EU wide

Country

Renting

3 Things...

1. Many European cities have unique architectural styles that reflect their history and culture, such as the Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels or the medieval structures in Prague, often overlooked by tourists. 2. Several cities in Europe, like Amsterdam and Venice, are famous for their extensive canal systems, which were historically used for trade and transportation but now serve as a picturesque backdrop for residents and visitors alike. 3. Europe is home to numerous hidden green spaces, such as urban gardens and parks, which provide residents with access to nature amidst the bustling city life, like the secret gardens of Paris or the rooftop parks in Berlin.

Events

European Election 2024

Unlisted Orgs

Population (AI)

1,626,500

Enrich by AI!

Last edited

Sep 30, 2024 8:08 PM

Category

Local programs

Housing Market

The European Union (EU) is grappling with a significant housing crisis, marked by shortages and escalating rents. Approximately 69% of EU residents own their homes, while 31% rent. The crisis is exacerbated by overcrowding, with 16.8% of the population living in overcrowded conditions. The EU's housing landscape varies widely, with countries like Romania, Slovakia, and Croatia having high homeownership rates, while Germany and Switzerland have higher rental rates. The scarcity of affordable housing affects different countries in unique ways, influenced by factors such as population density, regulatory environments, and economic conditions. To address the crisis, European governments have implemented various measures, including housing allowances, social rental housing, and rent regulations. Social housing constitutes about 8% of the total housing stock, with countries like the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark having larger social housing sectors. The EU also emphasizes the importance of public, cooperative, and social housing in ensuring affordable and decent housing for all.

Further Actors?

Cooperatives

Housing cooperatives play a significant role in addressing the housing crisis across Europe by offering affordable, stable, and resilient housing solutions. They promote democracy and solidarity among residents, who actively participate in the management and decision-making processes of the cooperatives. In the Netherlands, for instance, the market share of housing cooperatives is limited, but they are recognized as a potential solution for lower and middle-income households facing insufficient housing supply and affordability issues. In recent years, new housing cooperatives have emerged in various European cities. For example, in Sweden, there are inspiring examples of cooperative housing for the elderly, emphasizing collaborative management and democratic influence. In Spain, the NETCO project has been highlighted as a network of collaborative housing programs. Cities promote cooperative housing through legal frameworks and supportive policies. The Netherlands revised its Housing Act in 2015 to enable tenants to form housing cooperatives, although the process remains complex and challenging. Public-private partnerships and community-led initiatives are also encouraged to support the development of housing cooperatives, as seen in the NETCO project in Spain. These efforts aim to increase the availability of affordable housing and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.