Response Call for Evidence Housing Simplification Package

This document argues that the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan needs a broader approach than simply increasing new construction. It examines the structural drivers of Europe’s housing crisis, including affordability, vacancy, financialisation and underused buildings, and identifies opportunities to simplify renovation, reuse and conversion. It provides evidence on how nature, biodiversity, building and energy legislation can support healthy, affordable housing without weakening environmental standards. It also recommends strengthening the social dimension of sustainable finance, including through EU Taxonomy and capital requirements, to better support renovation, energy efficiency, climate adaptation and social housing.