It’s one of the most common questions I hear from people thinking of making the leap: Should I rent first, or just go ahead and buy?
If you’re sitting at home right now, scanning property listings and daydreaming of sunshine, the idea of renting might feel like an unnecessary delay. But here’s something to think about: in many cases, renting before you buy in Tenerife is actually a smart move. Not always. But often.
Let me explain why.
Renting Gives You Breathing Room
Buying a property in a new country isn’t just about the bricks and mortar. It’s about lifestyle, location, pace of life, even neighbours. And Tenerife’s got a few layers.
You’ve got the sunnier south with its resorts and expat-friendly zones. The greener north with a more Canarian feel but colder and wetter. Bustling hubs like Los Cristianos and Las Américas. Sleepier villages like Tijoco Bajo. Renting lets you try it all without too much of the commitment.
If you land straight into a purchase and realise a few months later that you’d rather be 10 minutes further inland (or away from the local karaoke bar), it’s a costly lesson.
Renting gives you a chance to live like a local before putting down roots like one.
The Market’s a Bit… Strange
Let’s be honest: the Tenerife property market isn’t always the most transparent.
There are thousands of listings online. Many of them are duplicated, outdated, or even showing properties that have already sold…I’ve written an article about that too. It takes time and insider knowledge to cut through the noise. Renting gives you a chance to:
- Get a feel for real pricing, not fantasy valuations
- Spot which areas are being hyped up (and which are hidden gems)
- Talk to agents and owners in person, not just over WhatsApp
So even if your long-term goal is to buy a property, a 6 to 12-month rental can give you the local context to make a better decision.
It’s Also a Test Run for Your Future Life
Here’s something that gets overlooked: living somewhere is different from holidaying there. Renting first is your test run.
- Will the summer heat get to you?
- Are you really okay with slower admin and siesta hours?
- Can you see yourself settling into a local gym, a café routine, and maybe even a bit of Spanish?
It’s the difference between dreaming and doing. Renting gives you the middle ground.
And if you realise Tenerife isn’t quite for you? It’s far easier to pack up after a rental than to go through selling a property abroad.
But Not All Rentals Are Equal…
This is where a bit of local knowledge really helps. The long-term rental market in Tenerife is surprisingly tight, especially in the more popular southern areas.
Some things to watch for:
- Seasonal lets: Some landlords prefer to rent short-term during winter for higher rates.
- Under-the-table contracts: Still common. Always push for something official and speak to a lawyer if necessary.
- Furnished vs. unfurnished: Many long-term places come fully furnished which is great, unless you want to bring your own bits.
If you need trusted contacts for legit long-term rentals, especially in the south, I can point you in the right direction. We sometimes have a few listings ourselves or can introduce you to landlords who play it straight.
When It Might Make Sense to Skip Renting
Let’s not be one-sided. There are obviously situations where buying first makes sense:
- You’ve spent loads of time here already and know exactly where you want to be
- You’re buying a holiday home, not planning to live full-time (yet)
- You’ve got a golden opportunity on a property that ticks every box
In those cases, as long as you’ve done your due diligence and got solid legal advice, going straight to purchase can work out fine.
But for most people planning a lifestyle shift, renting buys you clarity.
How Much Should You Budget?
As a rough guide, here’s what long-term rentals typically cost in 2025:
- 1-bed apartment (Los Cristianos / Costa Adeje): €950–€1,400/month
- 2-bed apartment (well located): €1,200–€1,600/month
- Townhouse or villa (inland or outskirts): €1,800+
These prices can swing based on season, condition, and how long you’re renting for. Be wary of “bargains” that seem too good to be true — they usually are.
So, renting before buying isn’t a delay, it can be part of the decision process. It’s what smart, long-term buyers often do. It gives you:
- Time to understand the island
- A local perspective on pricing and value
- The chance to live your future life before you commit to it
If you’d like help finding a rental or want a second opinion on where to start looking, just shout, we don’t normally do rentals but are happy to help or connect you with someone who can.
Feel free to get in touch, even if it’s just for a bit of advice.
