Glex & Co

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Frequently Asked Questions

In this section you will find clear answers to the most common questions about international buying and selling, holiday homes, inheritances with real estate and urban planning in the Canary Islands, as well as guides and practical materials.

If your situation is specific or not listed here, you can write to us directly and we will analyze your case.

1. General Frequently Asked Questions

Basic information about our services.
We work throughout the Canary Islands, handling administrative procedures, sales transactions, inheritances, and urban development projects.

We offer professional service in Spanish, English, French, and German.

We conduct an initial consultation free of charge, in which we review your case, identify risks, and indicate the steps to follow and the possible budget.

Prices depend on the type of service, the complexity of the matter, and the scope of the work. We always provide a fixed price quote or approximate price range before starting.

2. Purchase and sale of housing for foreigners

Everything you need to know to buy in the Canary Islands.

Yes, absolutely. With an apostilled power of attorney, we can represent you throughout the entire purchase process. We manage the negotiation, signing of the preliminary sales agreement, coordination with the notary, and handover of the keys from Spain. You only need to grant the power of attorney before a notary in your country of origin.

For resale properties, you’ll pay the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) of 6.5% in the Canary Islands. For new builds, you’ll pay the IGIC (generally 7% or a reduced rate depending on the case) plus Stamp Duty (AJD). We’ll provide you with an exact estimate of all costs during the initial consultation.

It’s not essential to have it before starting. You’ll need it for the final notarization, but we can process it for you during the purchase process. The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) can be obtained in 2-4 weeks with a power of attorney, without you needing to travel.

We conduct thorough due diligence before the purchase: an up-to-date land registry extract, a certificate of encumbrances, verification of any outstanding debts with the homeowners’ association, and a review of the property’s cadastral and urban planning status. We only recommend proceeding when the property is completely clear and free of any issues.

Yes, several Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents, generally financing up to 60-70% of the appraised value. Requirements include: verifiable income, sufficient savings for the down payment, and translated documents. We coordinate with banks specializing in international clients.

3. Holiday accommodation (VV) and licenses

Requirements and management of tourist licenses.

No. It depends on the municipal urban planning regulations and the compatibility of tourist use in the area. We carry out a full verification within 48-72 hours to confirm if your property qualifies for a holiday rental license.

You are at risk of an administrative penalty of up to €150,000. It is essential to act as soon as possible. We will review your case, submit appeals if necessary, and process the urgent regularization to minimize legal risks.

The usual processing time is 3 to 12 months from the submission of the complete application, depending on the local council and island council. Some councils are faster than others. We will keep you informed of the processing status at all times.

En Canarias se requieren ambos trámites. Primero el ayuntamiento verifica compatibilidad urbanística y otorga la licencia municipal. Después el Cabildo inscribe la vivienda en el Registro Insular de Viviendas Vacacionales. Gestionamos ambos procedimientos de forma coordinada.

No. It is illegal to list or advertise vacation rentals without an official registration number. Platforms can remove your listing, and the government can penalize you. You must first obtain the license and registration number, which must be included in all listings.

4. Inheritances with real estate in the Canary Islands

Estate and inheritance management.

Yes, with an apostilled power of attorney, we can represent you throughout the entire process. From the Canary Islands, we handle obtaining the necessary documents, notarizing the documents, paying taxes, and registering the property. You only need to grant the power of attorney before a notary in your country of residence.

It depends on the family relationship and the property value. Direct descendants (children) receive a 99% tax break in the Canary Islands. Siblings, nephews, and other relatives pay progressive rates. We’ll calculate the exact amount for you from the start, based on your specific situation.

There is no legal deadline for accepting the inheritance, but there IS a deadline for settling the inheritance tax: 6 months from the date of death (with the possibility of a 6-month extension). After this period, surcharges and interest will apply. It is essential to act as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

In that case, all heirs must jointly accept the inheritance and sign the deed of transfer. If any of them live abroad, they can grant a power of attorney. We coordinate with all heirs and manage the documentation for each one, regardless of their place of residence.

Yes, but first it must be registered in your name at the Land Registry. Once the inheritance is registered, you can sell freely. If your goal is to sell, we can advise you throughout the entire process, including the subsequent sale, coordinating both procedures for greater efficiency.

5. Urban planning and large projects

Consulting on development projects.

It depends on the specific municipal planning regulations and the permitted uses according to the land classification. In the Canary Islands, there are different categories of rural land with varying building possibilities. We conduct a complete feasibility review within 48 hours, analyzing applicable territorial, municipal, and sectoral regulations.

Processing times vary between 2 and 6 months depending on the municipality, type of permit, and project size. Large developments may require additional sector-specific reports (coastal, environmental, heritage) which extend the timeframe. We provide realistic estimates in the initial assessment based on the specific municipality.

Analysis of land classification and rating, buildability, permitted uses, planning restrictions, sectoral impacts (coasts, roads, heritage), registration and cadastral status, analysis of urban planning history, technical-legal viability of the project and roadmap for obtaining licenses.

We offer several legal avenues: an appeal for reconsideration (1 month), an administrative appeal (2 months), or a modification of the project. We analyze the reasons for the denial, assess the realistic chances of success for the appeal, and present a comprehensive legal strategy. Our experience allows us to overturn many unjustified denials.

Yes, we work in direct coordination with your technical team. We provide the legal and urban planning perspective while they develop the technical aspects of the project. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that the technical design meets all legal requirements from the outset, avoiding costly corrections later.

6. When is it best to seek personalized advice?

We recommend requesting an individual consultation when:

  • You have a transaction involving multiple properties or multiple countries.
  • You have received a notification or penalty from the administration.
  • You want to invest in a large-scale urban or tourism project.
  • ou are unsure whether your property can be used for holiday rentals.
  • In these cases, a quick and professional check-up can prevent bigger problems.

Is your situation not listed here?

If your situation doesn’t exactly fit any of these questions, tell us about your case and we’ll help you find the best solution.

Request an initial consultation