Will the investment flow to the real economy meet affordable housing?

After repeated attempts to stabilise the banking system, the European Commission seems to have understood that it is about time to address the real economy and the citizen’s needs, too. Housing Europe and the International Union of Tenants (IUT) welcome the 300 bn € investment pack unveiled earlier today at the European Parliament plenary session and indicate how investment in not-for-profit housing can create the desired social profit for EU citizens.

The President of Housing Europe, Marc Calon explains why this is a European Challenge:

“In spite of absence of competence or policy from the EU for housing, our sector is vital to achieve resource efficiency, urban growth and social cohesion and therefore holds the key to success for many EU policies. Conversely, EU policies very often shape the conditions of delivery, organisation and funding of national housing policies. There is therefore a great potential to boost investments in the EU by supporting public, cooperative and social housing.”

Housing Europe and the IUT identify two main reasons why the new European Fund for Strategic Investments should be also channelled towards the housing sector.

1. It is clear that there is a growing need with millions of people on waiting lists for a social home. Just in France the Union Sociale pour l’ Habitat (USH) reports 1.7 million applications for social housing.
2. It is proven that there is a stable and significant return on investment in our sector in the long run. Eliminating poor quality housing has a great socio-economic impact, including reduction of homelessness. At the same time it is estimated that when 10 direct jobs are created within the framework of a renovation programme, 7 indirect jobs are created in the community and elsewhere.

Therefore, facilities to mobilize private capital for investment in not for profit housing are needed. IUT President Sven Bergenstråhle:

“IUT welcomes that the package foresees investment in social infrastructure like social housing. Jean-Claude Juncker said the European Fund for Strategic Investments is not about building sandcastles. IUT fully agrees - it should be about brick and mortar. We are lacking a massive investment in affordable rental housing all over Europe. This package is a needed step to improve the supply of safe and secure housing for all European citizens.”

Read More