People across Europe are struggling to find an affordable place to live, work, raise their families, and go about their daily lives. A safe and stable home is a basic need, yet in many countries, there is a growing housing crisis with many different faces. Housing affordability has become a widespread and urgent issue across Europe, which is why affordable housing is a top priority for the Commission to ensure European social fairness.
Rising house prices and rents, increased costs for utilities and renovations are putting pressure on a growing number of households, especially in major cities, tourist destinations and other areas with high demand for housing. Disadvantaged groups and low-income families are hit even harder, facing more difficulties in accessing housing and a growing risk of homelessness.
Housing costs also create major challenges for families, young people, and those working in essential sectors like healthcare and education. Unaffordable housing makes it harder for people to move for studies or work which is undermining Europe's competitiveness. A growing economic divide between neighbourhoods weakens social cohesion.
A new European approach is needed to tackle these challenges in a coordinated way across all levels of governance. The European Commission is working with national, regional, local governments and other actors to support them in their efforts in making affordable, sustainable, and decent homes available to everyone.
Key indicators
Adjusted for inflation, house prices have risen by more than 20% since 2015
Rents in major cities have risen as much as 48% for a 1-bedroom apartment between 2014 and 2023
Overall inflation-adjusted investment in residential buildings fell by 6% from 2022 to 2024
17% of our population is living in overcrowded homes
Building permits for residential buildings dropped by more than 20% since 2021
Homelessness affects all Member States and has increased substantially over the last decade
Make your voice heard
We invite everyone to share their views through the Affordable Housing Dialogue, ensuring inclusive engagement with all relevant stakeholders and levels of governance.
The dialogue will provide input into possible areas where the EU can support Member States, regions and cities, who have the primary responsibility for housing.
Based on the outcome of the dialogue, the Commission will publish a European Affordable Housing Plan.
Areas where the EU can add value
The Commission has identified priority areas to support Member States to address structural drivers and unlock public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing.
Establish a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing
Inject liquidity into the housing market and double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing
Revise state aid rules to make it easier for member states to support affordable housing
Develop a European Strategy for Housing Construction to support housing supply
Support cities and regions to tackle the inefficient use of empty and underused buildings
Tackle systemic issues with short-term accommodation rentals and analyse the impact of housing speculation
Bring down energy bills and reduce energy poverty to make homes affordable, decent, and sustainable
Through the Affordable Housing Dialogue we will identify further areas where there could be European added value
Europe faces a housing crisis, with people of all ages and families of all sizes affected. Prices and rents are soaring. People are struggling to find affordable homes. This is why, for the first time, I will appoint a Commissioner with direct responsibility for housing. We will develop a European Affordable Housing Plan, to look at all the drivers of the crisis and to help unlock the private and public investment needed. Typically, housing is not seen as a European issue. Some might say we should not get involved. But I want this Commission to support people where it matters the most. If it matters to Europeans, it matters to Europe.