1. Green Capital: Ljubljana was named the European Green Capital in 2016 due to its incredible efforts in sustainability, including extensive pedestrian zones and a commitment to reducing air pollution, making it one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Europe. 2. Rich Literary History: The city is home to the famous poet France Prešeren, whose work is celebrated throughout Ljubljana. The Prešeren Square, featuring a statue of the poet, is a cultural hub and hosts various events, including the annual Prešeren Award ceremony, which honors achievements in the arts. 3. Unique Culinary Delights: Ljubljana has a thriving food scene that combines traditional Slovenian cuisine with modern influences. One lesser-known specialty is "idrija žlikrofi," dumplings filled with potato and served with a rich meat sauce, which is a regional dish that reflects the diverse culinary heritage of Slovenia.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, has a dynamic housing market characterized by rising prices and strong demand. As of December 2023, the city had 130,311 housing units, consisting of 99,535 apartments and 30,776 houses. The average property price in Ljubljana increased by at least 3% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Residential property prices in the city range from €3,000 to €4,500 per square meter, with properties near the main square experiencing a 7-9% price increase due to limited availability. Rental prices have also risen significantly. As of January 2024, the average rent in Ljubljana was €22 per square meter, double the cost recorded in 2021. The rental market is competitive, with a strong demand for both long-term and short-term rentals. Airbnb has impacted the market, with over 1,600 active hosts in the city. Regarding homeownership, about one in four households in Slovenia live in rented homes, suggesting a homeownership rate of around 75%. However, specific data for Ljubljana is not provided. Public and social housing play a role in Ljubljana's market, with the municipality collaborating on cooperative housing projects. For instance, a project is underway to provide housing for 125 people, mainly young families, elderly people, and precarious workers, on municipally-owned land. However, the exact share of public, social, and cooperative housing in the market is not specified in the given information.
The city administration of Ljubljana is actively addressing the housing shortage through various initiatives. The Ljubljana Housing Fund is the primary entity responsible for implementing the city's housing program. Their main goal is to increase the availability of affordable housing, particularly non-profit rental apartments. Recent projects include the Rakova Jelša II development, which added 156 non-profit rental flats, and the Zelena Jama estate with 88 new units. The city aims to have around 6,000 new housing units by 2045, bringing the total to over 10,000. Ljubljana is focusing on both retrofitting existing housing stock and constructing new low-energy and passive housing. The city has passed legislation requiring all new buildings to be designed to low energy standards and incorporate renewable energy sources. The Fund is also implementing innovative technical solutions in both new developments and refurbishments of existing stock. The city is collaborating with national entities like the Ministry for Solidarity-Based Future and the National Housing Fund to finance these projects. Additionally, Ljubljana is participating in international programs to share experiences and learn from other European cities. To address affordability, the city is considering measures such as capping short-term rentals, increasing student housing, and accelerating new apartment construction. These efforts aim to create more sustainable and affordable housing options for Ljubljana's residents.