Bratislava is the only capital city in the world that borders two countries: Austria and Hungary.
The housing market in Bratislava, Slovakia, is characterized by high demand and rising prices, driven by the city's economic stability and growth. Despite this, the city faces significant housing affordability challenges. According to recent reports, it takes an average of 14 gross annual salaries for a Slovak to purchase a new 70-square-meter flat, making Slovakia the least accessible for housing in Europe. The construction sector has seen a decline, with only 3.8 flats being built per thousand people in 2022, exacerbating the shortage. In terms of tenure, Slovakia has one of the highest homeownership rates in the EU, with over 90% of the population owning their homes, while only about 9.7% rent. The city's housing crisis is further complicated by the cost-of-living crisis, which has dampened demand and led to declining house prices since 2022. To address these challenges, efforts are being made to streamline housing construction and improve affordability. This includes expediting building permit procedures through digitalization and centralizing land use policy to facilitate construction projects. Additionally, there are ongoing reforms aimed at promoting sustainability and inclusiveness in housing, such as enhancing the energy efficiency of the housing stock and addressing the needs of low-income households.
Housing cooperatives in Bratislava play a significant role in addressing the city's housing needs. These cooperatives offer affordable and stable housing options, particularly important given the high demand and limited supply in the city. The market share of housing cooperatives in Bratislava is substantial, with over 90% of the population living in owner-occupied accommodations, many of which are managed through cooperative models. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in housing cooperatives, with new cooperatives emerging to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. The city promotes cooperative housing through various initiatives, such as public-private partnerships and community-led projects. For instance, the European Commission's Urban Agenda for the EU highlights the importance of affordable housing and includes best practices from cities like Vienna, which can serve as models for Bratislava. The city supports housing cooperatives by providing financial incentives and administrative support. For example, the Slovak Republic's Ministry of Transport and Construction has been involved in initiatives to promote affordable housing, which includes cooperative housing models. These efforts aim to ensure that housing cooperatives continue to be a viable and sustainable solution for the city's housing challenges.