Europe’s housing crisis demands urgent action. This was the message delivered yesterday by Build Europe, the association of EU homebuilders and developers, at the European Housing Forum. Speaking to the European Commission’s Housing Task Force, Build Europe outlined six strategic priorities to boost affordable housing. Its message is clear: affordable homes must be delivered efficiently, sustainably, and competitively with private developers, especially SMEs, at the centre.
A multi-framework investment scheme for affordable housing:
Build Europe calls for an EU investment strategy that supports both affordable ownership and rental models. It’s A-HOPE proposal, developed under the supervision of Deloitte and presented to the EIB, includes dedicated support for homeownership, recognising its role in increasing housing supply and incentives for families to move into homes that better match their needs.
Fair competition in SGEI state aid reform:
In social housing, the focus should be on results, not the type of provider. Build Europe believes that any actor genuinely committed to serving vulnerable households should have equal access to public support, including professional private residential developers. As Deng Xiaoping said, “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.” State aid must be based on social impact, not institutional labels.
Fair and simplified taxation:
New homes are often taxed like luxury goods, making ownership less affordable. Build Europe urges the EU to launch a housing tax survey with the sector to identify good practices and barriers. We also call for tax incentives for primary residences to help more people access affordable homes.
Strategic spatial planning and urban renewal:
Rigid No Net Land Take rules risk blocking affordable housing. Build Europe calls for a pragmatic approach that balances environmental goals with housing needs. Private professional developers are not land speculators — they are subject to market forces and financial constraints. Land can’t sit idle. Planning rules must support timely, cost-effective delivery. Build Europe also urges investment in underused urban areas and rural and peripheral communities to ensure territorial cohesion.
Accelerated permitting procedures:
In many cities, building permits have become increasingly complex and legally risky, especially for capital-intensive housing projects. NIMBY appeals often block vital projects for years, creating uncertainty for investors. Build Europe calls for streamlined procedures, legal clarity, and faster decisions, following the EU’s model for renewable energy permits.
Proportional technical standards (no gold-plating):
Well-intentioned policy goals, such as sustainability, energy efficiency, or circular construction, often translate into complex and prescriptive national rules, which drive up costs and reduce affordability. Build Europe calls for a results-based approach focused on outcomes, not rigid methods. This would allow more flexibility, cut red tape, and support innovation, without weakening policy goals.
Build Europe welcomed the Commission’s renewed attention to housing and appreciates the constructive tone of today’s dialogue. A bilateral meeting with the Housing Task Force is already foreseen during the Build Europe Congress in Gdańsk on 12 June, where its proposals will be discussed in more detail.
