The "miniature continent" with two faces: the real city of Las Palmas with a year-round housing market, and the tourism south around Maspalomas. No ITP on resale, IGIC 6.5% instead of 10% IVA.
Unlike the pure holiday islands, Gran Canaria has a real city: Las Palmas, with a university, port, the city beach Las Canteras and the old town of Vegueta/Triana. A year-round housing market and a growing remote-worker and digital-nomad scene — demand for long-term letting rather than a pure holiday season.
The tourism powerhouse around the Maspalomas dunes. Meloneras as an upmarket, newer resort address, Playa del Inglés as an established mass market. High occupancy, guaranteed sun, a classic holiday-letting market.
The south-west coast with sheltered bays (Amadores), the marina resort of Puerto Rico and picturesque Puerto de Mogán. The most sheltered and sunniest part of the island — popular with long-stay winter guests.
The Canaries = a special economic zone. On resale, ITP transfer tax does not apply; on new builds, 6.5% IGIC applies instead of 10% IVA. Versus mainland Spain, roughly 1–3.5% less on the purchase price.
Spanish banks finance in Gran Canaria as on the mainland: up to 70% loan-to-value for non-residents. CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander and Sabadell have a strong network in Las Palmas and the south.
Gran Canaria airport (LPA) sits centrally between Las Palmas and the south — short journeys to both markets. Year-round direct flights from all major German cities, around 4.5 hours' flight time.
Concrete example calculations for typical foreign buyers — as a guide for your own plan.
Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.
Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.
Prefilled with typical values for Gran Canaria — adjust and calculate.
⚠️ Guide value without guarantee. Spain: max. 70%, Portugal: max. 80% loan-to-value for non-residents. Purchase costs = ITP/IMT + notary + land registry + lawyer + NIE/NIF. Total outlay = equity + purchase costs + all payments over the term. For a binding offer, contact us.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura compared.
Go to page → Canaries · islandNorth–south split, two airports, the largest holiday market.
Go to page → RegionThe Balearic market and a comparison to the Canaries.
Go to page → RegionFinancing in the region.
Go to page →A free initial consultation in English — also German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Russian. I review your situation and find the right bank in Spain or Portugal.
Author & regulatory separation. Content author: Siegfried Perini. Mortgage brokerage in Spain and Portugal is carried out under the §34i permit of Olga Nikushkina (BAFA-notified). This page does not replace legal or tax advice.