The lack of affordable housing has become one of the most urgent concerns for Europeans. According to the latest Eurobarometer, over 50% of city dwellers consider housing as an immediate and urgent problem where they live. Today’s proposal helps addressing these concerns. The housing crisis also weakens our competitiveness, by limiting labour and educational mobility.
In some cities and popular tourist destinations, where pressure on housing is strongest, the increasing use of housing for purposes other than primary residence can aggravate local availability and affordability. The new EU law supports authorities in their efforts to increase housing supply in areas that need it most, including through faster planning and permitting of new construction, renovation and repurposing buildings and facilitating investment. Authorities are also encouraged to concentrate such efforts to increase housing supply via Housing Acceleration Plans. Together, the legislative proposal and the Recommendation help authorities preserve housing affordability and availability while accelerating the additional housing supply the EU needs, responding to these highly localised concerns.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission said: “A year ago, I promised to tackle Europe’s housing affordability. Today, we are taking one step in this direction. By providing more clarity and support to local authorities and communities, anchored in local realities. Lack of affordable housing is a matter of concern for so many of our European citizens. Essential workers and students cannot afford to live where they serve and study. But most importantly, it is about fairness. Today, we are delivering for all Europeans.”
Affordable Housing Act supports authorities in their efforts to increase housing supply in areas that need it most, including through faster planning and permitting of new construction renovation and repurposing buildings and facilitating investment. Authorities are also encouraged to concentrate such efforts to increase housing supply via Housing Acceleration Plans. Together, the legislative proposal and the Recommendation help authorities preserve housing affordability and availability while accelerating the additional housing supply the EU needs.
