Housing Advisory Board recommendations to the European Commission

The resource titled "Housing Advisory Board recommendations to the European Commission" is published by the European Commission and provides independent policy recommendations aimed at addressing the affordable housing crisis in Europe. The report outlines 75 recommendations drafted by the European Housing Advisory Board, composed of 15 volunteers with diverse backgrounds in housing research, finance, and public provision.

The European Housing Advisory Board was established in June 2025 to assist in developing an Affordable Housing Plan. This report is intended to inform the plan slated for publication by the European Commission. With approximately 13,000 European citizens participating in the public consultation, the board emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift, viewing housing as essential social infrastructure.

The report highlights the complexity of defining housing affordability, which varies significantly across Europe. It stresses the importance of local decision-making and the necessity of sufficient housing stock to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including the homeless. The board advocates for a focus on qualitative measures of affordability, not just quantitative metrics like the number of new housing units built.

Sustainable densification is proposed through the reactivation of underused spaces and renovation of existing buildings, rather than solely relying on new developments that contribute to urban sprawl. The advisory board underscores the importance of access to affordable housing that enables people to live near work and educational opportunities, thus facilitating labor mobility.

The report promotes the 'Cost Rental' housing model, which ties rents to the actual costs of providing housing, rather than market rates, thereby addressing the affordable housing crisis. It also advocates for a green transition in housing, promoting energy efficiency and sustainable transport solutions to enhance quality of life.

The document points out the growing urban-rural divide, where urban areas face skyrocketing housing prices while rural areas deal with depopulation and low property values. Solutions are needed to enhance the attractiveness of rural living to alleviate pressures on urban housing markets.

The report calls for a multi-level governance approach, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all strategy is inadequate. It emphasizes the need for political consensus and involvement of local communities in finding housing solutions. The establishment of a European Affordable Housing Coordination Hub is suggested to streamline policy implementation and funding mechanisms.

The report stresses the necessity for a standardized approach to data collection on housing issues, recommending the creation of a Multi-Level Housing Platform to centralize data on housing affordability, homelessness rates, and more. This data can guide decision-making and policy development at multiple levels.

To finance the Affordable Housing Development, the board recommends various innovative funding solutions, including the creation of a European Affordable Housing Investment Fund and expanding existing financial instruments like InvestEU to mobilize private capital. Demand-side subsidies targeted at vulnerable groups are also recommended to ensure equitable access.

The advisory board’s recommendations represent a comprehensive approach to tackling the housing crisis in Europe. By addressing affordability, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering cooperation between various stakeholders, these recommendations aim to create a resilient and equitable housing environment for all Europeans.