EU Offers Countries Tax Policy Help to Address Housing Crisis

The European Commission on Tuesday offered help to EU countries in designing tax policies that promote housing affordability, including evaluating current policies.

The commission aims to promote affordability for member countries by “assessing the impact of housing-related taxes on housing markets, issuing practical guidance and facilitating the exchange of good practices,” according to the commission’s Affordable Housing Plan.

The plan is meant to address the bloc’s housing issues including homelessness, high prices, speculation and the proliferation of short-term rentals.

“Tax policies and other measures can also mitigate the risk of speculative behaviours,” the plan said.