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.
