Description:

Housing is a key element of deinstitutionalisation and community-based living for persons with disabilities. However, people with disabilities still face persistent barriers in accessing adequate, accessible, and affordable housing, despite legal requirements under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), ratified by the EU and all Member States.

This study examines inclusive housing practices from Finland, Greece, Moldova, Slovakia, and Spain. Seven on-the-ground practices demonstrate promising approaches to inclusive housing, representing several models from various national contexts. They all report common challenges, especially related to policy and financial frameworks affecting their activities.
To address these challenges, the report calls for stronger alignment between the disability and housing policies. It recommends increased investment in accessible and affordable housing, including through EU social and cohesion funds and revised State Aid rules.

The upcoming EU Affordable Housing Plan and the second phase of the EU Disability Rights Strategy offer a timely opportunity to embed these principles into future policy and funding frameworks, ensuring that all people with disabilities can live independently and be included in their communities.

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Citation:

EASPD (2025). Building inclusive housing: Perspectives from across Europe.

Author:

Estelle Houtart, Junior Policy Officer 

Editor:

Irene Bertana, Interim Head of Policy

Date:

Brussels, October 2025.