Young People Struggle in Tenerife South

Finding affordable housing in Tenerife, especially in popular areas like Tenerife South and Costa Adeje, has become one of the biggest challenges for young people. A recent report from the Spanish Youth Council (Observatorio de Emancipación) highlights just how difficult it is for locals to move out of their family homes and gain independence.

Low salaries vs high property prices in Tenerife

According to the study, young people in the Canary Islands aged 16 to 29 earn around €14,000 net per year on average. However, to buy a property in Tenerife South or Costa Adeje, they would need at least €36,000 annually. This means most young Canarians are short by more than €20,000 each year, making the dream of owning a home almost impossible.

Even those in the 30–34 age group, who earn a little more, cannot afford the high property prices in Tenerife. They would still need an extra €9,000 a year to buy a home, showing how wide the gap really is.

Apartment prices in Costa Adeje: then and now

One of the key reasons behind the housing problem is the rapid rise in property prices. Just a few years ago, in 2023, the average price per square metre in Costa Adeje was around €4,350. By 2024, this climbed to about €4,830/m², and in early 2025, prices reached new records of €5,000–€5,300/m².

That’s an increase of nearly 20–25% in only two years. The growth is even sharper when compared to 2022, when apartments in Tenerife South could still be found below €4,000/m². Today, Costa Adeje is one of the most expensive areas on the island, with luxury apartments often exceeding €500,000.

The reason for this rise is simple: strong demand from international buyers, limited new construction, and the popularity of the south of Tenerife as both a lifestyle and investment hotspot.

Tenerife South and Costa Adeje: high demand, high prices

Costa Adeje and nearby resorts are some of the most desirable places to live in Tenerife. The sunny climate, modern services, beaches, and vibrant tourism sector attract not only locals but also buyers from across Europe. However, this popularity also means higher housing costs.

For young Canarians, competing with foreign investors is nearly impossible. While salaries remain among the lowest in Spain, apartment prices in Costa Adeje continue to climb well above the national average.

More young people staying at home

The report shows that the Canary Islands had the steepest drop in young people moving out compared to the rest of Spain. While the national average fell slightly, the decline in the Canaries was much sharper. Today, only about a quarter of young people manage to live outside the family home.

This trend is particularly visible in Tenerife South, where the mix of low wages and high property demand makes renting or buying very difficult.

Unstable jobs make things harder

Another major issue is unstable employment. Many young people in Tenerife South only have part-time contracts, often not by choice. The problem is even greater for women, who are more likely to be in part-time work than men. Without stable income, renting or buying in areas like Costa Adeje becomes even less realistic.

The reality for young Canarians in Tenerife

The findings paint a clear picture: young people in Tenerife South face some of the toughest housing barriers in Spain. Low salaries, unstable jobs, and rapidly rising property prices in Costa Adeje mean that financial independence is out of reach for many.

Despite these challenges, Tenerife remains one of the most attractive places to live. But for young Canarians, finding affordable housing in the south of the island is becoming more of a dream than a reality.