Sunway Tenerife

Property For Sale

SUNWAY TENERIFE

2 Parque Cattleya,
Playa de las Americas
38660 Tenerife
Canary Islands

Tel : 922 790 021
Tel : 922 791 900
Fax : 922 795 172
UK Tel : 0871 711 5079

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General Useful Information about Tenerife

Tenerife Geography

Tenerife, largest of the Canary Islands, is situated 200 miles off the west coast of North West Africa at about 28 degrees latitude and 16.5 degrees longitude. Triangular in shape, the island would fit into a rectangle about 90 km wide by 80 km high and has a road measured perimeter of about 358 km. Mount Teide, the extinct volcano which dominates the centre of the island stands at 12,200 feet high - and is the highest point in Spain. Its peak can be seen from all of the other Canary Islands. The island is full of natural contrasts, the south being totally different, both visually and climatically, to the North. There are vast areas of stunning natural scenery and a tour of Mount Teide quickly reveals why this particular area was chosen as the backdrop to scenes in famous films such as Star Wars, Planet of the Apes and the Ten Commandments. Volcanic cones are distributed randomly over the whole island's surface and contribute to the amazing landscape. Two busy International Airports and a seaport link, ferry about 1 million hot weather seeking tourists from Europe, USA and the rest of the world.

Time Zone Tenerife is due south of London, UK, so Tenerife has the same time UTC (GMT).

Tenerife and the Canary Islands are well linked to the rest of the world, with regular connection flights from Madrid international airport, and direct flights from most other European Airports. Ferry services (including vehicle ferries) are mainly from Cadiz (Spanish mainland) and Santa Cruz, Tenerife. Many other smaller operators provide other, less regular but reliable services, e.g. Cardiff (UK) - Tenerife every 3 months. Apart from that, Tenerife is often a ' fine weather stopover' for various cruise ships.

 

Political and Authorities

 

Although a Spanish possession, Tenerife has it's own Government and special status within the EEC (European Community). King Juan Carlos & Queen Sofia, represent the Spanish monarchy. Their son Prince Felipe is heir to the throne. There is a military presence in Tenerife; the principal Army garrison is in Santa Cruz. The Tenerife resident population is estimated at around 1.5 million people.

Police Services - comprise 3 main groups - Policia Local - Guardia Civil - Policia National. The overlap between their activities is somewhat blurred. Local Police take care of local citizens, patrolling beaches, streets, control traffic and handle minor offences, complaints and lost and found. National Police man the emergency telephone numbers. When accidents, fires or robbery occur they send the appropriate force for the job. Guardia Civil investigate crimes and are responsible for drug enforcement and controls, murder investigations etc. The emergency police telephone number is 112

 

Economy

 

With some of the world’s best weather, the Tenerife economy is dominated by Tourism. The Canary Islands are within easy reach for Europe, only a 4-hour flight from most European countries. With its superb winter climate, Tenerife will always remain a popular destination. The other warm weather industries include Banana and other Agricultural exports and newly emerging service industries serving the rapidly growing resident population.

Living costs - most things considered bad for us, cigarettes, alcohol, red meat, etc, are usually far cheaper in Tenerife than most other European countries, but the overall cost of living is high. Salaries and pensions on the other hand, are the lowest in Spain. Property prices, as one would expect in one of Europe's most popular resorts, are also high.

 

Culture

 

We have just about every culture here. Usually drawn by the consistent weather, the main nationalities are Spanish, British, Germans, Italians, Americans and Russians. The annual Mardi Gras Carnival at Santa Cruz is the second largest in the world. Almost impossible for countries with poorer weather, this spectacular event which involves all the people of Tenerife, happens in February - not to be missed if you like to have fun. Festivals are regular and common in Tenerife and every month, somewhere on the island, something will be being celebrated. Other main fiesta's are Corpus Cristi (the streets of La Orotava are laid with incredible flower carpets) and Burying of the Sardine. Christmas Day gifts are normally presented on Day of the Kings (6th January). New Year Eve is fabulous fun, dancing, singing, fireworks, if you can find somewhere to stay on the island it is well worth being here for, so book really early. The lifestyle is very outdoor and warm weather orientated. There is also still a high cultural presence in the way of Museums, Arts Galleries etc.

 



Technology

 

The Astronomical Observatory is located high in the mountains of Tenerife. The observatory is part of an intensive cosmic and space research programme - their site is at http://www.iac.es. The Technological Institute of the Canary Islands is a company attached to the Department of Trade and Industry. Its co-ordinates interaction between the social agents who influence technological, industrial or business progress in the Canary Islands, e.g., Regional Government, Universities and public centres of research and development, who research the projects important to the area, such as desalination. Extensive 'Wind Power' generators situated east coast use the constant breeze, which is a feature of the weather in the chosen locations.

 

Leisure

 

The multinational environment results in a fantastic choice of food. Eating out is cheap and few places can offer the equivalent life-style at such an affordable price. Golf Courses, Night Clubs and a host of other amenities give you that 'mainland' feel. Touring, particularly with the fine weather, is most enjoyable - the island is sufficiently large to ensure it will take you a few years of touring to know the place intimately. A number of high quality beaches are now operational. If your children are keen on In-Line skating - Roller Blading Skate Boarding, Surfing, Wind surfing, Body Boarding, Tennis, Golf - then they will find the local Spanish, English and kids of other nationalities around at the local sites and facilities, so tell them they can bring their boards etc. Contact us to find out where the local places for these activities are. Most bars and often restaurants provide entertainment from Quiz nights and karaoke to local singers and comedians, you will find all tastes are covered. Cabaret shows, Casinos, Spectaculars are common and can easily be found. For quieter nights, most hotels and complex's have satellite TV. You can also hire TV's video players and hire videos. There are several English speaking radio stations, Oasis FM, Power FM. One of the places we recommend to visit is the public BBQ areas of the National Park of Teide. Many visitors miss this type of day out because it is only normally well known and used by local people. These areas are set in the pine forests, the logs are cut by the forestry dept. and all you have to do is take your food and drinks with you for a great day out. You will often find local Canarians singing and playing instruments and more often that not if you are brave enough to make the first move they may well adopt you for the day. The fires are shared and if one is alight just ask if you can use it when they have finished. If the weather happens to be poor at sea level, it is often above the clouds and perfect at this altitude.
There are several national Lotteries and these tickets are sold almost everywhere.

 

Sport

 

A superb all year climate allows Tenerife to be used as a sporting holiday centre. In particular, the Tenerife soccer team is well respected internationally and the demanding Golf courses have hosted international 'Open's. World Wind Surfing Championship legs are held at El Medano. Tennis is played to a very high standard at club level. Boxers, Athletes and racing cyclists use Tenerife regularly for training. Sports coaches and teachers are many and varied.

 

Medical

 

High quality medical care, both Private and National, is offered by a wide selection of Clinics and Hospitals. The Canarians are very health conscious. Many people come to Tenerife for it's well known therapeutic value. Many winter visitors come from Europe's coldest weather to get relief from ailments such as Arthritis and MS. Those with mobility problems should always check they have booked accommodation on the flatter parts.

 


Schooling

 

For an island of modest size, schooling choices are wide. English, German and Spanish schools predominate. The Spanish State schools are mostly free, the rest being privately operated. Many Spanish and German parents prefer to send their children to the English private schools. The main English school in the South is Wingate school, based in Cabo Blanco. All English schools operate in accordance with the UK schools curriculum. Note that regular inspections by the UK authorities are made, to ensure conformity with the UK curriculum. The North also has a similar school, Yeoward School in Puerto de la Cruz.

 

Housing

 

Foreign investors privately own the vast majority of properties here. The multinational market appeal ensures that property values sustain continuous growth. Tenerife market sectors are not generally dependant on any particular nation's economy. Buying property in Tenerife is an excellent investment; simply ensure that you avoid the inevitable pitfalls. There is always a high demand for rented accommodation, so long term rental can be a problem if not researched early. Accommodation falls into two categories (1) Privately owned properties, available for long term rentals on holidays type complex's and (2) Spanish 'edificio' (residential apartment blocks) that tend to be smaller, cheaper and probably in high rise buildings. For more information on rented accommodation fax or email us with your plans and queries. Holiday rentals are easier to find and are very varied depending on your needs.

Find out about the purchasing procedures in Tenerife here.

 

Residencias, Work Permits and Business

 

Your statutory obligations for foreigners living and working in Tenerife, are simple, specific and quite fair. Tenerife is not Spain. Remember this. Although the Canary Islands are Spanish Sovereignty, they are fairly autonomous, having their own government and political system. Though many of the rules are common to mainland Spain, there are many exceptions and differences - you may often have to follow particular procedures in Tenerife that would not be required in Spain. Currently, the traditional 'Work Permit' no longer exists in its original form. However, you cannot Live or Work in Tenerife for any reasonable length of time without a Residencia. Many people are given the impression that an NIE Number or Contract of Work is sufficient to make them 'legal'. This is absolutely incorrect - having possession of such things does not imply that the statutory obligations, such as Social Security payments, etc, are being met. Obtaining a 'Residencia' takes a little time, but is perfectly straightforward. There are 3 basic type of Residential/Working Status -

1.     Residencia Only
The Canarian Authorities allow you apply for a Residencia to live here. Your application must include evidence of (i) Income or Pension from abroad on a regular basis, by means of a letter from your Tenerife Bankers, and (ii) Documents for Private Medical Insurance or some other arrangements for health cover. Initially, Residencias are usually issued with a validity 5 years.

2.     Residencia/Work Permit as an EMPLOYEE (Cuenta Ajena)
Your application must include a copy of your contract of work from your employer. Normally, the Residencia will be valid for the same period specified in the Contract, up to a maximum of five years. When your Residencia expires, there is no provision to 'extend' the Residencia. You must re-apply in full for a new Residencia, repeating the original procedure. A long term Contract will help in avoiding this.

3.     Residencia and Work Permit SELF-EMPLOYED (Cuenta Propia)
This is the status you require to run your own business. Your Social Security payments will be about €250 per month and this will entitle you to full National Health Medical Cover. . Note that most activities will require you to have a proper business address at a commercial unit (called a local). Some activities can be operated from your home address, but not many. You must also buy the appropriate annual licence that covers your particular activity (i.e., Bar, Mechanic, Shopkeeper). Your accountant will then submit your accounts every 3 months, with a further annual submission. Your principal monthly operating costs will be - Social Security + Accountants Monthly fees + Local/Unit Rent.

 


Working

 

The majority of work opportunities tend to be in the tourist sector. Jobs are advertised in local English & Spanish newspapers but most are found by a little effort, for example by approaching, bars cafeteria's and shops directly. It is quite common to find multi-lingual people in Tenerife. Because many people here speak several languages it means wages for multi-lingual people are not particularly high. It is normal for an employer to ask for two or more languages. Spanish/English and Spanish/German being the most common. Jobs especially in the busiest periods are available.

 

Businesses

 

Businesses can be bought as going concerns or formed from scratch. Normally, you obtain a Residencia and work permit (as above). These are not required if you own a business in Tenerife, but do not actively work in the business or permanently reside in Tenerife, You will then need the appropriate licence to run your chosen business, trade or profession. Unless you have a particular reason for requiring a Tenerife Limited Company, most business and tax requirements are better met by the Sole Proprietor or Partnership methods. Partnerships can be simply and reliably arranged by a Notarised private agreement.

 

Find out more about buying a business here.

 

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