Report of the HOUS mission to Vienna, Austria

The report details the mission conducted by members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS) to Vienna, Austria. The mission included six committee members led by Irene Tinagli, aiming to explore and understand the Vienna Housing Model and its implications for sustainable housing solutions within the EU. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the European Parliament to address the housing crisis as a fundamental issue affecting citizens across the continent.

Vienna's approach to housing emphasizes affordable and public housing, offering significant insights for other EU cities. The mission revealed that over 75% of households in Vienna benefit from subsidized housing, largely due to public ownership of 25% of rental apartments. The city prioritizes social housing as a human right, ensuring equitable access and promoting mixed-income neighborhoods. For instance, in the recently developed Nordbahn district, 24% of the planned apartments are designated as subsidized, showcasing the city's commitment to providing affordable living spaces.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has played a crucial role in financing affordable housing in Austria, providing €2.8 billion over the past 25 years to support 45 projects. This financial backing has been vital in maintaining lower rents in Vienna, as the city boasts a large share of public and subsidized housing, resulting in rents that are approximately 25% lower than market rates. The collaboration with Erste Bank since 2013 has enabled the construction and renovation of thousands of affordable housing units, allowing many residents to live in high-quality environments.

During the mission, the delegation engaged with various stakeholders, including municipal authorities and economic actors, to gain insights into current housing policies and challenges. The City of Vienna's Deputy Mayor emphasized that housing is treated as a human right rather than a commodity, with a strong public control system in place. The city also ensures that 2/3 of living space in newly permitted residential areas is allocated to subsidized housing, reflecting Vienna's proactive stance on housing policy.

Despite its successes, the Vienna housing model faces challenges such as rising housing costs and the impact of short-term rentals. The Austrian government has introduced 55 measures related to housing in its program, including a rent brake that caps increases at 1-2% for 2026-2027. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the housing crisis affects low-income individuals and families, emphasizing the need for coordinated action at the EU level to address disparities in housing subsidies and regulation of short-term rentals.

The HOUS mission highlighted Vienna's robust commitment to social housing and its potential as a model for other European cities. The city’s focus on public ownership, mixed-income neighborhoods, and sustainable development practices underscores its leadership in addressing the housing crisis. The findings from the mission offer valuable lessons for EU policymakers aiming to create equitable and sustainable housing solutions across Europe.