What’s up with housing? A topic feature on TEMA

Overview of the Publication

The feature “What’s up with housing?” appears in TEMA #7, a magazine that explores social and cultural issues across Europe. TEMA is known for in‑depth journalism and visual storytelling, and this issue gathers contributions from a range of European writers, photographers, and activists. Authors such as Anna Lea Spörri, Bella De Angelis, Diyan Duke, Sara Pinho, Yana Kyrychenko, Isabelle Winkler, Leon Gellings, Marvin Systermans, Malin Annie Jansson, Mahshid Mahboubifar, Daniel Harper, Paola Liberati, hn. lyonga, Maya Vieth, Tecla Trupia, Lena Holzer, and Maria Leonor Carapuço contribute essays, photo series, and interviews that collectively map the current housing landscape in Europe.

Key Findings on Housing Affordability

The articles repeatedly cite that more than 50 % of household income is often spent on rent or mortgage payments in many capital cities, rendering housing unaffordable for large segments of the population. Eurostat data is referenced to highlight that Portugal ranks among the four European countries where residents experience colder indoor temperatures than outdoors, indicating energy‑inefficient housing. The “financialisation of housing” is identified as a driver of rising prices, with investment funds buying entire neighbourhoods and pushing speculative rents upward.

Social Dimensions of Homeownership

Several pieces examine how housing intersects with identity and vulnerability. The “Senior & queer” essay points out loneliness among ageing queer individuals and the lack of supportive housing options. Other contributions discuss migrant and refugee perceptions of “good neighbours,” exposing prejudice that limits access to stable accommodation. The “Homeless shelters in Italy” article notes that only one in four homeless people in Turin have a bed, underscoring gaps in emergency housing provision.

Alternative Housing Models

The feature presents several emerging or revived models that aim to mitigate the crisis. The “Share in despair: Communal living in Zurich” article describes how shared housing, once illegal in Switzerland, has become a popular solution to scarcity and high rents. The “Housing first” concept is mentioned as a promising approach to address homelessness by prioritising stable housing before other interventions. Photo essays such as “Er holt mich schon nicht ein” illustrate personal loss of housing and its psychological impact.

Data on Housing Rights and Human Rights Frameworks

The European Social Charter’s recognition of “adequate housing” as a human right provides a legal backdrop for the discussions. The publication questions whether refugee camps or extreme income‑share arrangements meet this standard. It also references the “right to the city” movement in Lisbon, where activists demand protection against evictions and call for inclusive urban policies.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Concerns

While the primary focus is on affordability and social equity, sustainability is woven throughout. The “Baby, it’s cold inside” piece highlights the paradox of cold indoor environments despite sunny climates, suggesting poor insulation and high energy consumption. Several visual projects, such as “Creativewashing,” critique the marketing of eco‑friendly housing that may mask underlying inequities.

Conclusion and Outlook

Overall, the TEMA feature compiles a pan‑European snapshot of housing challenges, blending quantitative data, legal frameworks, and personal narratives. It underscores that housing is simultaneously a market commodity, a human right, and a determinant of social wellbeing. The collection calls for policy interventions that address financialisation, improve energy performance, and expand inclusive housing models to ensure sustainable, affordable homes for all Europeans.