The Housing problem according to Europeans

Overview of the Research Report

The study, titled “The Housing problem according to Europeans,” is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. It was carried out online using the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method between 14 – 26 November 2025. A representative sample of 4,159 EU citizens aged 18 + was interviewed, with quotas set for age and gender across the 27 member states. The research explores housing affordability, the impact of rising costs, and public attitudes toward EU policy measures.

Key Findings on Housing Affordability

• 43 % of respondents reported having experienced problems related to housing costs.
• 31 % indicated their living situation had significantly worsened over the past five years, while 27 % said it had improved.
• The most frequently cited causes of housing concern were skyrocketing prices (38 %) and low wages (27 %).

Demographic Breakdown of Concerns

• Younger adults (18‑34) show the highest worry levels, with 62 % reporting occasional, often, or constant anxiety about affording a decent home.
• Across all age groups, concern rises from 45 % (45‑54) to 56 % (55‑64).
• Socio‑economic status influences worry: 54 % of low‑income respondents are concerned, compared with 35 % of high‑income respondents.

Regional Variations Across Europe

• Southern Europe reports the highest percentage of respondents feeling housing‑related stress (68 %).
• Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) shows lower concern (46 %).
• In the EU‑wide ranking of policy priorities, housing affordability is placed third, behind healthcare (46 %) and security (37 %).

Housing Situation and Living Arrangements

• 31 % live with a partner/spouse, 31 % with partner and children, 20 % alone, and 10 % with other individuals.
• Ownership patterns: 31 % own their home, 20 % rent social/public housing, 10 % rent privately, and 39 % are renters overall.
• Among renters, 17 % have taken on extra work or debt to meet housing costs, and 15 % delay bill payments.

Public Attitudes Toward EU Policy Actions

• 37 % support facilitating access to homes for low‑ and middle‑income earners.
• 27 % favor stopping tax loopholes that benefit speculators.
• 21 % call for increased EU funding for affordable and decent homes, while 17 % advocate cutting red‑tape.
• A minority (6 %) believe the EU should not act on housing, and 4 % are uncertain.

Sustainability and Future Outlook

• The survey highlights a strong link between housing affordability and broader sustainability goals.
• Over half of respondents (56 %) identify high home‑buying prices as a critical issue, while 45 % point to rapidly rising rents.
• Concerns about speculative markets and insufficient supply suggest a need for policies that promote energy‑efficient, affordable construction and protect tenants from market volatility.

Implications for Stakeholders

Policymakers, NGOs, and housing providers can use these data to design targeted interventions:

1. Prioritise affordable, energy‑efficient housing projects in regions with the highest stress levels (Southern Europe, low‑income groups).
2. Implement tax reforms to curb speculation, as indicated by 27 % of respondents.
3. Increase EU‑funded programmes that support low‑income households, aligning with the 37 % who favor such measures. These findings provide a fact‑based foundation for pan‑European discussions on sustainable housing, reflecting the lived experiences and policy preferences of a broad cross‑section of EU citizens.