Europe is facing a structural housing challenge. Over the past fifteen years, rents have increased by about 25% and house prices by roughly 50%. According to recent data, between 45 and 47 million Europeans – around 10% of the population – are unable to adequately heat their homes. In France, for instance, the share of household income dedicated to housing and energy has risen from 22% in 1964 to 32% in 2024, with the UN defining housing as “affordable” only when such costs remain below 30%. These trends underline that affordability, and sustainability must be addressed together if Europe is to ensure decent living conditions for all.
Affordable housing, energy poverty, and the transition to sustainable buildings are now at the core of the European policy agenda. The European Commission has established a dedicated housing taskforce and is preparing the European Affordable Housing Plan, to be informed by the 2025 Affordable Housing Dialogue. In parallel, the European Parliament has set up a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS), chaired by MEP Irene Tinagli, whose recent interview has drawn attention to the multidimensional nature of the problem and the need for coordinated responses across sectors and governance levels.
From REHVA’s perspective, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and affordability must advance hand in hand. Without accessible renovation pathways and well-designed HVAC systems, the transition to Zero Emission Buildings risks widening, rather than closing, existing social gaps.
To foster dialogue and practical cooperation on these issues, REHVA is convening a dedicated debate during the REHVA Brussels Summit 2025. The session, titled “Addressing building affordability in the ongoing EU legislature,” will explore how the implementation of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) can better support housing and energy affordability while addressing energy poverty. The discussion will gather insights from the European Parliament, the European Commission’s housing taskforce, and REHVA experts, who will share hands-on perspectives on technical and policy bottlenecks.
The Summit will take place on 18 November 2025 at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. REHVA invites policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society to join this debate and contribute to shaping a built environment that is not only greener and healthier, but also genuinely affordable for all.