Europe is facing a growing housing crisis that threatens affordability, accessibility, and the quality of urban life. Across cities from Amsterdam to Athens and Lisbon to Berlin, housing costs are rising faster than incomes, making it increasingly difficult for young adults, low-income households, and essential workers to find affordable homes near their workplaces.
In major European cities, one in ten residents spends more than 40% of their income on housing, a share that rises to nearly one in four among people aged 18 to 29.
In historic and highly touristic cities, a large share of housing has shifted to short-term rentals, reducing long-term supply and driving up prices. The consequences are visible: longer commutes, overcrowding, and growing housing insecurity.
While the crisis differs across cities, it demands coordinated action at the municipal, national, and EU levels. Cities are well positioned to respond due to their proximity to residents, but they face constraints such as limited financing, restricted access to land, and regulatory barriers.
The Eurocities report Cities addressing the housing crisis: Innovative and integrated approaches shows that viable solutions exist. Drawing on the experiences of 20 cities, including Barcelona, Berlin, Manchester, and Stockholm, it highlights effective strategies to expand social and affordable housing, including governance models, financing tools, land-use policies, and urban regeneration initiatives.
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