The Adeje City Council has unanimously endorsed a proposal to investigate the establishment of a local ordinance governing the rental of holiday homes within the town, aiming to tackle the escalating issue of housing accessibility in the area. The motion was put forward by Podemos-IU councillor, Gabriel Hernández, titled Regulation of Holiday Rental Homes in Adeje.
In the rationale for the proposal, the mixed group councillor pointed out that “The Canary Islands have witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism. In 2023, the Islands welcomed over 16 million tourists, shattering historical records in hotel revenue and profitability. However, this affluence stands in stark contrast to the low income levels, poverty, and social exclusion affecting a significant portion of the resident population.”
Data from the Tenerife Cabildo indicates that there are around 4,800 holiday homes in Adeje with active permits, whilst, as Hernández elaborated, 25% of these licensed properties remain vacant or lack tourist activity. “This situation has resulted in the displacement of approximately 10,000 residents of Adeje,” as noted by the councillor of the purple group.
The Granadilla Example
The proposal aims to investigate the creation of an ordinance that regulates holiday activities in pressured areas, following a model recently adopted by Granadilla de Abona, which implemented measures to safeguard housing access for local families. Among the suggestions is a restriction on holiday use to properties situated on ground floors, first floors with independent access, or standalone homes.
Additionally, the safeguarding of social housing initiatives and those not adhering to planning regulations is prioritised, ensuring their exclusion from tourist activities to maintain their residential purpose.
Adeje’s mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga (PSOE), emphasised the need to strike a balance between tourist activities and the housing requirements of residents. “Holiday housing is here to stay, but we need time to establish appropriate regulations,” he asserted.
The Councillor for the Presidency and Territorial Planning, Manuel Luis Méndez, pointed out that “in 2018, there were 4,746 holiday homes listed on digital platforms in the municipality, yet just 211 were officially registered.” Though the current number of registrations surpasses that of active homes, he believes that “the absence of regulation continues to leave proprietors vulnerable compared to traditional rentals.”
From 2000 to 2011, Adeje experienced a population increase of 11,000 individuals, resulting in the construction of approximately 1,000 social homes, as explained by the mayor.
Recently, the council has allocated two parcels of land to develop new affordable housing, serving as an additional measure to mitigate housing pressures.