EU youth housing is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, as rising housing affordability challenges in Europe intersect with growing levels of energy poverty in the EU.
Despite this, current EU housing policy frameworks continue to overlook young people as a distinct group facing structural vulnerability. Too often, youth housing in the EU is addressed through a narrow, student-focused lens, failing to reflect the realities of young workers, people in precarious employment, or those transitioning between education and the labour market.
As a result, many young people face barriers to accessing affordable housing and are disproportionately exposed to energy poverty, particularly in inefficient rental housing.
This policy brief examines the key gaps in EU housing policy, including the lack of age-sensitive measures, weak tenant protections, and limited youth participation. It puts forward targeted solutions to improve affordable housing for young people and ensure fair access to energy-efficient housing across Europe.
