Cooperation Agreement to Support Youth Housing in the Canary Islands

Overview

The Canary Islands government has officially published a new cooperation agreement between the Instituto Canario de la Vivienda (Canary Islands Housing Institute) and the regional Chambers of Commerce across Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Tenerife. Signed on September 25, 2025, this pact aims to streamline the management and distribution of subsidies for the 2025 Youth Rental Voucher program, part of Spain's broader effort to improve housing access for young, low-income residents.

This collaboration is vital amid a housing crisis that has stretched resources thin, with previous aid programs managing over 19,000 requests in recent years. By partnering with the established chambers, the government seeks to fast-track processing times, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure municipal-level outreach - especially crucial in the island's current emergency housing context.

Details of the Agreement

The agreement outlines:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Legal framework including data protection
• Financial compensation for the chambers' administrative efforts

The chambers will assist with:

• Information dissemination
• Helping applicants complete electronic paperwork
• Handling fund transfers
• Reporting on progress

Strategic Goals

This initiative underscores a strategic move to bolster local capacity and manage aid efficiently, given the current surge in housing needs. It aims to:

• Deliver financial aid swiftly to young renters
• Reduce waiting times from over two years to just a few months

It also reflects a broader push for:

• Digital governance
• Transparent processes
• Targeted support for vulnerable groups in the Canary Islands