Fuerteventura Proposes Changes to Canary Islands Housing Plan
Fuerteventura’s local government has submitted its recommendations for the Canary Islands Housing Plan 2026-2030. The aim is to adapt housing policies to the island’s specific needs, ease access to homes for residents, and ensure that new housing solutions protect the island’s limited resources.
The proposals stem from collaborative efforts among various departments, including Social Action, Housing, Education, Land Planning, and Environment, as well as the Island Water Council.
Cabildo President Lola García emphasised that “Canarias does not have a single reality regarding housing.” She highlighted Fuerteventura’s unique needs and limits, stating the importance of tailored solutions that enable residents to pursue their life projects on the island.
Key recommendations include adopting an island-specific housing plan in coordination with the Government of Canarias and the six local councils. This plan aims to anticipate needs, assess municipal demands, and schedule housing and rehabilitation projects.
One major initiative is the recovery of unfinished houses before developing new land. The Cabildo has worked alongside local councils to identify properties suitable for habitation. This information has already been shared with the Government of Canarias to secure funding and facilitate use. García noted, “We’ve made progress in identifying these buildings and obtained the commitment from the Government of Canarias for their recovery. We want this approach to be part of the housing strategy for the upcoming years, prioritising existing structures over new land use.”
The plans also propose weighted criteria for island residency and continuous residence in evaluating access to affordable housing and rental assistance, ensuring fairness and non-discrimination.
Additionally, the Cabildo aims to expand the public stock of affordable housing, especially for rent and rent-to-buy options, and to bring empty or underused homes back into use through rehabilitation, incentives, and public guarantees.
Victor Alonso, the Social Action councillor, stressed the importance of addressing urgent needs in Fuerteventura through various measures, including increasing the availability of public housing, rehabilitation, and mobilising vacant properties. “The goal is to enhance access to housing while respecting the reality of Fuerteventura,” he said.
The document also focuses on youth support, with initiatives to aid independence and encourage the return of those who left the island for education. It proposes affordable rent for essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and emergency services.
Furthermore, the proposals call for coordinating housing with land and tourism planning, accounting for water availability in new developments, and speeding up administrative procedures.
