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The housing crisis is a European crisis: Continuously rising rents and real estate prices, particularly in urban centres, are putting growing financial pressure on an increasing number of people. Those particularly affected include individuals with low incomes, single parents, seniors, and people living alone.
The causes of the housing crisis are diverse and deeply rooted. In recent years, the sharp increase in land prices, construction material costs, and interest rates for building loans have driven up the cost of new housing, bringing urgently needed construction activity to a halt. Speculative investment practices in the real estate sector—driven by expectations of continuous increase in value—have further fuelled the crisis across European property markets. At the same time, public investment in affordable housing has remained insufficient in most countries. As a result, key pillars such as social, municipal, and non-profit housing have been systematically underfunded and weakened.
Moreover, the climate crisis demands bold and immediate action—particularly when it comes to renovating Europe’s ageing building stock and transitioning to sustainable heating systems. These efforts are essential to achieving both climate goals and social justice. Swift and coordinated action is needed to ensure that housing is affordable, socially inclusive, and climate-friendly for all.
The structure and dynamics of housing markets vary widely across European countries: while in some countries homeownership is the norm, in others most people rent their homes. However, all countries have effective tools and projects in place that can serve as inspiration across national borders.
Reimann, Lou-Tizia
Lou-Tizia Reimann
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As part of the ‘At home in Mainz’ project, the municipal housing association Wohnbau Mainz offers people not just a home, but a life in community. The ‘At home in Mainz’ project combines affordable, accessible housingwith social commitment and a cross-generational neighborhood. It stands for inclusion in practice, strengthens the sense of community in the neighborhood and has a positive impact on the district beyond the housing community
Pfann, Lisa
In Germany the state governments have been afforded the opportunity to define areas with a strained housing market. Tougher rental law regulations apply within these areas (such as the rent brake). Additional areas can be designated, in which municipalities can apply stricter measures from the Federal Building Code to maintain and create more affordable housing. In areas where the instruments are already being used, they effectively counter displacement and are strengthening municipalities in their role as key players in housing provision
Noring, Luise
Denmark’s private non-profit housing model is designed to provide long-term affordability and social stability. Housing associations operate as self-governed entities, ensuring that surpluses are reinvested into maintenance and new developments rather than distributed as profit. A crucial component of this system is the National Building Fund (Landsbyggefonden), which secures financial support for renovations and new housing projects, contributing to the model’s sustainability over time.
Coupechoux, Sarah
The enforceable right to housing (DALO) offers households in France a last resort when they face serious housing difficulties. It places an obligation on the State to achieve results and a responsibility to house eligible households as a matter of priority and urgency. While the State is solely responsible for this right, local authorities and social landlords are obliged to contribute to its implementation through the housing stock for which they are responsible. In the event of non-compliance, the State can be ordered to pay fines to a housing fund and to compensate the households concerned.
Śpiewak, Jan
After 1989 in Poland it was assumed that the free market would meet the housing needs of Poles based on mortgage credit. In the long term, however, this has led to declining housing availability and reduced quality and size. Krzysztof Kukucki initiated the ‘Włocławek Apartments’ project, which aimed to increase the availability of affordable housing for residents.
Berra-Sandin, Mikel
Bizigune is a government-led initiative that transforms vacant homes into social rental housing in the Basque Autonomous Region, Spain. The program secures long-term leases from private property owners at below-market rates and then rents these units to individuals seeking affordable housing. This approach benefits all stakeholders.
Whitzman, Carolyn
the case of British Colombia
Over the past decade the province of British Columbia in Canada has increased social housing to help those most in need. Its land treaties with Indigenous people have led to innovative developments from First Nations. Measures to curb land and housing speculation have increased revenues but have not yet led to lower prices.
