EU adopts Affordable Housing Act framework
The European Commission adopted the Affordable Housing Act on 9 September 2026, creating a legal framework for Member States and cities to address housing pressure. For the first time it sets technical criteria to define areas under housing stress, enabling local authorities to restrict non-primary-residence uses such as short-term rentals and second homes where justified, necessary and proportionate. Decisions remain with national and local authorities. A Recommendation on housing affordability and supply accompanies the Act, covering planning, renovation, repurposing and investment.
Impact and considerations
The Act introduces compliance uncertainty for short-term rental, serviced-apartment and second-home operators in EU cities, as local restrictions could affect inventory availability and operating models.
Key points
- The European Commission adopted the Affordable Housing Act, giving Member States and cities a legal framework to tackle housing problems.
- The Act sets technical criteria for the first time to define areas under housing stress, providing legal certainty for local authorities.
- In some popular tourist destinations and city centres, short-term rentals can account for up to 20% of homes.
- Local authorities may restrict short-term rentals and second homes, but decisions remain with Member States and local authorities.
- A Recommendation on housing affordability and supply accompanies the Act, covering planning, renovation, repurposing and investment.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 9 Sept 2026, 06:00
- Page published
- 12 Sept 2026, 00:19
- Last updated
- 9 Sept 2026, 06:00
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Press remarks by Executive Vice-President Ribera and Commissioner Jørgensen on the Affordable Housin (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 9 Sept 2026, 06:00