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

📄This resource, titled "Housing for millions without new buildings? An analysis of the theoretical housing potential of under-occupied dwellings in the European building stock," is published by Environmental Research Letters. The authors include Jonas Lage, Luisa Cordroch, Johannes Thema, Florin Vondung, and David Schöpf. The work discusses the pressing need for housing solutions amid a backdrop of environmental concerns and resource limitations, focusing specifically on the potential of under-occupied dwellings in Europe.

🏡The article asserts that traditional responses to housing shortages primarily revolve around the construction of new buildings. However, this approach contradicts environmental goals, as the construction sector contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions, land consumption, and resource depletion. The authors propose that by optimizing existing housing stock, particularly under-occupied homes—those that have more space than needed—Europe can address housing shortages while minimizing environmental impact.

📊Using data from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, the study identifies a theoretical housing potential of approximately 152 million rooms across the EU. This equates to the potential for 50 million additional three-room apartments, which could house up to 100 million people—about 23% of the EU population. The findings indicate that this potential exists across various regions, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.

🏙️Notably, under-occupancy rates decrease in countries with a higher proportion of smaller and medium-sized apartments, showing the influence of infrastructure on housing dynamics. The article draws comparisons with Swiss occupancy regulations, where minimum occupancy requirements have proven effective in redistributing housing. The study emphasizes that these regulations could serve as a model for other countries looking to maximize their housing potential.

👵The authors highlight that under-occupancy is particularly prevalent among older individuals who remain in larger homes after their children move out. This demographic often faces challenges associated with maintaining larger spaces, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Therefore, addressing under-occupancy not only has implications for housing supply but also for social well-being.

🛠️The research identifies various barriers to realizing this potential, including demographic shifts, technical limitations regarding housing layout, economic constraints, and cultural attitudes toward living arrangements. For example, the reluctance to share living spaces or downsize due to perceived status often hinders the effective use of under-occupied homes.

🌍Overall, the study concludes that improving the efficiency of existing housing stock is crucial for tackling both social and environmental issues in the housing sector. The authors argue for policies that promote affordable, smaller housing options for older adults and smaller households, thus freeing up larger homes for families.

📈These findings underscore the importance of developing attractive alternatives for downsizing and enhancing the current housing market. By focusing on existing buildings and optimizing their usage, Europe can make meaningful progress toward sustainable housing solutions that benefit both the environment and society as a whole.