ABOUT

ReHousIn: a European research project on housing inequalities

ReHousIn is a European research project investigating how economic shifts, urbanisation, and policy decisions impact access to affordable and quality housing across different regions. Housing inequalities vary widely depending on income levels, tenure security, and local governance, affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities in different ways.

Why is this research needed?

Across Europe, rising living costs, urban expansion, demographic changes, and climate and energy policies are reshaping housing systems. While policies addressing sustainability, economic growth, and housing affordability are essential, their effects vary across national and local contexts. Without careful planning, policies aimed at improving housing may unintentionally widen inequalities, benefiting some while creating new barriers for others.

ReHousIn asks: How are housing inequalities evolving in the face of economic shifts, urbanisation, and the EU’s green transition? What policy approaches can ensure affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability across different national and local contexts?

By studying diverse housing systems, ReHousIn explores both risks and opportunities, identifying policy solutions that promote affordability, inclusion, and long-term resilience.

Our approach

ReHousIn follows a structured research process to understand and address housing inequalities in the context of the EU’s green transition. The project:

Analyses housing inequalities across Europe – Using quantitative and qualitative data, ReHousIn examines how housing conditions have evolved over the past two decades and how environmental policies affect affordability and access.
Studies 27 case areas – The project investigates how housing inequalities manifest in metropolitan regions, medium-sized cities, and rural areas across nine countries, identifying local challenges and policy responses.
Engages stakeholders – Through policy labs, workshops, and expert interviews, ReHousIn collaborates with policymakers, researchers, and civil society to integrate diverse perspectives.
Develops policy recommendations – Based on the findings, ReHousIn formulates evidence-based recommendations to help create fairer housing policies at local, national, and EU levels.

Case studies

ReHousIn conducts case studies in nine European countries: Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These countries were selected to represent diverse housing systems, welfare regimes, and environmental policies, providing a strong basis for comparison.

Each country’s analysis focuses on three distinct types of areas:

Metropolitan regions, where housing demand and policy interventions are highly concentrated.
Medium-sized cities, where economic shifts and local governance shape housing accessibility.
Small towns, where demographic change and infrastructure development present different housing challenges.

By investigating these contexts, ReHousIn identifies patterns, challenges, and local solutions that can help inform housing policies across Europe.

Who we are

ReHousIn is a collaboration between 11 European partners, including 10 leading research institutions and ICLEI Europe, a network of local governments focused on sustainability. Together, the consortium brings expertise in housing policy, urban planning, sustainability, and social research. Funded by the EU, the project aims to inform housing policies at local, national, and European levels.