Housing for millions without new buildings? An analysis of the theoretical housing potential of under-occupied dwellings in the European building stock

Housing for millions without new buildings? An analysis of the theoretical housing potential of under-occupied dwellings in the European building stock is a letter published in Environmental Research Letters by Jonas Lage and colleagues. The article discusses the urgent need to address the housing crisis in Europe through innovative solutions that do not rely solely on new construction. It emphasizes the potential of utilizing under-occupied dwellings within the existing European building stock to accommodate millions of people.

The authors analyze the theoretical housing potential of under-occupied spaces, focusing on data from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions. They propose that approximately 152 million rooms in the EU are under-occupied, which could theoretically accommodate around 50 million additional three-room flats—enough housing for 100 million individuals, or 23% of the EU population. This potential exists across various regions, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.

The article highlights the environmental implications of new construction, which contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and resource consumption. The construction sector is responsible for 5% to 12% of these emissions and a considerable portion of waste. The authors argue that improving the efficiency of existing housing is essential for addressing ecological and social issues.

The study draws on occupancy regulations from Swiss cooperatives and municipal housing authorities, which require that the number of residents must be at least equal to the number of rooms minus one or two. Such regulations provide a framework for assessing under-occupancy and can be adapted to other countries to optimize housing distribution.

Using microdata from the EU-SILC survey, the authors identify that most under-occupied rooms are found in one-person and two-person households, particularly among older individuals whose children have moved out. The study shows that under-occupancy is not only prevalent in larger dwellings but also varies across different countries and income levels.

Despite the significant potential identified, the realization of this housing opportunity faces numerous barriers. Demographic trends, technical constraints of existing dwellings, economic factors, and cultural perceptions around downsizing and cohabitation complicate the situation. The authors argue for the need to change political and social frameworks to facilitate the effective use of under-occupied spaces.

The authors conclude that housing policies should focus on creating affordable and attractive alternatives for smaller households and older individuals. This would, in turn, free up larger homes for families, addressing both social and ecological challenges. They emphasize that successful implementation of these strategies requires a collective understanding of housing needs and preferences across various demographics.

In summary, the article presents a compelling case for re-evaluating the existing housing stock in Europe. By leveraging under-occupied dwellings, it is possible to meet housing needs while also contributing to sustainability goals. The findings prompt a call for action and further research to explore how these potentials can be effectively realized across the continent.