Lanzarote Housing Crisis: Residents Share Experiences of Living in Cars and Garages

The challenge of finding an affordable home in Lanzarote has been brought into focus again after residents gathered at José Ramírez Cerdá Park in Arrecife to discuss housing difficulties and share their experiences. The event, held on Sunday 11 October, combined cultural and community activities with conversations about access to housing. According to reports from local media, people from Arrecife and other parts of the island spoke about the pressure of trying to secure somewhere stable and affordable to live. Some described living in vehicles or staying in garages, while others said that having a job and a regular income had not been enough to find a home within their budget.

A community response in Arrecife

The gathering was organised as part of the wider movement for the right to housing in Lanzarote. The campaign has been using the park as a place for meetings, discussion and public participation, following a series of gatherings and the establishment of working groups. Rather than focusing only on speeches or demonstrations, Sunday’s activities included opportunities for people to meet, exchange experiences and take part in cultural, craft and social activities. Discussions also touched on mental health and self-care—issues that can become especially important when people face uncertainty over where they will live.

Why affordable housing matters to Lanzarote

Housing affordability is an increasingly important issue for residents, workers and families across the Canary Islands. Lanzarote depends heavily on tourism, and the island needs accommodation for the people who keep its hotels, restaurants, shops, transport services and other businesses running. When long-term rental homes are difficult to find or priced beyond local budgets, workers can struggle to remain near their jobs and families can face prolonged uncertainty. The campaigners are calling for measures including more public housing and more affordable rental options. They have also raised concerns about speculation and the pressure that different uses of property can place on the residential market. These are the campaign’s stated concerns and proposals; the longer-term causes and possible solutions remain matters for public debate and policy decisions.

The human impact behind the figures

Stories of people sleeping in cars or paying to stay in garages underline that housing insecurity is not limited to one age group or employment situation. A person may be working and still be unable to find a suitable rental property. Others may face barriers because of family circumstances, deposits, rental requirements or a shortage of homes that match their needs. Living without secure housing can affect sleep, privacy, health, relationships and the ability to maintain a normal routine. It can also make it harder for employers to recruit and retain staff if workers cannot find somewhere realistic to live on the island.

What happens next?

The movement has said it intends to continue meeting, developing proposals and inviting residents to contribute their experiences and ideas. Its next steps and any policy response will be important to follow as the discussion about housing in Lanzarote continues. For residents who are affected, it is worth checking official information from local councils and the Cabildo de Lanzarote about housing services, support and any public-housing initiatives for which they may qualify. Availability and eligibility can change, so residents should confirm current requirements directly with the relevant authority. For visitors, the issue is also a reminder that Lanzarote is not only a holiday destination but a home for the people who live and work here year-round. A sustainable tourism economy depends on communities being able to access the housing and services they need. The gathering at José Ramírez Cerdá Park has helped bring personal experiences into the public conversation. Whether through new housing provision, more accessible rents or other measures, the central question remains how Lanzarote can ensure that people who live and work on the island have a realistic chance of finding a safe and stable home.

Lanzarote Housing Crisis: Residents Share Experiences of Living in Cars and Garages