Housing supply is subject to many stringent rules that are set at EU, national, regional and local levels, and which aim to preserve our safety and quality of life, to promote social and economic objectives, and to protect our environment and cultural heritage.
These rules take many forms, including building codes, land use, land governance and zoning policies, procurement and local taxes. However, they too often lead to administrative complexity resulting in unnecessary costs and delays that restrict the supply of housing where it is most needed. Therefore, the Commission intends to present a housing simplification package in 2027 as a part of the European Affordable Housing Plan.
The Commission is looking for opportunities across all EU policy areas to simplify existing legislation and initiatives, processes and procedures in order to accelerate the supply of affordable, sustainable and quality homes while respecting wider policy goals.
Call for evidence
The Commission has published a Call for Evidence to outline its intended approach to this initiative and to gather external input. The feedback period for this Call for Evidence is open until 30 September 2026.
The objective is to gain deeper understanding of the impact of EU legislation on housing supply and affordability, including specific examples from housing projects. The call for evidence asks for targeted information to support and shape the package.
The Commission is looking for input in three areas.
Concrete examples of how EU legislation affects housing supply and affordability.
Clear information that distinguishes between the effects of EU rules those of domestic implementation.
Practical suggestions to reduce delays and costs while respecting wider policy goals, including examples of good practice.
Make your voice heard
Housing is primarily a Member State competence, but some EU legislative instruments may also have a direct or indirect impact on housing availability and affordability.
This call for evidence targets national, regional and local authorities in Member States, as well as civil society and other key stakeholders. This includes but is not limited to social and affordable housing providers, urban planners, professionals from the construction ecosystem and real estate, civil society organisations, financial institutions, property owners and tenants associations.
In parallel, the Commission is carrying out an expert consultation with Member States, regions, cities, civil society and other stakeholders, on the basis of simplification suggestions collected during the preparation of the European Affordable Housing Plan. This expert consultation started in spring and will continue for the rest of the year.
Make your contribution through the “Have Your Say”-Portal.
Background
On 16 December 2025, the Commission adopted the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan to increase housing supply, stimulate investment and reforms, while supporting the people and the areas that are most affected. The Housing Simplification Package is one of the ten priorities of the European Affordable Housing Plan and a key measure to boost housing supply.
As part of the consultation process on the housing simplification package, the Commission is already in contact with stakeholders, Member States and regional and local authorities based on the input on housing simplification collected during the preparation of the European Affordable Housing Plan in 2025. This expert consultation will continue for the rest of the year, exploiting also the potential of the newly established Housing Alliance
The work on housing simplification also allows to feed simplification opportunities into other ongoing initiatives, examples underneath.
In the revision of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) which is a part of the Taxation Omnibus, the Commission’s proposal will reduce the tax burden for housing providers carrying social and affordable housing projects, provided that these projects are recognised as serving the general public interest.
- Stress-testing of the Birds and Habitats Directives
- Competitiveness Coordination Tool pilot project on offsite construction