El coste de la vivienda arrastra a la pobreza severa a 122.000 hogares canarios

The article “El coste de la vivienda arrastra a la pobreza severa a 122 000 hogares canarios” was authored by journalist Alberto Ley for the regional newspaper Atlántico Hoy, a prominent media outlet covering social and economic issues in the Canary Islands. The piece summarises the findings of the IX FOESSA report, which analyses housing costs and their impact on severe poverty across the archipelago.

According to the FOESSA study, more than 122 000 households in the Canary Islands now live below the severe‑poverty line because of unaffordable housing. The report highlights that 218 000 people reside in insecure dwellings and 342 000 live in inadequate or unsanitary conditions, underscoring a widespread lack of decent housing.

Between 2018 and 2024, the average purchase price of a home rose by approximately 38 %, driven by limited supply and a tourism‑focused market. Rental costs have also surged: the median rent increased by 25 %, with the highest gains observed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (+29 %) and Las Palmas (+19 %). These spikes make housing the primary driver of residential exclusion.

Although the unemployment rate has fallen by six points to 14 %, the labour market no longer protects households from poverty. Real wage growth is negligible, with a mere 2.2 % increase in purchasing power after inflation, while average salaries in the Canary Islands remain 14 % below the national average. Consequently, employment does not guarantee sufficient income to cover rising living costs.

The report estimates that over 560 000 individuals—25.5 % of the regional population—experience social exclusion, the highest rate in Spain. The data indicate that the economic growth of recent years has not translated into social cohesion, leaving a substantial share of the population vulnerable.

FOESSA researchers argue that the problem stems from systemic failures rather than a lack of personal initiative. The housing market’s dependence on tourism, combined with fragmented social support mechanisms, forces households into a cycle of precariousness despite active job seeking and skill development.

For a pan‑European audience interested in sustainable housing, the Canary Islands case illustrates how unaffordable housing can exacerbate poverty and hinder social sustainability. The stark figures—122 000 households in severe poverty, a 38 % rise in purchase prices, and a 25 % increase in median rents—highlight the need for policies that ensure affordable, safe, and energy‑efficient dwellings. Addressing supply constraints, regulating tourism‑driven price inflation, and strengthening coordinated social assistance are identified as essential steps to promote inclusive, sustainable housing systems.