How to Join a Public Auction in Spain (and Yes, Even in the Canary Islands)
Dear homebuyers, car seekers, and future captains of slightly used boats: if you’re in Spain and eyeing a good deal, public auctions are your secret weapon. And yes, the Canary Islands are included—no need to row to the mainland.
Here’s a breakdown of the official auction platforms where you can bid on everything from seaside apartments to Social Security vans, all from the comfort of your own (hopefully soon-to-be-upgraded) home.
🏠 Social Security Auctions: Real Estate, Rides, and the Occasional Surprise
If you’re looking for real estate or vehicles, especially within the Canary Islands, start with the Social Security Auctions Site. It’s a mixed bag of property and cars that have ended up in the system one way or another. You never know what you’ll find—maybe a city apartment in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or a modest van that screams “new business venture.”
👉 Browse the listings here:
Social Security Auctions Site
🏢 Tax Agency Auctions: Mainland Only (Sorry, Islanders)
The Spanish Tax Agency Auctions Site has its own treasure chest of properties and vehicles, but here’s the catch: it excludes the Canary Islands. Great if you’re looking for a beach house in Valencia. Not so great if you live in Arucas.
👉 Dig into the catalogue here:
Tax Agency Auctions Site
🌴 Canary Islands Tax Agency: Where Island Dreams Go to Auction
For Canary Islands-specific properties—including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and the rest of the archipelago—the Canary Islands Tax Agency Auctions Site is your go-to. You’ll need to register to place a bid, but the platform is straightforward and doesn’t bite.
👉 Start bidding here:
Canary Islands Auctions Site (search for subasta)
📜 BOE Auctions: The National Catch-All
The BOE Auctions Portal (yes, the same BOE that publishes Spain’s official gazette) is like the big buffet of public auctions. It includes all sorts of nationwide listings, from foreclosed homes to forgotten warehouses and even art. If you’re the type who loves a surprise, this is your playground.
👉 Explore the national auctions here:
BOE Auctions Portal
⚓ Canary Islands Ports Auctions: For the Nautically Curious
Last but definitely niche, the Canary Islands Ports Auctions site features auctions related to port infrastructure and properties. Think marina slips, old port buildings, or other watery opportunities.
👉 Take a peek here:
Canary Islands Ports Auctions
🎯 Final Tip: Register Early, Bid Smart
All these sites require a bit of admin to participate—usually a digital certificate or Cl@ve system login. So if you’re planning to pounce on a deal, get your documents in order before the auction countdown begins. And of course, read the fine print. That dreamy seaside flat might come with “a few minor repairs” (like a missing roof).
Happy bidding—and may the odds (and the gavel) be ever in your favour.
