This project addressed the escalating housing crisis across the European Union, characterised by soaring prices, limited supply and deepening socio-economic inequalities. It aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges in accessing affordable, decent and sustainable housing for all population groups. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining extensive AI-driven desk research and a literature review of academic, grey and legal sources. We integrated multisource quantitative data analysis from Eurostat, OECD and national statistical institutes to map housing needs and disparities. Furthermore, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders across EU institutions and civil society, complemented by illustrative good practice case studies from diverse European contexts
The study delivered an up-to-date understanding of housing definitions and mapped current needs across territories and demographic groups. It analyses the key demand- and supply-side factors driving housing scarcity, assesses its impacts on health, labour mobility, and educational outcomes, and reviews the role of EU legislation and funding — including the EPBD, EED, Recovery and Resilience Facility, and Cohesion Policy — in supporting national housing systems, highlighted successes, challenges and unforeseen consequences. The study concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations for the EU and Member States across three pillars: legislation and standards, finance and investment, and enabling conditions for implementation.
The study and its executive summary are available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/CASP_STU(2025)759352