Home shortages and rising prices: can the EU solve the housing crisis?

The report, adopted with 367 votes in favour, calls for urgent action to tackle rising costs, shortages, and declining living standards across the bloc.

In most European capitals, young people would need to earn much more than they do now to buy a home, since prices have risen much faster than incomes over the past decade.

Throughout the EU, there are not enough homes to meet demand, especially in big cities. This has pushed up both property prices and rents. Experts estimate the shortage is in the millions, and in some cities, rents have gone up by more than 30% in recent years. Building new homes is also difficult because of higher construction costs, limited land, and slow approval processes.

Short-term rental platforms make it harder to find long-term housing in many cities. At the same time, investment properties and second homes are driving prices even higher for local people.

Governments now face pressure to protect tenants, encourage new construction, expand social housing, and update older buildings. The shortage of affordable homes is making it harder for people to move up economically, connect with their communities, and enjoy a good quality of life.

Can Europe’s housing crisis be fixed? And should the EU be the one to do it? Our poll is anonymous and takes just a few seconds to complete. The results will feature across the EU. XL coverage -in videos, articles, and newsletters- and will help shape our reporting as we explore how Europe can secure its place in the age of artificial intelligence.

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