Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025

The "Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025," published by Eurocities and authored by Mathias De Clercq and André Sobczak, offers a comprehensive analysis of the key priorities and challenges faced by European mayors regarding sustainable housing and urban development. This report presents insights from nearly 100 mayors across 26 countries, highlighting the pressing issues of housing affordability and urban sustainability.

The survey reveals that over one in three mayors (39%) report housing costs are unaffordable for their residents. Only 14% of cities indicate that housing remains affordable, while approximately 47% of cities categorize their housing situation as moderate, indicating a growing concern. Major metropolitan areas, such as Barcelona and Amsterdam, are experiencing severe affordability crises, driven by high demand, speculative real estate practices, and limited new housing supply.

The main drivers of housing unaffordability, according to mayors, include demand exceeding supply (76%), rising construction costs (71%), and limited land availability (60%). Speculative investment and regulatory constraints, such as rent caps, are also contributing factors. The impact of rising mortgage rates, short-term rental platforms, and gentrification is forcing residents out of urban centers, deepening social inequalities.

Mayors have identified increasing the supply of affordable housing as their top priority, with 93% placing it among their top three concerns. This urgency is reflected in the commitment to expand social housing stock and reduce the housing cost burden, particularly for vulnerable populations. Cities are implementing large-scale social housing investment programs and targeting vacant properties for social housing initiatives.

Mayors are calling for stronger EU support to tackle the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for direct funding and flexible national housing investments. Approximately 56% of respondents rank direct EU budget resources as their top priority, while 25% advocate for easing budgetary constraints on housing-related spending. There is a consensus that greater access to European Investment Bank (EIB) loans would facilitate non-speculative housing projects.

The survey underscores the significant challenges cities face in navigating the complex landscape of EU funding and the need for streamlined processes. Mayors express frustration with the unpredictability of funding streams and bureaucratic barriers that hinder local governments from effectively addressing housing issues. The development of a comprehensive European Affordable Housing Plan is seen as a crucial step in mobilizing resources and support for cities to implement ambitious housing policies. In conclusion, the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025 highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts at all levels of government to address the escalating housing crisis in European cities. Empowering local leadership and ensuring that cities have the necessary tools and resources will be essential in creating sustainable and affordable housing solutions for all residents.