Canary Islands seek EU backing for possible limits on foreign second-home purchases
The Canary Islands Government is stepping up its campaign for greater control over the purchase of second homes by people who do not live in the islands, with President Fernando Clavijo taking the issue directly to the Irish Government in Dublin.
The move is part of a wider European discussion about how to deal with housing shortages in areas where demand is particularly high, including popular island and tourism destinations such as the Canary Islands.
Why has the Canary Islands raised the issue?
Housing has become one of the biggest challenges facing the Canary Islands, where limited land and a growing demand for homes are putting pressure on the property market.
During meetings in Dublin, President Fernando Clavijo argued that the islands need greater scope to protect access to housing for people who live and work in the Canary Islands.
According to figures cited by the Canary Islands Government, foreign buyers account for around 30% of home purchases in the archipelago. Clavijo says that most of these properties are bought as second homes, rather than as primary residences.
The regional government wants the European Union to provide a legal framework that could allow measures to limit some purchases by non-residents in areas experiencing severe housing pressure.
Importantly, this does NOT mean that a ban on foreign property purchases has been introduced in Lanzarote or elsewhere in the Canary Islands.
What does Ireland have to do with it?
Ireland holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July until 31 December 2026.
The Irish Presidency is working on European housing initiatives, including the proposed Affordable Housing Act. That has created what Clavijo describes as a potential opportunity for the Canary Islands to make its case at European level.
During his visit to Dublin, Clavijo met Ireland's Secretary of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummis, to discuss the housing problems faced by both island regions.
The Canary Islands Government says the meeting was encouraging and that it hopes Ireland will support the islands' position during the EU discussions.
What is the EU Affordable Housing Act?
The European Commission presented its proposed Affordable Housing Act on 9 September 2026.
The proposal is designed to give national, regional and local authorities greater legal certainty when dealing with housing shortages in areas experiencing significant pressure.
The Commission says housing decisions remain primarily a responsibility of national, regional and local authorities. However, the proposed framework would help authorities assess housing stress and, where justified, introduce targeted measures.
The European Commission specifically recognises that second homes, short-term rentals and long-term vacant properties can contribute to housing pressure in some locations.
Any restrictions would have to be evidence-based, necessary, proportionate and targeted. The framework also includes safeguards around legal certainty and transitional arrangements.
So, what could this mean for Lanzarote?
For people living in Lanzarote, the issue is particularly relevant because the island has a large international property market and a substantial tourism economy.
However, there is currently no new rule stopping non-residents from buying a property in Lanzarote as a result of these discussions.
The proposals are still part of an EU legislative and policy process. Any future restriction would need to go through the appropriate Spanish, Canary Islands and European legal procedures.
For British, Irish and other overseas buyers who already own property in Lanzarote, the current discussion should therefore not be interpreted as an announcement that a blanket property-buying ban is about to come into force.
The details would depend on any measures eventually proposed and adopted.
Why is housing such a difficult issue in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands face a combination of factors that make housing particularly complicated.
The islands have a finite amount of developable land, while population, tourism and demand for accommodation have increased over time. Popular coastal areas also attract people looking for holiday homes, investment properties and long-term accommodation.
At the same time, the Canary Islands Government has been pursuing measures aimed at increasing the supply of homes.
The regional government says it has introduced three housing decrees during the current legislature aimed at speeding up construction and improving access to public housing. Earlier Canary Islands housing legislation has also included measures designed to increase the amount of land and buildings available for residential use.
The European Commission's current approach also places considerable emphasis on increasing housing supply through planning, faster permitting, renovation, repurposing buildings and investment.
Will foreign buyers be stopped from buying homes in Lanzarote?
There is no such blanket restriction in force as a result of the latest announcement.
President Clavijo is asking for the Canary Islands to have greater powers or legal room to introduce restrictions in areas experiencing housing stress. The exact form of any future measure has not yet been decided.
The European Commission's proposal also makes clear that authorities would need evidence showing that housing is under pressure and that any measures introduced are justified and proportionate.
That means the current situation is best described as an ongoing political and legal debate rather than a new property-buying rule.
What should tourists and property owners know?
For tourists visiting Lanzarote, there is no immediate change to holiday travel or accommodation arrangements as a result of these discussions.
For people who own a holiday home, second home or investment property on the island, there is also no announcement of an immediate requirement to change the use of an existing property.
For anyone considering buying property in Lanzarote, however, the wider housing debate is worth following because future European and Spanish rules could affect how second homes, holiday rentals or other non-primary residences are regulated in areas facing housing pressure.
As with any property purchase in Spain, prospective buyers should obtain up-to-date advice from a qualified Spanish property lawyer before making a commitment.
The bigger picture
The Canary Islands' campaign comes at a time when housing affordability is becoming a major issue across Europe.
The European Commission says more than half of people living in European cities consider housing an immediate and urgent problem where they live. Its new Affordable Housing Act is intended to give authorities more tools to respond to local housing pressures while ensuring that restrictions are evidence-based and proportionate.
For Lanzarote, the debate is likely to continue.
The central question is how the islands can maintain a successful tourism and international property market while also ensuring that people who live and work here can find suitable and affordable homes.
For now, there has been a request for greater powers and European support — not a new ban on foreign property purchases.
