Key facts
- Across the EU, 33.4% of people live in under-occupied homes.
- Cyprus leads with 69.4% of its population in under-occupied homes.
- Romania has the lowest rate at 8.1%.
- Homeowners are more likely to live in under-occupied homes (40.5%) compared to tenants (14.2%).
- Housing advocates emphasize the need for more affordable, smaller properties.
Despite a significant housing crisis and a shortage of affordable homes across the European Union, a substantial portion of the population lives in under-occupied dwellings. According to Eurostat data, one in three people in the EU reside in homes larger than they need, often due to children moving out and older individuals remaining in family homes. This situation highlights a disconnect between the available housing stock and the actual needs of households.
The rates of under-occupation vary dramatically across the continent. Cyprus records the highest rate at 69.4%, followed by Ireland (66%) and Malta (63.2%), all island nations. Other countries with high rates include the Netherlands (58.5%), Belgium (57%), and Spain (54.3%). In stark contrast, Eastern and South-Eastern European countries exhibit much lower rates, with Romania at 8.1%, Serbia at 8.2%, and Turkey at 10.3%.
Experts suggest that homeownership rates are a primary driver of under-occupation, with 40.5% of homeowners living in under-occupied homes compared to 14.2% of tenants. Housing advocates, such as FEANTSA, argue that policymakers should prioritize increasing the supply of affordable, smaller properties rather than penalizing under-occupation. They emphasize that addressing structural issues like underinvestment in social housing and speculation is crucial for tackling housing unaffordability.