The National Executive Committee of Coalición Canaria has decided to support the first housing decree while categorically rejecting a second. Although they believe the first decree is inadequate and requires changes, the nationalists managed to secure a commitment to include provisions that would restrict property purchases by non-residents in the Canary Islands.
David Toledo, the national secretary for Organisation at CC, expressed criticism towards the Spanish government’s approach. He stated, “After eight years, you can’t expect to solve a problem of this magnitude with two decrees rushed through in 48 hours.” He emphasised the need for steady governance rather than hasty decisions.
Toledo reiterated that Coalición Canaria aims to employ a “Canarian way of doing politics,” focusing on dialogue rather than dividing into factions. “We are here to negotiate and find solutions that improve people’s lives,” he added.
He clarified that the party’s support for the first decree in the Congress of Deputies does not mean they fully endorse it. “There are many issues we disagree with, and it needs significant improvements,” he noted.
During its legislative process, CC will propose amendments that address the unique aspects of the Canary Islands, increase housing availability, and reduce bureaucratic obstacles. One proposal includes making administrative silence favourable after six months without a decision on building licences.
Toledo asserted, “We cannot resolve the housing crisis without increasing the number of homes on the market.” He called for stronger legal protections for both landlords and tenants and measures to help vulnerable people secure housing.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to adding restrictions on property purchases by non-residents in the legislative proposals. Toledo insisted that the Canary Islands requires tailored measures to address demographic and housing pressures unlike those of other regions. “Limiting property purchases by non-residents is crucial for the Canary Islands,” he stressed.
He highlighted that the goal is to protect residents’ access to housing against the purchasing of properties that remain empty for much of the year. “We cannot allow speculation on housing in the Canaries while our people struggle to find homes,” Toledo remarked.
He reminded that CC has long supported this measure. “When we first proposed it, some dismissed it as political rhetoric. Now, we’ve opened the door for it to become a reality.”
Conversely, Coalición Canaria will oppose the second housing decree, arguing it creates legal uncertainty, undermines small property owners, and risks driving rental homes off the market. “We are completely against this decree. It’s absolute nonsense,” Toledo stated.
He specifically questioned the economic compensations outlined for non-renewal of contracts, warning of their potential impact on a market already grappling with a severe housing shortage. “The practical effect could be that hundreds or thousands of homes are withdrawn from the market in a housing emergency,” he said.
Toledo noted that nearly nine out of ten residential rentals are owned by small landlords, underscoring that public policies must protect both tenants and owners. “We need to safeguard everyone in our community—both tenants and small landlords. We require more homes, more legal security, and more availability, not measures that lead to an even smaller market,” he concluded.
