Cabildo and ICAVI explore new ways to boost youth housing access in Fuerteventura

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI) held a working meeting aimed at finding ways to facilitate young people’s access to housing on the island. Among the proposals discussed, the possibility of the island corporation collaborating in upcoming calls for the state Bono Alquiler Joven (Young Rental Bonus) program—managed by the autonomous communities—stood out.

“Housing is one of the main priorities of this government group, and it is essential to establish cooperation mechanisms with the competent administrations,” said Lola García, president of the island. She advocated for the Cabildo’s participation in the Young Rental Bonus, with a complementary line reserved exclusively for Fuerteventura residents.

The Bono Alquiler Joven is a national program that provides financial aid for the rent of a young person’s primary residence. With the island’s contribution, the aim is to cover applications that are not satisfied in the regional call due to a lack of credit.

García also reminded that the Cabildo continues to pursue the recovery of abandoned homes and unfinished constructions as an alternative to consuming new land.

The youth councilor, Adargoma Hernández, emphasized the need to “establish mechanisms that give Majorero youth more options for emancipation and access to decent housing.” Treasury councilor Nuria Cabrera added that proper budget planning will be required to incorporate the necessary financial allocations into next year’s accounts.

ICAVI director Antonio Ortega praised the meeting as a positive step toward institutional cooperation:

“These actions allow administrations to agree on common policies that benefit citizens.”

He also noted that 701 applications for the Bono Alquiler Joven were submitted in Fuerteventura in 2022, highlighting the high demand on the island.

With these measures, the Cabildo and ICAVI aim to address one of the major concerns of Majorero youth: the difficulty of obtaining decent and affordable housing.