The Rise of European Housing Policy

In December 2025, the European Commission presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP). The plan comes as a direct response to the ongoing European housing crisis—a crisis permeated by rising house prices and rents which has made housing increasingly unaffordable. Arguably, the announcement of the plan reflects an amplified presence of the EU in housing matter, a policy field which is not a formal EU competence. This report provides a snapshot of the development and announcement of EAHP by mapping perspectives from various EU institutions, political actors and other stakeholders. It examines how housing problems and solutions are framed at the European level and explores how emerging European housing policy can be understood in a Swedish context. The findings show a multifaceted European effort, attempting to tackle the crisis in a broad manner. However, the EAHP lacks detail and remains rather ambiguous in many of its policy interventions; it often refers to initiatives already in play, or, to unfinished strategies and additional plans expected to come later. The changes to state aid rules are presented as one of the most concrete actions, nevertheless, their applicability in Sweden is questioned. Ultimately, the report concludes that it is difficult to assess the outcomes of a strengthened European housing policy, as the presented plan is only an initial step of the Commission’s efforts. What is clear, however, is that housing policy at the EU level operates within a complex and sometimes contradictory landscape. Objectives such as market competitiveness, investment mobilisation, social rights, anti-speculation measures, and respect for national competence must be continuously balanced.