San Cristóbal de La Laguna Launches Housing Observatory to Tackle Market Data Gaps

San Cristóbal de La Laguna has launched a new Local Housing Observatory, a move the local councilor describes as a major shift in the city’s urban planning. This initiative is designed to help the municipality meet the strict requirements of Law 6/2025, which demands detailed technical evidence before the government can intervene in the housing market, particularly when declaring areas as "stressed."

The Observatory will act as a central hub for housing data. By combining various statistics—such as property prices, rental trends, and the impact of tourism on housing availability—the city aims to fix the current problem of fragmented information. By centralizing data on supply, demand, social housing, and vacant properties, the council intends to create legally sound reports for the Canary Islands government, ensuring all future housing policies comply with current regulations.

The local government is also pushing back against claims of inaction. Officials highlighted that their broader strategy includes renovating older residential buildings, providing public land for new social housing, and continuing urban regeneration projects like the one in Las Chumberas. The councilor emphasized that the Observatory is not intended to control the economy, but rather to serve as a planning tool that balances the city’s growth with the public's need for affordable housing.

This strategy will be further supported by a new General Urban Development Plan (PGO)—the city’s first in 20 years—which will help regulate the growth of vacation rentals. With regional laws already limiting new vacation rental registrations, the Observatory will provide the essential data needed to measure the true impact of these rentals on the community. Ultimately, the city is committed to making decisions based on solid evidence, ensuring that any future measures are legally secure and support a sustainable local housing market.