Empty Spaces to Homes
Solving Europe’s housing crisis, with social, economic and climate benefits
Europe is facing a dual crisis:
A severe shortage of affordable housing ...
Over 4.1 million people experience homelessness annually, despite 30 million unoccupied homes across the continent.
... and an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions
Meanwhile, the residential sector accounts for 35% of the EU’s energy-related emissions.
The solution
Habitat for Humanity’s “Empty Spaces to Homes” initiative tackles these challenges by repurposing vacant properties into affordable, energy-efficient housing.
Our goal
By 2030, we aim to partner with 50 European cities to convert 20% of identified empty spaces into affordable and energy-efficient homes within five years of policy adoption.
This approach will increase housing availability while significantly contributing to Europe’s net-zero emissions targets by reusing existing buildings instead of building anew.
Why Habitat for Humanity
With decades of experience in affordable housing and thanks to partnerships with cities, municipalities, and local stakeholders, we’re transforming Europe’s vacant spaces into homes that meet both social and environmental needs.
Discover our work in Poland and in Great Britain.
Sustainability in focus
We are developing a comprehensive methodology to assess and reduce life-cycle CO2 emissions from repurposed buildings. This methodology, which aligns with the Paris Agreement and EU Taxonomy objectives, will evaluate emissions from material sourcing to reconstruction and energy use, driving both social equity and environmental responsibility in the housing sector.
Governance for long-term impact
To ensure the long-term affordability of these homes, we’re promoting innovative housing models such as the Social Rental Agency, which mobilizes privately owned flats for affordable rentals. This model is especially important in Central and Eastern Europe, where social housing systems are underdeveloped. We aim to secure decent, affordable housing for vulnerable groups such as refugees, female-headed households, and care leavers, ensuring long-term social sustainability.
Advocating for change
In alignment with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment to prioritize housing, we are advocating for:
1) A common EU definition of “vacant real estate” to ensure consistent data and resources.
2) An EU-wide research project to map vacant and underutilized properties.
3) Awareness campaigns promoting sustainable reuse of vacant real estate.
4) Dedicated EU funding, including support from the European Regional Development Fund.
Read our full manifesto on priorities for the European Union for 2024-2029
Join us in transforming Europe’s housing
Join us in turning empty spaces into vibrant homes for Europe’s most vulnerable communities.
Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future. Interested in learning more partnering with us?
Contact us at [email protected].
