The Housing problem according to Europeans

The Housing Problem According to Europeans is a research report published by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. The report presents findings from an online survey conducted among a sample of the European Union population aged 18 and older, providing insights into the current housing crisis faced by citizens across various EU countries.

The survey utilized the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method and included 4,159 complete interviews, proportionately distributed across the 27 EU countries. The data allows for an analysis that breaks down responses by country and region, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Central and Eastern European countries. The interviews were conducted between November 14 and 26, 2025.

The findings reveal that 31% of respondents reported their living situation has worsened over the past five years, while only 27% experienced improvements. Notably, concerns about housing affordability are prevalent, with 38% of respondents occasionally worrying about their ability to afford a decent home in the future. The most significant factors influencing housing affordability include skyrocketing costs, low wages, and rising property speculation.

Housing expenses have driven 43% of respondents to experience various struggles, such as taking on extra work or debt (17%), delaying bill payments (15%), and even skipping meals or essential medical treatments (11%). The report highlights that low-wage jobs and precarious employment significantly impact individuals' abilities to secure stable housing.

When asked about governmental priorities, 35% of respondents ranked housing affordability as critical, alongside healthcare access and security. Many Europeans believe that the government should take immediate action to ensure access to affordable homes, with 79% agreeing that a home is a human right rather than a commodity for speculation.

Respondents provided recommendations on how the EU should address the housing crisis. The most common suggestions included facilitating access to homes for low- and middle-income earners (37%) and stopping tax loopholes that benefit speculators (27%). Furthermore, 21% called for increased funding to ensure affordable housing is available.

The survey indicates that 62% of respondents worry at least occasionally about future housing affordability. The primary reasons for these concerns are the rising costs associated with homeownership and renting, which are viewed as unsustainable by many.

A majority of respondents (77%) believe that housing is a relevant topic for the EU, with 28% considering it a top priority. This reflects a significant public sentiment towards the urgency of addressing housing issues within the broader framework of European policies. The report underscores the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions across Europe. Through the collection of empirical data, it highlights the challenges faced by citizens and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to ensure housing affordability and security for all Europeans.