Drago Canarias Highlights Housing Crisis in Los Realejos
Drago Canarias has released a comprehensive report addressing the housing crisis in Los Realejos, Tenerife. The document outlines the key factors contributing to the area’s lack of housing and emphasizes the need for public policies to bring 1,448 vacant homes back into the market, according to INE data.
Javier Álvarez, the spokesperson for Drago Canarias in Los Realejos, stressed that the northern part of Tenerife has been severely impacted by housing construction. He noted that municipal boundaries have blurred, leading to an overdevelopment of concrete structures. Álvarez argued that the most effective solution is to utilize the empty homes, stating, “We cannot wait another five, ten, or fifteen years for new houses to be built. Given the current market, likely many locals won’t be able to afford them, not to mention the environmental impact.”
The report also examines issues such as social housing, the General Plan for Urban Development (PGO), and government policies on housing.
Currently, the PGO designates 777,442 square metres of land for residential development, which is roughly equivalent to 109 football pitches and could theoretically accommodate 76,606 residents. With Los Realejos’ population at around 37,000, the council aims to double this figure by adding 39,399 new residents, which Álvarez warns could lead to significant pressure on public services and infrastructure.
Moreover, there are eight social housing units on Tindaya Street built since 2005 that have yet to be allocated by either the Los Realejos council or the Canary Islands government. Álvarez questioned, “How can they manage the mandatory 30% of social housing required by law under these circumstances?”
