Understanding housing inequalities across Europe: Insights from nine countries
ReHousIn has released its first major research publication: a set of national reports that examine housing inequalities and access to housing in nine European countries. Compiled under the title "Contextualised analysis of housing inequalities across Europe", this publication traces how housing conditions have changed over the past two decades — across metropolitan regions, medium-sized cities, and small towns — and how these developments intersect with wider socio-economic trends and environmental policies.
The findings highlight both shared pressures and country-specific dynamics. Austria’s strong tradition of public housing continues to shape affordability. In Hungary, a high level of homeownership and limited public policy support reveal growing disparities. In France, long-standing socio-spatial divides are reflected in the concentration of social housing in certain urban districts. In Italy, tourism pressures and heritage preservation policies have become major influences on local housing markets.
Norway’s robust welfare framework is not immune to growing housing pressures in urban areas. Poland faces sharp contrasts between shrinking towns and revitalised urban centres like Warsaw. In Spain, tourism and short-term rentals continue to put pressure on urban housing supply. Switzerland’s dense urban planning and a tenant-majority population play a key role in shaping access to housing. In the UK, persistent affordability issues are intensified by a shortage of social housing and displacement driven by redevelopment.
Each national report includes key insights into tenure structures, affordability, housing quality, and urbanisation trends. Together, they provide a solid basis for understanding how these factors interact with environmental and energy policies, serving as timely snapshots of housing systems across Europe.
Read the full publication or explore each country’s report on the Resources page.
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