Unlocking housing affordability - How can capital markets and real estate deliver Europe’s housing transition?

Europe is facing a housing affordability crisis, as the average house prices increased by up to 60% since 2015, and many households struggle to cover monthly costs. While housing policy remains a national responsibility, the EU recognises that this issue is central to social fairness and economic stability.Through initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Initiative, which aligns with the New European Bauhaus and the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission aims to support more accessible and sustainable housing. It is also currently preparing a plan for affordable housing to uphold Europe’s housing transition.Still, some stakeholders encourage further EU actions to support more affordable and greener housing. Residential and commercial buildings together make up nearly 40% of Europe’s overall energy consumption, and improving their efficiency could lower household expenses while advancing the EU’s long-term climate goals. Others also highlight that low coordination between EU, national and local authorities affect investment, calling for clearer EU policy and stronger cooperation between member states. This could foster innovative financing models and attract private capital, whilst encouraging public-private partnerships.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how capital markets and real estate can play a role in more affordable and sustainable housing in Europe. Questions to be addressed include:• How can public-private cooperation be strengthened to scale up affordable housing supply?• How can we align ambitious sustainability objectives with the need for affordable housing?• Which proven approaches demonstrate that new housing can be both environmentally responsible and financially accessible?• What role do listed real estate companies and institutional investors play in bridging the investment gap?• What regulatory measures are needed to create a stable, long-term investment environment?• How can cooperation among policymakers, industry, and civil society drive both affordability and competitiveness?