The Housing problem according to Europeans

The Housing Problem According to Europeans: A Research Report

This research report, published by the S&D Group (Socialists and Democrats), focuses on the pressing issue of housing across Europe. The data presented in this report is derived from a comprehensive survey conducted by Polling Europe, an innovative research firm born from the collaboration of two prominent entities in market and social research, SWG and OpinionWay. The survey aimed to capture the sentiments of the European Union population regarding housing and its challenges.

The survey utilized the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method, reaching a representative sample of 4,159 individuals aged 18 and over across the 27 EU countries. The data collection occurred between November 14 and 26, 2025, with specific focus on five major countries—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland—and three geographical areas: Eastern, Northern, and Southern Europe. The results highlight the differences in housing situations and concerns across various demographics.

Among respondents, 31% reported that their living situation has worsened over the past five years, while 27% indicated it has improved. Notably, 43% of participants have experienced difficulties related to housing expenses, with 17% taking on extra work or debt to afford their homes and 15% delaying bill payments. This indicates a significant struggle for many Europeans to maintain secure and affordable housing.

The survey revealed that 62% of respondents worry about not being able to afford a decent home in the future. The primary concerns driving this anxiety include skyrocketing costs and a lack of affordable housing options. Many participants identified rising rents (45%) and high home prices (56%) as critical issues, pointing to a broader housing crisis affecting various demographics across Europe.

When asked to rank government priorities, 35% of respondents emphasized housing affordability as a top concern, placing it behind healthcare access and security. This reflects a collective demand for immediate action from the EU to address housing issues, with many advocating for measures to facilitate access to homes for low- and middle-income earners, stop tax loopholes benefiting speculators, and improve funding for affordable housing.

A significant 79% of respondents believe that a home is a human right rather than a commodity for speculation. Additionally, 72% agree that the European Union should take immediate action to ensure access to affordable homes for everyone. This strong sentiment indicates a growing awareness and demand for social equity in housing policies across the continent.

Respondents identified several potential actions for the EU to alleviate the housing crisis. The most supported action is facilitating access to homes for low- and middle-income earners (37%), followed by stopping tax loopholes for speculators (27%) and increasing funding for affordable housing (21%). This outlines a clear expectation from citizens for the EU to play a proactive role in addressing housing challenges.

The findings of this report underscore the urgency of the housing crisis across Europe, highlighting the need for sustainable and equitable solutions. As the EU grapples with these issues, the voices of its citizens demand immediate attention and action to ensure that affordable housing becomes a reality for all.