Finding an affordable home is harder than ever. In the EU, rents have risen by 25% since 2010, while house prices have increased by 52%. More than 10% of people living in cities and about 6% in rural areas face heavy housing cost burdens. Young people are particularly affected, and a large share of 18–34-year-olds still live with their parents.
In Luxembourg, the shortage of affordable housing is severe. Despite government efforts, 6,000 households were on the waiting list for social housing in 2025, almost double since 2021.
The EU recognises that housing is a human right, not a commodity, and is acting, but real change starts locally.
This EU Local Dialogue is organised by Tom Jungen (LU/PES) in Salle François Blouet (Maison communale Roeser) to discuss how we can fix the housing crisis together. Some of the solutions on the table include:
Local power: cities and regions should have the right to regulate housing and short-term rentals, ensuring the right mix of social, public, private and cooperative housing.
EU funding for housing: the next EU budget must prioritize affordable housing, with clear rules to prevent speculation and keep homes affordable for the long term.
Unleash investment: we must change state aid rules to allow more public investment in social, cooperative, and non-profit housing. This will help local authorities build affordable homes and create inclusive neighborhoods.
Stop speculation: we need transparency on who owns properties and strict rules to prevent investors from driving up prices.
Fair rules for all: housing policies must consider the needs of women, vulnerable groups, and small communities, like islands or rural areas.
Green and affordable: renovations should make homes sustainable without pushing people out.
No one left behind: everyone deserves a home. Programs like “Housing First” can end homelessness by combining housing with support services.
Join the debate! Share your ideas and help shape solutions for your community.