European Manifesto to Lead the Way out of the Housing Crisis

The European Manifesto to Lead the Way out of the Housing Crisis was initiated by a coalition of 100 public, cooperative, and social housing providers, policymakers, and researchers committed to promoting fair housing across Europe. It emerges from a backdrop of significant socio-economic disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing energy and cost-of-living crises exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. This manifesto calls for urgent changes within the EU framework to address the pressing housing crisis affecting millions across the continent.

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in housing costs, with Eurostat reporting a 50% rise in residential property prices from 2010 to Q3 2023, alongside a 23% increase in rent prices. These surges have outpaced disposable income growth, leading to heightened social exclusion and homelessness. Approximately 9.6 million full-time workers aged 25-34 lived with their parents in 2022, reflecting a broader trend of individuals struggling to secure affordable housing. The manifesto emphasizes that the public, cooperative, and social housing sectors are crucial for addressing these systemic inequalities.

The manifesto outlines three crucial steps for the EU to adopt a new housing paradigm. The first step emphasizes the need to support public, cooperative, social, and community-led housing as the backbone of national housing systems. Important measures include adapting public debt rules to reflect the long-term social returns from housing investments, addressing the impact of short-term rental platforms on housing availability, and sharing effective models for inclusive housing systems across Europe.

The second step focuses on backing a movement for a fair energy transition. This involves setting low-carbon housing supply targets within EU green policies, simplifying access to existing EU funding streams, and encouraging district decarbonization to meet local housing needs. The manifesto advocates for a transformative fund aimed at harmonizing current tools for socially responsible renovations.

The third step calls for addressing the root causes of housing exclusion. It highlights the importance of securing access to decent and affordable housing as a preventive measure against homelessness. The manifesto advocates for fostering long-term partnerships between housing providers, social services, and local authorities to tackle various support needs, including migration and cost of living. Additionally, it encourages skill development initiatives in collaboration with social service providers.

In conclusion, the European Manifesto provides a comprehensive approach to the housing crisis, emphasizing the essential role of public, cooperative, and social housing providers in creating a socially inclusive and sustainable future. It calls for immediate action from policymakers at all levels to adopt integrated strategies that address both social exclusion and environmental sustainability in the housing sector.