Fuerteventura Times: As Fuerteventura continues to attract investors, the ongoing housing crisis in the Canary Islands is drawing significant attention and action.
The Tenerife Tenants Union has announced a demonstration set for June 27 at 11:30 AM in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, highlighting the severe impact of the housing crisis affecting the Canary Islands. This mobilization underscores the growing concern over speculative practices in the housing market.
A key demand from the union is the immediate declaration of “stressed areas” in municipalities severely impacted by rising real estate pressures, such as La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These areas have witnessed significant increases in rental and housing prices, leading to the expulsion of residents and working families.
Tenerife stands as the first city in the Canary Islands to join over 20 similar mobilizations across Spain, organized under the slogan “housing costs us our lives.” Organizers predict a surge in public demonstrations as part of a broader movement.
The Canary Islands have been in a state of declared housing emergency for over two years, initiated by the Decree-Law 1/2024 aimed at urgent housing measures. Despite this, community groups argue that conditions have not improved. They insist that mere declarations or superficial measures will not suffice; a fundamental change in the housing market is essential to support working families.
To address the housing crisis, the union calls for an effective policy to recover vacant homes, particularly those held by large owners and investors. They propose implementing fiscal pressures and increased taxes to incentivize these owners to enter the rental market. However, they oppose government proposals that rely on voluntary participation and tax incentives, arguing that these methods do not address the speculative nature of the market or produce a substantial increase in affordable housing.
Furthermore, the union demands a prohibition on the purchase of second homes by speculative capital, especially foreign investors, asserting that homes should not be treated purely as financial assets while increasing numbers of residents face housing insecurity.
The mobilization in La Laguna is particularly relevant as recent data from Tinsa indicates it has seen the highest annual increase in housing prices among municipalities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, averaging €1,781 per square meter—a spike of 15.6%. This is compounded by a stark imbalance in the rental market, where only 49 residential properties were available compared to 560 holiday homes.
La Laguna was chosen for this demonstration to symbolize the effects of speculation and the touristification of housing, which are driving locals out of their neighborhoods and increasing the pressure on less central areas.
This impending June 27 demonstration will coincide with similar actions by other groups in the Canary Islands, including Derecho al Techo in Gran Canaria and the Fuerteventura Tenants’ Union. These movements aim to create a unified front advocating for housing as a fundamental right, countering a model that favors speculation over community needs.
In the coming days, the Tenerife Tenants Union will provide additional details about the protest route and specific demands. They are urging civil society, social organizations, and community members to rally together on June 27 in response to what they describe as a precarious housing situation that transforms living spaces into mere business opportunities. Through collective organization and citizen activism, they hope to stimulate a genuine debate on the housing model necessary for the Canary Islands.
Image credit: www.eldiario.es
Source: www.eldiario.es.
Curated by Fuerteventura Times Real Estate Desk.
