2024
Eurostat team and others
The "Housing in Europe – 2024 edition" by Eurostat offers an in-depth analysis of housing conditions across the European Union. Key findings reveal that approximately 69% of the EU population lived in owner-occupied homes in 2023, with significant variations in ownership rates among member states. The report indicates that housing types vary, with over half of the population residing in houses and 48% in flats, particularly in urban areas. It highlights issues of overcrowding and under-occupancy affecting 17% and 33% of the population, respectively. Housing costs average 19.7% of disposable income, with higher burdens in urban centers. Additionally, the publication notes advancements in energy efficiency and the construction sector's contribution to the EU's economy. This report serves as a vital resource for understanding the evolving housing landscape in Europe, aimed at policymakers and researchers alike.
The "Housing in Europe – 2024 edition" is an interactive publication by Eurostat, providing comprehensive insights into various aspects of housing across the European Union. The report highlights significant differences in housing conditions, ownership rates, and affordability across EU countries.
Context and Authors
This publication is part of Eurostat's ongoing efforts to monitor and analyze housing trends in Europe. Eurostat is the statistical office of the European Union, responsible for providing high-quality statistics on the EU and its member states. The report is likely compiled by a team of statisticians and researchers within Eurostat.
Key Findings
- Ownership and Tenure: In 2023, about 69% of the EU population lived in owner-occupied homes, with Romania having the highest ownership rate at 96%. Germany was an exception, where renting was more common, with 52% of the population being tenants.
- Type of Housing: Just over half of the EU population lived in houses, while about 48% lived in flats. Houses were more common in rural areas, while flats dominated urban landscapes.
- Housing Size and Quality: The average number of rooms per person was 1.6 across the EU, with significant variations between countries. Overcrowding affected about 17% of the population, while about 33% lived in under-occupied homes.
- Affordability and Costs: Housing costs consumed an average of 19.7% of EU households' disposable income. The cost burden was higher in cities, with Greece and Denmark experiencing the highest housing cost overburden rates.
- Environmental Impact: There was a notable increase in energy efficiency improvements across the EU, with about 25.5% of residents living in dwellings that had seen such upgrades in the past five years.
- Construction Sector: The construction sector contributed 5.6% to the EU's Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023, with significant regional variations.
Publication Details
The report was published in 2024, reflecting data primarily from 2023 and trends observed over the past decade. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex landscape of housing in Europe.