Empty Spaces News

How Hungary’s Empty Spaces Could Become the Future of Affordable Housing

April 08, 2025

Hungary’s housing landscape presents a striking contradiction. Despite a growing number of dwellings—over 4.5 million—more than 570,000 stand vacant, while nearly 3 million people struggle with housing poverty. At the same time, the country’s population continues to shrink, creating a disconnect between where homes exist and where they’re needed most. A new research study from Habitat for Humanity Hungary takes a deep dive into this complex picture, offering an eye-opening look at how a more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing future might be built—quite literally—out of empty spaces.

Unlocking the Potential of Empty Spaces in Croatia

April 08, 2025

Croatia is facing a paradox: while housing costs are rising and many young people are locked out of the rental and ownership markets, nearly a third of all homes meant for permanent residence sit empty. This contrast lies at the heart of a new research report on the country’s housing landscape—one that uncovers not just the challenges, but the untapped opportunities for creating more inclusive, sustainable communities.

Addressing Energy Poverty and Housing Shortages in Europe

Europe is facing a dual crisis—an escalating housing shortage and a pressing need to reduce carbon emissions. With over 900,000 people homeless each night and 30 million vacant homes across Europe, the paradox is striking: while many struggle without adequate shelter, millions of properties remain unused. At the same time, residential buildings account for 36% of CO₂ emissions and 40% of energy consumption in the EU.

Turning Empty Spaces into Affordable, Sustainable Homes

January 29, 2025

The housing crisis and environmental sustainability are two of the most pressing challenges of our time. But what if we could address both simultaneously? That’s the bold vision behind Empty Spaces to Homes project, an innovative initiative launched in January 2024. Led by Habitat for Humanity International and funded by the Laudes Foundation, this initiative is transforming vacant and underutilized spaces in Poland, Great Briatin, Hungary, and Croatia into affordable, energy-efficient homes.

Affordable Housing, The Missing Piece in Europe’s Just Transition Puzzle

Can a transition to a greener economy be just if millions of people still lack access to safe, affordable housing? As Europe embarks on its ambitious journey toward a climate-neutral future, it risks overlooking one of the most foundational elements of a truly Just Transition: housing. Far more than just shelter, housing underpins economic stability, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

Strategies for Affordable Housing and Thriving Communities

August 15, 2024

The housing crisis in the European Union has grown into a challenge that no one can afford to ignore. What was once a struggle for the most vulnerable is now an everyday concern for middle-income families. Over the past decade, house prices have surged by 47%, and rents have climbed by 18%, leaving millions in precarious living situations. These rising costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the statistics are real people—families, seniors, and young adults—struggling to find secure, affordable, and decent homes.

Habitat for Humanity and Laudes Foundation Join Forces to Tackle Housing and Climate Crises

July 15, 2024

Bratislava (July 15, 2024) - Habitat for Humanity and the leading philanthropic foundation called Laudes Foundation are proud to announce a transformative three-year partnership aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of social housing and climate change through a flagship regional project devoted to renovating and repurposing vacant spaces into homes.

We are helping to transform empty spaces into homes

Have you ever considered the sheer number of unused commercial and business premises scattered about? Just picture this: Rather than constructing new houses and apartment complexes, why not repurpose these vacant spaces into warm and welcoming homes for those struggling to find a decent and secure place to live?

Before and after photos of an underutilized apartment rehabilitated by Habitat Poland.

Converting underutilized spaces into adequate housing

Habitat is transforming underutilized buildings and vacant apartments into adequate housing, demonstrating that upgrading existing buildings can be a viable component to addressing the global housing deficit.