Report of the HOUS mission to Vienna, Austria

The report details the HOUS mission to Vienna, Austria, organized by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. The delegation comprised six members, including the committee chair, Irene Tinagli, and representatives from various political groups. The mission aimed to investigate Vienna's housing policies, particularly its innovative approaches to social housing.

One of the main outcomes of the mission was gaining insights into the Vienna Housing Model, which emphasizes social housing as a fundamental human right. In Vienna, over 75% of households have access to subsidized housing, significantly supported by public ownership, which accounts for 25% of rental apartments. This model showcases a balanced approach, integrating public, private, and non-profit sectors to provide affordable housing.

The delegation met with various stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from housing organizations. Key discussions included the importance of public control in housing, the challenges posed by rising housing costs, and strategies for enhancing accessibility to affordable housing. The Vice-Chancellor of Austria highlighted that the government has introduced 55 measures to address the housing crisis, including rent caps for tenants.

Members of the mission visited notable housing projects like the Nordbahn district and Seestadt Aspern, which exemplify sustainable urban development. The Nordbahn district is being developed to accommodate up to 40,000 inhabitants, with a significant portion of the apartments designated as subsidized housing. Seestadt Aspern, on the other hand, is one of Europe’s largest urban development projects, focusing on climate-friendly living and resource-saving measures.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has played a crucial role in financing affordable housing in Austria, contributing €2.8 billion over the past 25 years. The EIB’s involvement is vital for supporting energy-efficient housing solutions, directly aligning with the mission's focus on sustainable practices in the housing sector. The EIB's definition of affordable housing includes residential spaces provided at below-market prices to support low-income citizens.

The delegation identified several challenges facing the Austrian housing market, including construction costs, land availability, and the regulation of short-term rentals. The representatives from the National Council emphasized the need for better planning security and targeted funding models to facilitate climate-friendly construction. Furthermore, discussions highlighted the necessity of preventive measures against land speculation and maintaining social diversity in housing.

Overall, the HOUS mission to Vienna provided valuable insights into the city’s housing strategies, which prioritize social equity and public ownership. The Vienna model serves as a potential template for other EU cities, demonstrating how integrated policies can address housing crises while ensuring sustainability. The mission concluded with a call for EU-level action to harmonize housing policies and tackle challenges like short-term rentals, which significantly impact local housing markets.