Overview of the Research Brief
The research brief “Was hat Leistbarkeit mit sozialem Zusammenhalt zu tun?” is produced by the Österreichischer Verband gemeinnütziger Bauvereinigungen, a leading association of non‑profit housing organisations in Austria. Authored by Gerald Kössl, the brief analyses recent Eurofound survey data to explore how housing affordability (Leistbarkeit) influences social cohesion across Europe, with a particular focus on Austria.
Affordability Challenges Across Europe
Eurofound’s 2022 survey shows a sharp rise in households struggling financially. In Austria, 25 % of respondents reported great difficulty making ends meet, up from 4‑7 % before 2016. At the EU level, 29 % face similar hardship. The steepest increases are observed in Greece, Slovakia, Croatia and Cyprus, where over 40 % experience severe affordability problems.
Social Cohesion Under Financial Strain
Financial stress translates into reduced social participation. The brief notes that 23 % of EU residents and 20 % of Austrians feel socially excluded, up from roughly 10 % in 2016. Loneliness has also risen, affecting 27 % of the EU population and 24 % in Austria. These trends are more pronounced among low‑income groups, women, younger adults and those unemployed or unable to work due to illness.
Impact of Affordable Housing on Inclusion
Secure, affordable housing emerges as a key driver of social inclusion. Households in affordable, stable dwellings are considerably less likely to feel excluded (10 % versus 45 % for those in precarious housing). In the private rental sector, 10 % of tenants say they may have to leave due to unaffordability, compared with 5 % in the social housing sector.
Health Consequences of Economic Hardship
The brief links financial difficulty with poorer health outcomes. Among those who find it very hard to afford their living costs, 17 % report very bad or bad physical health, compared with 5 % of those who manage easily. Mental health follows a similar pattern, with higher depression risk identified in financially strained households.
Demographic and Occupational Disparities
Data reveal that 60 % of individuals in the lowest income quintile experience severe affordability issues, whereas only 7 % of those in the highest quintile do. Employment status matters: unemployed persons and those unable to work due to illness face the greatest challenges. Gender differences are evident, with women reporting higher rates of difficulty than men.
Policy Implications for Sustainable Housing
The findings underscore the importance of expanding affordable, socially oriented housing as part of Europe’s sustainable development agenda. By ensuring that housing remains within reach, policymakers can bolster social cohesion, reduce health inequalities and mitigate the risk of displacement, thereby supporting broader environmental and societal goals.
Key Take‑aways for a Pan‑European Audience
- Affordability problems have surged across the EU, with Austria mirroring this trend.
- Financial strain is closely tied to social exclusion, loneliness and poorer health.
- Affordable, secure housing markedly improves social inclusion and reduces the likelihood of forced moves.
- Targeted interventions for low‑income, female, younger and unemployed groups are essential.
- Strengthening the social housing sector offers a concrete pathway to more sustainable, cohesive European communities.