur ,where places come at a premium because of the proximity of the golf courses and the sea. Howver, moving a few kilometers away to places like Los Abrigos, La Tejita and El Medano ,there is a different side of life to be found, calmer and more traditional. With Los Abrigos offering a beautiful un-spoilt village , where mere handfuls of tourists wander through the streets , appreciating the natural beauty of the area , not looking for the next Sky Sports bar to watch the latest football match over endless beers!

Here, and in the nearby areas there are some really good bargains to be had, and still within a few minutes’ drive from the “rowdier” part of the island when the tranquility of this area needs to be livened up! This is where we can help because we, at Los Abrigos Properties , have been helping buyers from all over the world, including Canarians, for the last twenty years. We specialize in local property either for  sale or rent.

You’ll find a smattering of different Europeans in the village of Los Abrigos and a very friendly attitude to everybody from the locals.

Los Abrigos has, for a small village, a mine of things to offer. Apart from its coves and rugged rocks, and its situation right on the coast, the village has numerous commodities like cheap supermarkets, pharmacy, dental center, beauty parlour, gymnasium, a variety of boutiques, with wares at “local” prices not “tourist” prices, and some of the best fish restaurants on the island, with a fish market on the harbor selling daily caught fish. In festival season it is also one of liveliest of villages, with even Canarians coming from the other end of the island to watch its spectacular fireworks display.

In addition it has larger shopping centers within easy travelling distance, with both Spanish and English schools at hand.

Shortly, work will start on the Formula 1 test circuit just the other side of the airport, in Atogo, making Los Abrigos one of the nearest coastal towns, which will make any purchase in the area a sound investment. Also, despite its closeness to the airport, it is not on the flight path like some neighboring locations like El Medano, Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf, to name but a few with this problem.

Well its been a while since I updated this article,as many of you living/holidaying here will realise! Partly due to the massive demand for both rental and sale properties, after this article was first published,then the massive input of work resulting form the covid virus,creating vast problems for tenants ,who have been been unable to pay their rent, as they have lost their work, as a result of businesses having to close down altogether, or reduce their opening times. So,whilst all that has been going on, the footbridge between Los Abrigos and San Blas has now been finished and is really spectacular, providing rest places with panoramic views out to sea and the coastal villages nearby.That has brought a massive influx of people to Los Abrigos, which can only serve to boost both local trade as well as property prices. In addition, the Bahia Principe hotel has now been finished, sometime later than predicted, but is a massive success, and draws thousands of tourists regularly, many of whom take the short walk, over the new link, to Los Abrigos. So we believe that Los Abrigos,whilst it is still reasonably cheaper than other areas, will soon overtake them. So now is the time to buy!