Rising Tenure Insecurity in Europe: Key Drivers and Trends Revealed
Tenure insecurity for land and housing is increasing worldwide, especially in Europe. A recent report highlights that rising rent and mortgage costs contribute significantly to this insecurity.
The 2024 Prindex Report states that about 1.1 billion adults globally, or 23% of the population, feel insecure about their property rights. This perception has markedly increased in the last four years.
In Europe and Central Asia, nearly 19% of adults report feeling insecure about their housing. Financial pressures, particularly from rising costs, are major reasons for this feeling.
Insecurity Levels in Europe
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The report examined 19 European countries, including EU members, candidate nations, and the UK. Turkey and Greece had the highest insecurity levels, exceeding 35%. Ukraine followed closely at 33%, with insecurity increasing significantly since the Russian invasion.
Factors Driving Insecurity in Turkey and Greece
Anna Locke, a co-director of Prindex, stated that financial instability significantly impacts insecurity in Turkey and Greece. In Turkey, increasing renters and fears of landlords asking tenants to leave are key issues. In Greece, ongoing economic struggles and falling wages make it hard for families to secure stable housing.
In Cyprus, 25% feel insecure about their housing, while 20% in Albania reported the same. The UK has a lower rate, with 14% feeling insecure, which is still higher than many other European nations.
Poland shows an 8% insecurity rate, followed by Italy at 11%, and Hungary and Croatia at 12%. Lithuania has the lowest rate at 6%.
Major Increases in Ukraine and Greece
Ukraine has seen the most significant rise in insecurity, jumping from 10% in 2020 to 33% in 2024, mainly due to the impact of the Russian invasion. Greece’s insecurity rose from 16% to 35% during the same period.
Reasons for Greece’s Increase
Locke points out that Greece’s rise in insecurity relates to long-term financial crises and government policies leading to evictions among homeowners unable to meet mortgage payments. These factors create uncertainty for renters and owners alike.
Survey respondents highlighted financial challenges as a primary cause of their insecurity. Globally, finance issues and conflicts rank highest among concerns. In Europe and Central Asia, key reasons include fears of eviction and lack of money to maintain housing.
In Turkey, 31% of respondents cited fears of being asked to leave. A rent cap in Turkey has led to disputes, worsening the situation for tenants. Financial concerns also affect 25% of respondents in Turkey and 20% in Greece.
Need for Global Action
The report warns that global efforts to ensure equal land and housing rights by 2030, as proposed in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are falling short. Malcolm Childress, the report’s lead author, urges policymakers to recognize that tenure security issues affect not just low-income countries but developed nations too.
Policy Recommendations
The report suggests targeted strategies to combat tenure insecurity, including:
- Implementing financial safety nets for struggling renters and mortgage holders.
- Expanding affordable housing programs, like social housing.
- Addressing gender disparities in property rights.
Housing expenses have risen significantly over the last 20 years in the EU. Reports indicate that minimum wage earners in Europe can spend between 35% and 56% of their income on rent.