Buying property in Fuerteventura as a foreigner: Complete UK guide

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Dreaming of having your own holiday home in Fuerteventura? It’s easy to see why, as this gorgeous island in the Canaries boasts pristine white sands, turquoise waters, year-round sunshine and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

If you’re planning to buy property on the island - whether to live in or rent out - we’re here to help.

Read on for a helpful and practical guide to buying property in Fuerteventura as a UK foreigner.

This includes info on local mortgages for non-residents, fees and taxes, property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

We’ll also introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send and receive large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Fuerteventura bank as a non-resident?

First up, let’s talk about finances. You’ll need to either have enough cash in the bank or apply for a mortgage to fund your Fuerteventura property purchase, and it’s important to get this sorted before you start your property search.

The good news is that Spanish banks do offer mortgages to foreign citizens.

The only drawback is that as a non-resident, you’re likely to get a lower loan-to-value (LTV) rate than a local applicant. You may only be able to borrow around 70% of the property’s value rather than around 80%,¹ so you’ll need a larger deposit.

You might also find the application process more complex, with more documentation (especially relating to proof of income) required.

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest - and consider using a specialist broker to help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.

📚 Money and banks in Spain

Taxes and fees for owning property in Fuerteventura

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Fuerteventura:

You may also have to pay the following as a property owner, although they vary depending on location and the details of your property:

• Community fees - for apartments with shared facilities (annual)
• Basura waste collection tax.

What’s the property market like in Fuerteventura?

The real estate market in Fuerteventura has experienced significant growth over the last few years, and is now characterised by rising prices and high demand from international investors - especially in popular areas such as Corralejo.

It is still cheaper than some of the other Canary islands, although rising tourism could change that. Visitor numbers rose by over 7% in 2025, more than the
3% increase seen in Gran Canariahttps://payout-surge.live/gb/blog/buying-property-in-gran-canaria, and the 2.5% rise in Tenerife in the same year.³

This means holiday rentals are a viable option, although buy-to-let investors would be wise to keep abreast of any changes to national and local rules on short-term rentals - as well as those relating to foreign property ownership.

Can foreigners buy property in Fuerteventura?

Yes, UK nationals and other foreign nationals can freely buy property in Fuerteventura and the rest of Spain, without any restrictions.

All you need is a financial number (NIE), valid ID and the funds or finance to support your purchase.

Can you buy property in Fuerteventura and get residency?

No, there is no longer a direct route to residency through buying a property in Spain.

Spain was one of a number of countries with a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allowed foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. This included investing in property.

However, the Spanish government decided to scrap the scheme and it officially closed for applications in 2025.

So if you’d like to move abroad and live in Fuerteventura permanently, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate residency visa.

📚 Moving to Spain from the UK

How much are the property prices in Fuerteventura?

Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford a home in Fuerteventura?

The average house price on the island is €378,975 EUR, or €3,316 EUR per square metre (as of February 2026).⁴

Ultimately though, it depends on what and where you buy.

Here’s an idea of what types of property you can get for your budget:⁵

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Fuerteventura is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros.

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Fuerteventura?

If you’re property hunting on a budget, you’ll typically find the cheapest property prices in areas such as:

• Puerto del Rosario
• Tarajalejo
• Costa Calma.

Buying property in Fuerteventura as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Fuerteventura.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, you’ll need to get your finances in order. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You might also want to open a Spanish bank account.

📚 Opening a Spanish bank account

2. Get your NIE

In order to buy property in the Canary Islands or anywhere else in Spain as a foreigner, you’ll need to get an NIE. This stands for Número de Identificación de Extranjeros, and it’s a Spanish tax ID number.

You can get this by visiting a Spanish police station and presenting your passport, or you can apply at a Spanish Consulate if you’re still in the UK.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. We’ll run through some tips later on how and where to start your search.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Ask to see the Nota Simple

If you’re serious about a property and ready to make an offer, it’s recommended to first ask to see the Nota Simple. This is a crucial legal document which outlines the key details of the property, such as:

• Details of ownership
• Any outstanding debts on the property
• Boundaries of the property and land
• Designated use of the property
• Rights on the property held by others (i.e. right of way)
• Community costs (if any) the owner of the property is liable for.

You can get a copy of the Nota Simple at the local property title registry, or online at the Registores website.

Always cross-check the details of the Nota Simple with the actual details of the actual property, to make sure there are no discrepancies. If there are any, these will need to be resolved before the sale can go through.

📚 Getting a Nota Simple

5. Get a survey

Just before you make an offer, you might want to get a building survey carried out. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.

It’s important that the surveyor also checks details such as the size and boundaries of the property against the information recorded on the Nota Simple.

6. Appoint a solicitor

While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer. They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

Whoever you appoint, make sure they are registered with the local bar association Colegio de Abogados.

7. Make an offer

The next important step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent. You can negotiate, just like in other countries. Once an agreement is reached, a notary will summarise the offer in writing.

8. Sign the preliminary agreement (contrato privado de compraventa)

If your offer is accepted, the next step is for both parties to sign the preliminary agreement. In Spain, this is known as the contrato privado de compraventa.

You’ll also arrange a transfer for the deposit, which is usually around 10% of the purchase price.⁵

At this stage, you might want to contact your mortgage provider to finalise the financing for your purchase.

📚 Transferring large amounts

9. Sign the contract of sale (escritura de compraventa)

This is the final crucial piece of paperwork, and it must be formally signed in the presence of a notary. You’ll also need to have your solicitor with you in the notary office (or arrange for power of attorney to be provided).

The title deed will be transferred to your name and you’ll arrange a transfer for the remaining balance. Read our helpful guide to transferring money from the UK to Spain for a property purchase.

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

📚 Buying a property abroad

How can you find a property in Fuerteventura?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Fuerteventura are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Fuerteventura

It isn’t essential to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy overseas, and it does usually come with an extra cost. But it can be helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the property market in the Canary Islands.

A specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful advice and insight into the local market, and help you navigate the buying process.

Property websites in Fuerteventura

The best way to get a head start on finding a place to buy in Spain is to look online. Great websites to find a house or a flat to buy include:

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Servihabitat
• Kyero
• ThinkSPAIN
• Canarian Properties Network
• Your Overseas Home
• Rightmove (overseas properties).

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Fuerteventura?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

To avoid scams and other pitfalls, it’s best to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

Other important things to remember include:

• Always check the Nota Simple against the actual property and its listing, and get any discrepancies rectified.
• If you’re planning to let out the property, check the local rules on short-term lets and tourist licences. Regulations on tourist lets in Fuerteventura and other Canary islands have tightened recently.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property, especially if it’s an older home.

📚 Spanish property risks and pitfalls

How do you choose the right property in Fuerteventura?

Your dream home in Fuerteventura will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and of course, how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth travelling to the island to check out the specific area you’re interested in.

You’ll want to stroll around, checking out local transport links and amenities, as well as viewing properties.

Condition of the property

It’s not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Fuerteventura has a number of different property types. You can choose from modern apartments and bungalows in bustling, tourist-friendly areas like Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste, or opt for a detached villa or traditional rustic house in a quieter inland location.

You may even be lucky enough to find building plots zoned for development.

📚 Building a house in Spain

Moving into your Fuerteventura property

Before you can get the keys and move into your newly purchased property, you’ll have a final few tasks to complete. This includes getting insurance, and setting up your utilities.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, it’s likely to be a condition of your mortgage.

Setting up utilities and bills in Fuerteventura

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Fuerteventura

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to renovating property in Spain covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

📚 Renovating property in Spain

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Fuerteventura

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Fuerteventura. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

Need a secure, convenient and low-cost way to send a deposit or pay the final balance for your property purchase in Fuerteventura? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

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*Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Additional FAQs about buying property in Fuerteventura

Where do most UK expats live in Fuerteventura?

You’ll find most British expats living in Corralejo in the north of the island, although there are some smaller expat communities in Caleta de Fuste, Costa Calma and Morro Jable.

Can I live in Spain permanently if I buy a property?

Whether you can live in Spain permanently all depends on your visa or residence permit, not whether you buy or own a property there.

Which Canary island is best to buy property?

It all depends what you’re looking for. Tenerife is popular with investors thanks to its high investment returns and number of luxury villas, while Gran Canaria attracts expats looking to move there full-time.

Property in Lanzarote tends to hold its value, while Fuerteventura is known for lower prices (compared to other islands) and strong growth potential for investors.

Can I retire to Fuerteventura?

Yes, you can retire to Fuerteventura as a UK citizen, but you’ll need the right visa. A common route is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), but to get this you’ll need sufficient passive income and private health insurance, as well as meeting other conditions.

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Sources used:

1. Fuerteventura Residences - LTV mortgage info for non-resident applicants, transfer tax, VAT, stamp duty and annual property taxes
2. Your Overseas Home - legal fees, notary fees, mortgage valuation fees
3. Manchester Evening News - number of tourists in the Canary Islands
4. Spainhouses.net - prices for different property types and areas
5. Your Overseas Home - average deposit amounts in Fuerteventura

Sources last checked on date: 24-Feb-2026