Visocan Converts 42 La Palma Homes to Affordable Rentals
Visocan, the Canary Islands public housing company, will rent 42 homes in La Palma at affordable prices, adapting its initial sales plan to better meet the housing needs of families affected by the Tajogaite volcano.
Visocan, the Canary Islands Government's public housing company, has confirmed that 42 homes in Finca Amado, Breña Baja, La Palma, will now be rented out at affordable prices.
These homes were bought in 2022 to help with the housing crisis caused by the Tajogaite volcano eruption, which left many families on the island without a place to live.
Initially, the plan was to sell these homes. However, after reviewing the list of applicants, it became clear that few met the requirements for buying subsidized housing. A study of the 290 interested parties showed that most couldn't meet the financial and administrative conditions required for a purchase. This led Visocan to change the plan to affordable rental, an option that better suits the needs of the actual demand.
Javier Terán, Visocan's manager, clarified that these are not 'social housing' units. He explained that the properties are market-rate and do not receive specific subsidies for low-income housing. Instead, they are intended for families and individuals with average incomes, not for those in situations of extreme vulnerability.
Four families previously referred by Icavi have already received full public assistance. Therefore, they are not included in this current allocation process, which means more apartments are available for other applicants.
The Canary Islands Government spent a total of 3.1 million euros to buy and renovate these buildings, which used to be tourist apartments. Terán noted that it was a very good deal, especially given the island's housing shortage.
After resolving delays caused by supply issues and construction work, the allocation process is now active. Interested individuals can visit the Visocan office in Los Llanos de Aridane to check if they meet the requirements and apply for a rental.
Terán confirmed that the homes are "100% ready" and that families are expected to move in during the coming months, at a time when there is high demand for stable housing in La Palma.