Tenure insecurity, or the fear of losing rights to one’s home or land, is on the rise globally, including across Europe. According to the 2024 Prindex Report, 23% of the global adult population—roughly 1.1 billion people—now feel insecure about their housing or land tenure. In Europe and Central Asia, nearly one in five adults shares this growing concern, driven largely by financial pressures such as soaring rents and mortgage rates.
Key Findings from the Prindex Report
The report analyzed 19 European countries, revealing significant disparities in tenure security. Turkey and Greece emerged as the most insecure nations, with 35% and 33% of adults, respectively, fearing eviction or losing access to their homes. Ukraine followed closely with a sharp rise in tenure insecurity, driven by the impacts of war.
In contrast, countries like Lithuania (6%), Bulgaria (7%), and Moldova (7%) reported the lowest levels of tenure insecurity, reflecting stronger housing policies or less volatile housing markets.
Financial Pressures Driving Insecurity
Anna Locke, co-director of Prindex, highlighted that financial instability remains a major driver of insecurity, particularly in Turkey and Greece. In Turkey, the shift from homeownership to renting has created tensions between landlords and tenants, exacerbated by inflation and a 25% rent cap that has led to violent disputes. In Greece, a history of economic instability and recent foreclosure policies have left many households vulnerable.
Ukraine, which saw tenure insecurity rise from 10% in 2020 to 33% in 2024, faces unique challenges due to the destruction of housing and displacement caused by Russia's invasion.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Housing Crisis
Globally, financial instability and conflicts are the leading causes of tenure insecurity. The report notes that even developed nations are not immune, with rising housing costs and limited affordable housing options contributing to the problem.
In Europe, affordability remains a critical issue. For example, minimum wage earners in the Netherlands spend as much as 56% of their income on rent, while in France, the figure is 35%.
Policy Recommendations for Tenure Security
The Prindex Report emphasizes the urgency of addressing tenure insecurity through tailored, country-specific strategies. Key recommendations include:
Financial Safety Nets: Providing support for renters and mortgage holders to prevent eviction.
Affordable Housing Expansion: Investing in social housing programs and community land trusts.
Gender Equality: Addressing gender disparities in property rights, as women remain disproportionately affected.
Resilience Measures: Ensuring communities are prepared for conflicts, economic shocks, and climate-related challenges.
Conclusion
The findings of the 2024 Prindex Report underscore the need for immediate global and local action to secure housing and land rights for all. While countries like Lithuania and Bulgaria offer examples of relative stability, nations such as Turkey, Greece, and Ukraine highlight the vulnerabilities millions face due to financial instability and systemic challenges.
Policymakers must act now to address these challenges, ensuring that tenure insecurity does not continue to rise in an increasingly volatile world.
Source: Euronews
Comments