Holiday Rental Numbers Fall Across the Canary Islands – What It Means for Lanzarote
The number of holiday rental properties being advertised online across the Canary Islands has fallen significantly over the past year, with Lanzarote recording one of the biggest declines.
According to the latest figures, the number of holiday homes actively listed on major online booking platforms across the Canary Islands has dropped by around 15% compared with a year ago, while Lanzarote has seen an even larger reduction of approximately 17%.
Why Are There Fewer Holiday Rentals?
The decline doesn’t necessarily mean there are fewer visitors choosing the Canary Islands. Instead, it reflects a changing market as regional authorities introduce tighter regulations on Viviendas Vacacionales (VV), the licensed holiday rental properties that have become increasingly popular over the last decade.
The Canary Islands Government has introduced new rules aimed at balancing tourism with the housing needs of local residents. These measures are intended to help tackle concerns about housing availability while ensuring holiday accommodation continues to operate within a clearer legal framework.
Some property owners have also chosen to remove their listings while they review the latest regulations or decide whether to continue operating as holiday rentals.
What Does This Mean for Lanzarote?
Lanzarote has long been one of the most popular destinations in the Canary Islands for visitors looking for self-catering accommodation.
A reduction in available holiday rentals could mean:
- Less choice during peak holiday periods.
- Increased demand for the remaining licensed accommodation.
- Potentially higher prices during busy seasons if demand continues to outstrip supply.
- Greater demand for hotels, aparthotels and traditional tourist complexes.
For tourists planning to visit Lanzarote, it could simply mean booking accommodation earlier than usual, particularly during school holidays and the winter sunshine season.
Despite the reduction, Lanzarote still offers thousands of licensed holiday rental properties, alongside a wide range of hotels, resorts, villas and apartments. Visitors are unlikely to struggle to find accommodation, although leaving bookings until the last minute may become more difficult during the busiest months.
Looking Ahead
The holiday rental sector in the Canary Islands is continuing to evolve as authorities seek to strike a balance between supporting tourism and protecting the long-term housing market for residents.
For visitors, the main advice remains simple: if you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote during a busy period, booking your accommodation well in advance is becoming increasingly important.
As the regulations settle and the market adapts, it will become clearer whether the recent fall in holiday rental listings is a temporary adjustment or the beginning of a longer-term trend.
