The Island Government Council approved this Thursday, December 26, the acquisition of 42 homes in Playa Blanca, in the municipality of Yaiza, which will be entirely used for affordable rent. The operation amounts to 9.3 million euros and is part of the collaboration agreement signed by the Institution chaired by Oswaldo Betancort with the Canary Housing Institute (ICAVI).
Betancort highlighted the relevance of this measure as part of a comprehensive housing policy: "This acquisition not only represents a further step in our strategy to expand the public housing stock in Lanzarote, but also responds to a real and urgent need of many families and young people who cannot find alternatives in the private market."
For his part, the Minister of Housing, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, stressed the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in the execution of this project: "Thanks to the agreement signed between the Cabildo and the Canary Housing Institute, we not only acquire these homes, but we guarantee their correct use and maintenance, ensuring that they reach those who need them most."
Details of the operation
The agreement signed by the Governing Council includes a total of 42 protected homes located in the Montaña Roja area, Playa Blanca, and is part of a new construction promotion. After the acquisition by the Cabildo Insular de Lanzarote and, once the registration in the corresponding Land Registry of the deed of new construction and horizontal division is recorded, the Institution will transfer the ownership of the homes to the Canary Housing Institute, the body responsible for their award, conservation and maintenance.
The total investment for this operation reaches 9.3 million euros, most of which will be provided by the Cabildo of Lanzarote, while the Canary Housing Institute adds 3 million euros here in the form of a subsidy.
This scheme of inter-administrative cooperation has allowed the Cabildo to advance in the achievement of strategic objectives such as the expansion of the public housing stock under affordable rental, especially in an area such as Playa Blanca, where housing demand is high and rental prices are the highest on the island.
As of September 26, 2024, the municipality of Yaiza had 14% of the applicants for protected housing in Lanzarote ─according to data from the Public Registry of Applicants for Protected Housing of the Canary Islands (RPDVPC) as of September 26, 2024─, being the municipality with the highest ratio of number of housing applicants per population (1.58%), only surpassed by Arrecife (2.03%).
A comprehensive plan to combat the housing crisis
The Cabildo's housing policy during this term is marked by the ambition to face the housing crisis with structural measures. In addition to this acquisition, the Cabildo has allocated more than 13 million euros to various actions in the field of housing. These include the purchase of land in other municipalities and foresees the upcoming launch of aid lines for young people and families at risk of exclusion.
In the words of Betancort: "Access to housing is one of the pillars of social welfare and a key factor in guaranteeing equal opportunities. This Cabildo will not stand idly by while many people see this fundamental right violated." Finally, Councilor Miguel Ángel Jiménez has also announced that collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands will accelerate the construction of new protected homes on land already acquired by the Cabildo: "Our priority is that these actions are not one-off solutions, but part of a sustainable long-term strategy. We want Lanzarote to be an island where all people can thrive."
