Beyond bandages: Towards a European Affordable Housing Plan that is fair and sustainable

The document is a joint statement co-signed by a coalition of social and environmental NGOs, including Habitat for Humanity International and the European Environmental Bureau. It advocates for a European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) aimed at addressing the housing crises affecting millions across the EU, where house prices have soared by 57.9% and rents by 27.8% from 2010 to early 2025. Currently, 17% of Europeans live in overcrowded conditions, and approximately 1.27 million face homelessness.

The statement highlights the severe issues within the housing sector, noting that 70% of homes in Europe are energy inefficient, with 1 in 10 Europeans unable to maintain adequate warmth in their homes. The building sector contributes significantly to environmental impact, accounting for nearly one-third of Europe's footprint. The authors argue that simplistic solutions, such as merely increasing the number of buildings, fail to address systemic problems rooted in profit-driven models and unequal access to housing.

The authors advocate for holistic and integrated solutions that cater to both people and the planet. They emphasize that the EAHP should not only focus on increasing the supply of affordable homes but also tackle the underlying issues of financialization in housing. This includes questioning who controls housing and land and ensuring long-term affordability. Lasting solutions must create sustainable living environments for future generations.

The statement calls for EU policy makers to support measures that promote sustainable, citizen-led, affordable, and social non-profit housing. Specific recommendations include: - Reinforcing social housing as critical public infrastructure. - Promoting a diverse mix of housing models and better regulation of the private rental market. - Leveraging vacant and underoccupied buildings to revitalize neighborhoods. - Advocating for high-quality, energy-efficient buildings through robust policies.

The statement emphasizes the importance of empowering communities in housing development. It calls for a dedicated focus on public investment in building and renovating energy-efficient homes that are accessible to a broader range of incomes. This includes prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness.

Several best practices are highlighted, such as France's requirement for municipalities to provide a percentage of social housing and Denmark's allocation systems that prioritize homeless individuals. The Community Land Trust model is also mentioned as an effective means of creating permanently affordable homes.

To ensure long-term affordability, the EAHP must promote non-speculative and community-led housing models. It should also assess existing EU policies that may hinder affordable housing goals and align broader frameworks toward ensuring adequate housing for all.

The document stresses that the EAHP must address the pressing housing needs while also ensuring that the solutions offered are sustainable for future generations. By fostering partnerships with local communities and focusing on the long-term aim of affordable housing, the plan can effectively combat the housing crises plaguing the EU.