42 Affordable Homes in Playa Blanca Still Await Residents as Housing Delayed Again
More than 18 months after 42 affordable homes in Playa Blanca were jointly purchased by the Cabildo of Lanzarote and the Government of the Canary Islands, the properties have still not been allocated to residents, prompting renewed calls for action from Yaiza Town Hall.
The homes, located in the Los Ajaches residential development in Playa Blanca, were bought in January 2025 with the intention of providing affordable rental accommodation to help tackle Lanzarote’s growing housing shortage. However, despite the purchase being completed, families eligible for public housing are still waiting to move in.
Yaiza Mayor Calls for Answers
Yaiza Mayor Óscar Noda has expressed frustration over the continued delays, pointing out that more than a year and a half has passed since the purchase was announced.
According to the municipality, around 400 people in Yaiza remain on waiting lists for public housing. While the 42 homes would not solve the housing crisis on their own, the council says they would provide immediate relief for dozens of local families while larger housing projects progress.
The mayor has requested fresh meetings with both the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI) and the Cabildo de Lanzarote to clarify why the allocation process has still not been completed and when residents can expect the homes to become available.
Larger Housing Projects Also Await Progress
The delay comes as Yaiza continues to press for additional affordable housing developments.
One of the most significant projects involves 136 planned affordable rental homes on municipal land in Montaña Roja, Playa Blanca. The land was previously transferred by Yaiza Town Hall to the Canary Islands Government, and local officials say the project is ready to move forward once funding and tendering are finalised.
The mayor has also highlighted another completed phase of the Los Ajaches development, consisting of 76 additional homes, suggesting these could also be acquired for affordable housing if funding becomes available.
Why Housing Matters in Lanzarote
The shortage of affordable housing has become one of Lanzarote’s biggest social challenges. Rising property prices, increasing rental costs and limited long-term accommodation have made it increasingly difficult for many residents—including teachers, healthcare workers, emergency services personnel and hospitality employees—to find suitable homes.
While tourism remains the backbone of Lanzarote’s economy, local authorities continue to argue that expanding affordable housing is essential to ensure key workers can continue living and working on the island.
What Happens Next?
Yaiza Town Hall is now seeking clearer timelines from both the Cabildo and the Canary Islands Government regarding:
- When the 42 completed homes in Playa Blanca will finally be allocated.
- When construction of the planned 136 affordable homes will begin.
- Whether further completed housing developments could also be incorporated into the island’s affordable housing programme.
Until those questions are answered, many residents remain on waiting lists despite completed homes standing ready for occupation.
