Report of the HOUS mission to Vienna, Austria

The report titled "Report of the HOUS mission to Vienna, Austria," published by the European Parliament, details a mission undertaken by a delegation from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. The authors include Irene Tinagli, Borja Giménez Larraz, Isabelle Le Callennec, Gordan Bosanac, and Andreas Schieder. The mission aimed to explore Vienna's housing policies and solutions amid the ongoing housing crisis in Europe.

The delegation visited Vienna from July 21 to 23, 2025, to gain insights into the city's unique housing model. The mission included six members of the HOUS Committee, who were accompanied by experts and stakeholders. Key topics of discussion included the Vienna Housing Model, stakeholder perspectives, and systemic challenges regarding housing solutions.

The mission facilitated discussions on various aspects of Vienna's housing policy, emphasizing social housing as a fundamental human right. In Vienna, over 75% of households benefit from subsidized housing, supported by public ownership of 25% of rental apartments. The delegation observed the Nordbahn district, where 24% of planned apartments are designated as subsidized housing, showcasing a commitment to affordable living.

Meetings with city officials and economic actors highlighted the importance of public control and mixed-income neighborhoods. The city’s Deputy Mayor, Kathrin Gaál, emphasized that access to subsidized housing is available to over 75% of residents, with land availability being a crucial factor. The Vienna model is characterized by strong public control and the absence of municipal housing stock sales.

However, challenges persist, including rising housing costs and the impact of short-term rentals on local markets. The Austrian government has introduced 55 measures to address the housing crisis, including rent caps and extended rental agreements. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the rent increases are limited to 1-2% for tenants, aiming to stabilize housing affordability.

The delegation visited significant housing projects like Seestadt Aspern, one of Europe’s largest urban development initiatives, which focuses on climate-friendly and resource-efficient living. The project aims for a population of 25,000 by 2032, and it incorporates sustainable practices, including recycling materials from construction.

The historic Karl-Marx-Hof, a landmark of social housing built in the 1920s, was also visited. This complex provides not just housing but communal facilities that foster community integration. Additionally, the Volkshilfe Wien hafen project offers multi-generational housing for women, emphasizing social assistance and integration into the job market.

Meetings with economic stakeholders revealed ongoing concerns about the housing market, including declining new housing construction and rising construction costs. Discussions emphasized the need for targeted funding models that support both affordable and social housing.

The HOUS mission underscored Vienna's commitment to sustainable housing and equitable access. The insights gained from this mission can offer valuable lessons for other European cities, particularly in balancing public and private interests and integrating social services into housing policies.