Building and Improvement

Many people look at a property in Tenerife and do not see what is there now, but what it might become one day.  Walk through the aisles of any large DIY shop in Tenerife and you will hear almost as much discussion of paint, wood products and bathroom accessories in English as Spanish.  Even Lifeline poll results indicate that more than a few expats miss B&Q!  There are all sorts of reasons why people improve their homes.  In a climate of stagnant property prices, improvement is one way to add value to your property, if you get it right.  But economy, comfort and practicality are high on expats’ lists of priorities. 

Eco-awareness has made some one of the most sensible improvements for house owners become increasingly popular.  Solar energy systems reduce electricity consumption and save bills as well as take advantage of some of the government’s incentives.  There is a small tax deductibility for spending on energy saving projects, such as solar heating and electricity or double glazing.  Some of the municipalities, such as Santa Cruz and La Laguna, offer additional incentives. 

Of course the most common home improvement is the refurbishment of a tired property.  Old bathrooms, kitchens, electricity and tiling drag down the price and desirability of a property, and need periodic refreshment.  But sometimes there are improvements that are necessary for comfortable living in Tenerife, such as installing blinds, fly-screens, air conditioning, or even heating if you live at any altitude.  It can be surprisingly chilly during the winter in villages away from the coast.  Some would say that the installation of a water purification system is also vital, as the water in Tenerife is very hard.  Domestic appliances such as boilers, washing machines and dishwashers enjoy an extended life with a filter, and even shampoo works better.

There are also strong financial reasons behind home improvements in Tenerife.  The changes made may increase the desirability of a property, so it should be sold quicker or even fetch a higher price.   Properties that are looking tired and worn enjoy a new lease of life after refurbishment.

The need for more space is another popular reason for making changes to the home.  The easiest solutions involve glassing in balconies or adding conservatories, but care is needed in their placement and design.  So long as these new rooms do not become sun traps that are unbearably hot and they are well built, they can be an asset.  However, if their design is unsympathetic to their surroundings or they take up all the exterior space, then they easily become a liability.

Another way to increase the desirability of a home in Tenerife is to add luxury.  Adding a spa or even a swimming pool to a property can have a wide appeal amongst potential buyers; we all dream of bubbling away an afternoon or splashing about in our own pool.  Of course these may have an equally high appeal with friends and family, so visions of floating about in tranquil solitude may not be realistic.

If you live on a complex in Tenerife, even minor changes to the exterior of a property should only be done with the permission of the president of the community of owners.  Some communities can be almost fanatical about ensuring that each and every property is identical, and will object to even the slightest modification; others have a more lax attitude.  Of course this consideration need not concern those of us who plan to restore an older property.  But even though there is no community to deal with, there may be local planning constraints on materials and design. 

Certainly, if you plan to extend your home in Tenerife the new built area must be written into the escritura of the property or potential buyers will be less enthusiastic.  Their mortgage lenders will not include those parts that do not exist on the deeds, and the buyer will have to weigh up the risks or costs of legalising your work.

Some brave souls prefer to restore traditional Canarian properties in Tenerife.  It is a real labour of love that can often take years, and before you undertake such a project you need to have a careful look at the costs and practicality of it. 

The economics of building often mean that it is cheaper to build a new home from scratch, and many expats have even successfully done that.  Declining land prices means that there are bargains to be had, but take care of the recent changes in land classifications.  From design to completion, there is something immensely satisfying about seeing your home move from your first discussion with an architect to a fully legal property.