In recent years, housing has become a top priority in the real estate industry, on the political agenda, and in society as a whole. Evidence of this is that having a home is currently the main concern within the EU, according to the June 2025 Eurobarometer, which reveals that 51 percent of urban residents consider “the lack of affordable housing” an urgent issue, well ahead of unemployment (33 percent) and public services (32 percent).
For this reason, The District 2025, the largest European property event from a capital perspective, taking place from September 30 to October 2 in Barcelona, Spain, will dedicate a significant portion of its agenda to analysing the strength of social housing stock and the definition of affordability across different countries and regions. Among the leaders addressing this topic will be Harm Janssen, CEO of BPD Europe, a prominent Dutch fund specialising in building and maintaining affordable rental housing, who will share strategies for public-private collaboration to increase housing supply.
Indeed, cooperation to strengthen housing stock is the EU’s main approach through the European Affordable Housing Plan, the first comprehensive strategy to promote access to housing. It aims to coordinate policies, financing, and best practices among Member States, regions, and municipalities. This project, along with other housing programs, will be discussed at The District 2025 by Federico Nahuel Lazzari, Secretary General of Built Europe, and Juan Gómez Vega, Managing Director and Head of Southern Europe at Deutsche Finance International.
In turn, Vicky D. Kefalas, member of the Investment Committee at InvestEU; Jaime Luque, member of the European Commission’s Housing Advisory Board; Stanimira Milcheva, Professor of Real Estate Finance at University College London; and Xavier Vilajoana, President of APCEspaña, will provide a comparative look at current national policy frameworks to outline the best solutions being considered to address the housing challenge.
One such solution is the model implemented by Ktesios, a REIT that acquires completed housing in non-prime areas at significantly reduced prices, enabling affordable rents while ensuring high occupancy and sustained returns.
This strategy combines social impact with financial stability by keeping rent below 35 percent of household income, the recommended threshold set by institutions like the European Commission and the Bank of Spain. Henry Gallego, CEO of Ktesios, will share insights into this business model alongside Amar Amte, CEO and Founder of proptech company Pegbo, to explore the innovations and regulations emerging to balance market development with societal needs.
The District 2025 will also highlight the perspectives of those who build and finance affordable housing. Álvaro Urbón García-Fuentes, Principal at Ares Real Estate, and Pedro Fuster, Real Estate Director at Deloitte Spain, will analyse risks, margins, and institutional support for expanding social housing. At the same time, Donato Muñoz, CEO of Cevasa, among other developers, will address how to ensure financing in a context of rising costs and strict debt limits.
Changing lifestyles, changing ways of living
Beyond affordable housing, this year’s edition will continue to delve into the transformation of living models in response to evolving habits, with experts such as Emilio Velasco, Head of Real Assets Iberia and Global Co-Head of Real Estate Acquisitions at Tikehau Capital, and Ariadna Nijssen, Head of Transactions Southern Europe at Stoneweg.
The event will highlight the rise of flex living, which maintains steady demand and attractive returns, and coliving, which, according to JLL, now includes over 23,150 beds across Europe, either operational or in development—a 60 percent increase in just two years. Carlos Zucchi, Managing Partner at Argis, and Luke Treasure, Technical Director at Emin Capital, will explore strategies and trends in both segments.
Luxury residences also seek their place
The District 2025 will also spotlight the evolution of luxury housing, now integrating sustainability criteria, services, and customisation tailored to buyers’ preferences. Executives from leading companies such as Izilend will explore the boom in premium housing, with Spain emerging as a European benchmark—experiencing a 35 percent increase in 2025—driven by more accessible prices and more favourable economic and social conditions than in other countries.
