Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Tenerife?

Most close relatives receive a 99.9% inheritance tax reduction in Tenerife. This means spouses, children, parents, siblings and grandchildren usually pay almost no tax.

Do I need to travel to Tenerife to complete an inheritance?

No. Most heirs sign a Power of Attorney and the entire process can be completed without travelling to Tenerife.

How long does Tenerife inheritance take?

Most Tenerife inheritance cases take between 1 and 3 months if the death occurred in Spain, or 3 to 6 months if it occurred abroad.

Can I sell an inherited property in Tenerife?

Yes, but only after the inheritance deed has been signed and the property is registered in the heirs' names. All heirs must agree to the sale.

What documents do I need for a Tenerife inheritance?

You need a death certificate, Certificate of Last Wills, the will (if any), passports, NIE numbers, property deeds, and bank information where applicable.

Selling an Inherited Apartment vs Villa in Tenerife: Key Differences Explained

If you’ve inherited property in Tenerife, the process for selling it depends on whether it’s an apartment or a villa. Both follow the same legal steps, but practical differences can affect price, demand, taxes and the time it takes to sell. This guide explains everything in plain English.

The Main Legal Steps Are the Same

Whether it’s an apartment or villa, you must complete the inheritance process before selling. This includes the inheritance deed, tax filing and updating the Land Registry. Once this is done, the sale can begin.

Key Differences When Selling an Apartment

Community Fees: Apartments belong to a community of owners, meaning shared monthly fees and rules.
ITV Certificate: Some buildings require updated structural reports.
Faster Market: Apartments, especially in tourist areas, tend to sell more quickly.
Lower Maintenance: Buyers often prefer apartments because ongoing costs are predictable.

Key Differences When Selling a Villa

Land and Boundaries: Villas often require updated cadastral checks.
Higher Value: Villas in Tenerife usually attract higher prices but can take longer to sell.
Potential Legal Issues: Extensions, pools or terraces may need to be declared or legalised.
No Community Fees: Lower monthly costs make villas attractive for long-term residents.

Which Sells Faster?

In general, apartments sell faster because more buyers are searching for them — especially investors and holiday-home buyers. Villas attract higher-budget buyers, so the market pool is smaller.

Which Costs More to Prepare for Sale?

Villas typically require more work: garden maintenance, painting, pool cleaning and legal checks on extensions. Apartments often require only cleaning and basic repairs.

If You’re Unsure Which Option Is Best

If you’ve inherited either an apartment or villa in Tenerife and are considering selling, getting early advice helps you understand what’s involved and how to maximise the sale price.