HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Affordable housing has become one of Europe’s most pressing challenges.  The shortage of affordable accommodation, along with rising property and energy costs, continues to put growing pressure on households across the European continent. 

The challenge extends beyond national borders and calls for a coordinated European response. The European Union has taken meaningful action, including appointing Dan Jørgensen as Commissioner for Energy and Housing and establishing a Special Committee to address the housing crisis across the EU. As part of a broader EU-wide effort to address housing challenges, a new initiative was introduced. In December 2025, the European Commission launched Europe’s first Affordable Housing Plan, outlining a coordinated set of actions to increase housing supply, encourage investment, implement reforms and support the people and areas most affected by rising housing costs. These measures aim to strengthen the EU’s role in supporting and coordinating efforts across Member States, helping to foster a more cohesive and effective response to housing affordability pressures across Europe. 

CEPI supports and remains fully committed to this mission. Through the voice of real estate professionals, we advocate policies that promote a balance between supply and demand, while supporting initiatives to make housing more accessible for everyone. With their expertise and direct engagement in the market, real estate professionals are essential partners in identifying local needs and promoting practical solutions. 

At CEPI, our goal is to address the barriers putting housing affordability under pressure across Europe. We focus on the following key challenges and recommendations: 

Key challenges: 

- Homeownership and financial barriers;

- Restrictive government policies;

- Supply-side constraints.

CEPI’s recommendations: 

- A coordinated European approach that respects national competences;

- A balanced approach to rent regulation;

- Measures to reduce construction costs and increase housing supply;

- Reforming taxation and financial policies to support housing market stability.

Housing affordability is a shared concern across Europe. However, its underlying drivers differ significantly from one country to another. At CEPI, we believe it is essential to recognise that national contexts, market dynamics and policy frameworks shape the specific challenges each country faces. A balanced and effective response must take these differences into account.  

In this context, ensuring housing for everyone is a collective priority. Together, we must build a future where every citizen has access to fair, affordable and sustainable housing.