emmasolven

Hello Everyone,

I would be grateful to know of the experience of anyone who retired to Gran Canaria or one of the Canary Islands in the recent past - For example, is it difficult to find a property to buy? Is it better to rent perhaps? where are the nicest places to live in the south of the island? We visited Gran Canaria several times and are very tempted to retire there. We would probably rent first for a few months to see how if feels. Any advice or experience would be very welcome.

bob_bob

I don't live there but its a regular spot for us to stay. Property to rent or buy is expensive compared to mainland Spain so you'll get a lot less brick for your euro.
https://www.idealista.com/en/alquile...or=precios-asc that search is for the Maspalomas area and as you can see rents start at about €700 a month for 1 bed or studio with something like a one bed bungalow starting at about €130,000

Switch the search to Alicante and you'll see what I mean
https://www.idealista.com/en/venta-v...-las-avenidas/

We love the island but there is a lot to consider, property prices, cheap flights etc and of course it all depends on budget. Rent for a year before you buy and don't sell your UK home.

Normally I'd be spending all of March out there booking via airbnb but with the nasty virus doing the rounds I'm staying home in rural Wales. This could be the first year in sixty years I don't leave the UK and thats not panic its common sense.

Boseley

Try to avoid tourist resorts, they are too hot in summer and too busy in the winter months, plus far more expensive. I too fancied living on Gran Canaria, having first arrived whilst working in 1962. I eventually settled here on one of the least known smaller islands. I still visit Gran Canaria, but these days I prefer to stay in Las Palmas.

Rent for six months to a year, just to get the feel of the place, for life is so different when you are no longer the tourist.

emmasolven

Thank you for your reply - I think it makes total sense to rent for a while as you say.

emmasolven

Thank you for your reply and the very useful links and information.