European progressives must tackle housing crisis to beat far right, say researchers

"Research by the Progressive Politics Research Network (PPRNet) suggests dramatic rises in the cost of housing over recent years have eroded support for centre-left parties once the champions of affordable housing and fuelled anti-establishment disaffection. Housing affordability has become a critical economic and political issue, said Prof Aidan Regan of University College Dublin. With credible solutions, progressive parties can reclaim that space, and bring voters with them but it will need real political will."

"A Eurobarometer survey last year found that rising prices and the cost of living of which housing costs are the largest single component had become the biggest issues shaping voter choices in the 2024 European parliament elections. Over the past two decades, average house prices across the EU as a whole have surged by almost half, while rents have grown by nearly a quarter."

"House prices and rents have far outpaced wage increases, and are the biggest financial commitment most people face. They average 20% of household income across the EU, but with huge variations. In Ireland and Denmark, for example, costs are 80% above that average. However, the researchers noted, as the postwar view of housing as a social right has steadily given way to a model in which it is seen mainly as a financial asset, housing is also for owners the biggest source of wealth."

Housing costs across the EU have surged: average house prices rose almost 50% over two decades, while rents grew nearly 25%, and costs in major cities increased about 50% between 2015 and 2023. Housing has outpaced wage growth and averages around 20% of household income, with Ireland and Denmark roughly 80% above that average. Rising housing costs were a leading factor in voter choices in the 2024 European Parliament elections. Housing has shifted from a social right to a financial asset, reducing social housing and rent controls. Progressive parties can rebuild broad coalitions by delivering credible housing solutions; political will is required to avoid boosting far-right support.

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