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.
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.
In January 2026 a new housing law was adopted in the second reading in Ukraine’s parliament. This marks the beginning of a major housing reform, something that has not happened for over 30 years in the country.
New Bill No. 12377, “On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy,” replaces the 1983 Soviet-era Housing Code, includes the establishment of social housing, new financial mechanisms to support the construction and purchase of housing, digitalization of processes, as well as putting vulnerable people and their specific needs as a priority. It is now awaiting Presidential approval and signature to come into effect.
In the heart of Bytom, a historic 19th-century tenement building on Piekarska Street, Poland, has been given a new life. Long abandoned and deteriorating, the building has been transformed into four warm, safe, and modern apartments, offering families—including Ukrainian refugees and local residents—a chance to call this central Silesian city home. What was once a vacant, neglected property is now a symbol of hope, cooperation, and sustainable urban regeneration. It is proof that solving Europe’s housing crisis does not always require new construction—sometimes it’s about breathing new life into what already exists.
Each year on International Women’s Day, the world celebrates the achievements, resilience and leadership of women everywhere. It is also a moment to reflect on the barriers that still limit opportunities for many women and girls.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of women whose lives have been transformed through perseverance, partnership and the power of a safe place to call home.
When Cyclone Freddy swept through southern Malawi in March 2023, entire communities were left without homes and livelihoods, and many lives were lost. The torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides, destroying homes and displacing thousands of families overnight. Their story is a reminder that recovery after disaster often begins with a home – opening the door to resilience for families and communities alike.
Over the past fifty years, we have helped more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. Now, we’re building on that momentum.
Over the past fifty years, we have helped more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. Now, we’re building on that momentum.
Europe Housing Day is Habitat for Humanity’s annual event focused on the future of housing in Europe. This year, we will explore how to unlock EU funding and private finance in the next MFF to help make housing more affordable, how to reduce energy poverty through energy-efficient apartment buildings, and what role vacant buildings can play in improving affordability and scaling up housing supply. Join us!
In many parts of the world, the word home evokes safety. But for millions of families living in substandard housing, home is where some of the greatest health risks begin. From respiratory diseases to heat-related illnesses and vector‑borne illnesses like malaria, unsafe housing conditions expose low‑income families to dangers that no one should have to endure.
This World Malaria Day, Habitat for Humanity recognizes the life‑saving power of healthy housing, because preventing malaria requires a holistic approach, where mainstream tools like nets and medicine work hand in hand with strong walls, secure roofs, good ventilation and the dignity of a home that protects the people who live in it.