Get ready for the new challenges for affordable housing in Europe

The housing sector in Europe is changing. In urban hot spots, housing that is affordable for all groups of society is becoming scarce, with high demand driving up rental prices and the rise of construction costs, making the financing of social housing even more difficult than before. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods, inhabitants need to be motivated to stabilise the neighbourhood and prevent a downward spiral. New technologies offer opportunities, but housing providers are still hesitant to digitise their business. Disruptive changes are ahead, and it is high time to think about developments in the core business and the potentials innovations offer for value creation.

Why would it be a good idea to join us?

• Discuss new challenges with academic experts and experienced practitioners 
• Develop ideas and concepts in interactive workshops
• See real examples in field visits
• Meet fellow young housing professionals from other European countries 
• Be part of a European exchange of best practices and innovative approaches
• Build up your personal European network

Last year, the focus has been on three overarching themes, namely a) Neighbourhood development and integration, b) Ageing societies and accessible housing, and c) Energy efficiency and digitalization. the programme included not only ‘lecture-style’ presentations but also and most importantly opportunities for participants to present the situation in their countries, to work on a group exercise putting together different elements of an urban renewal plan of a fictional neighbourhood, to attend site visits and simply to get to know each other and discuss.

Let's have a look at what participants said about their experience in 2017:

„The first international Summer School of EBZ 2017 was very enriching for me, because it brought together different perspectives of the housing sector from different countries. The topics were highly relevant and urgent for the housing sector and I had a lot of fun discussing them with the other participants. Highly recommended!"

Tina Reimann, Aareon AG, Germany

"What I found most inspiring was the (Finnish) example of not only building houses for people in need but also building a community in which people live together and share common spaces. In that way, contacts between people are stimulated. Together with the goal of placing a maximum of 20% vulnerable tenants in a block, so that there is a healthy mixture, this kind of living can also be a successful form in Dutch society."

Elise Brouwer, Eigen Haard, The Netherlands

"I learned about two housing concepts which I’ve never heard about before. Namely multi-generational housing and shared ownership housing which seems to carry great opportunities to cope with the challenges of ageing societies and increasing segregation in Swedish urban town areas. Also, the use of the term “rightsizing” instead of “downsizing” drew my attention. I think we as young professionals in the real estate sector in Europe must learn to communicate to our tenants and customers from their point of view in order for us to reach energy consumption targets. Answering the question “What’s in it for me?” should be the starting point of any discussion where the goal is to change someone’s behaviour."

Pierre Strömbäck, Riksbyggen, Sweden

• You may read here the detailed report from last year

• Interested? Find out more and register to save your seat!

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The European Summer School is brought to you by EBZ – European Education Centre for Housing and Real Estate in cooperation with EFL European Federation for Living, Housing Europe and Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe IWO.​

 

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