People searching for affordable housing in the Canary Islands can now see exactly where new public housing developments are being built, thanks to a new digital map launched by the regional government.
The online tool, integrated into the Canary Islands Housing Observatory, provides an up-to-date overview of public housing projects across the archipelago, showing completed developments, those currently under construction, and future projects awaiting tender.
Interactive Map Tracks Housing Progress
The new platform allows residents to search by island and municipality, making it easier to find out what housing projects are planned or underway in their local area.
The map brings together information from various public bodies involved in housing development, including Visocan and the Instituto Canario de la Vivienda.
Officials say the system will be updated regularly as projects progress and new developments are approved, providing a real-time picture of housing policies and their impact across the islands.
More Than 3,400 Homes Planned or Under Construction
According to the latest figures, only 248 public homes have been completed since the housing emergency was declared in early 2024.
A further 1,966 homes are currently under construction, while another 1,189 properties have been planned and are awaiting the tender process.
The Canary Islands Government expects many of these future developments to go out to tender during 2026, supported by funding from Spain’s new State Housing Plan and European Union funds.
Government map courtesy of Atlantico Hoy
Demand Still Far Outstrips Supply
Despite the increase in construction activity, regional authorities acknowledge that housing demand remains significantly higher than the available supply.
More than 30,000 people and families are currently registered as applicants for protected housing, either for rental or purchase, highlighting the scale of the housing challenge facing the islands.
The shortage is particularly acute in municipalities experiencing strong tourism demand, where affordable housing options have become increasingly difficult to find for local residents and workers.
Why New Homes Take Time
The Government has also highlighted the lengthy timescales involved in delivering public housing projects.
Once a contract has been awarded, a typical development requires around 20 months to complete. Before construction can even begin, the tendering process itself usually takes between four and six months.
As a result, many of the projects currently listed as being in the planning phase are unlikely to become available immediately, although they form a key part of the region's future housing supply.
Private Sector Projects to Be Added
Future updates to the housing map will also include protected housing developments being built by private developers, providing a more comprehensive overview of affordable housing availability across the Canary Islands.
The Government is also continuing other initiatives aimed at increasing supply, including programmes designed to bring empty properties back onto the long-term rental market.
Housing Remains a Key Political Issue
The launch of the new housing map comes at a time when access to affordable housing remains one of the biggest concerns among Canary Islands residents.
While the regional government says it has succeeded in accelerating the construction of new public housing developments, it admits that the situation remains challenging due to the high number of applicants and the continuing shortage of homes across many parts of the archipelago.
