The Minister of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water, Manuel Miranda, informed the Canary Islands Parliament this Tuesday that the Canary Islands Agency for the Protection of the Natural Environment (ACPMN) has opened in the last two and a half years a total of 44 cases for the installation of prefabricated homes on land where it is not permitted to do so.
Miranda explained that the installation of this type of housing, which is faster because it is prefabricated elsewhere, “does not exempt from compliance with urban planning, environmental, or territorial regulations.” She stressed that the requirements are the same as for a traditional home and recalled that they can only be built on urban land and with the corresponding permits.
“The increase in the use of this type of construction may have generated some confusion among the public, but the rule is clear: the type of housing does not modify the conditions of the land nor the permits that are required,” the councilor stated.
Of the 44 files opened by the ACPMN, 17 correspond to Fuerteventura and 16 to Tenerife, while five have been processed in Lanzarote, four in Gran Canaria, one in La Gomera and another in La Palma. By year, 17 files were opened in 2023, 18 in 2024 and 9 in the first six months of 2025.
Miranda also recalled that these procedures entail the obligation to remove or demolish the illegal installation and can result in financial penalties. Depending on the category of the affected land, the infractions are considered serious or very serious, and the fines range from 6,000 to 600,000 euros, or a minimum percentage of 100% of the value of the installation.
“The message is clear,” Miranda concluded, “all housing, whether modular or traditional, must comply with the regulations and be located only on urban land with the corresponding licenses. The Canary Islands Agency for the Protection of the Natural Environment will remain vigilant to ensure that the territory remains orderly and protected.”
