Readers discuss the issue of empty properties in the UK, with suggestions ranging from council seizure to targeted levies and compulsory sale orders to address the housing crisis and homelessness.
A community-led initiative on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula is providing affordable rental housing for young people and others in need, addressing high rents and low vacancy rates. The project, funded by local donations and run by organizations like Fleurieu Community Foundation and Zonta, has housed 14 participants and assisted 32 people so far.
Gaza faces a severe housing crisis with 410,000 homes destroyed and over 350,000 families displaced. Reconstruction is hampered by a lack of building materials due to Israeli restrictions, with current repairs using basic materials. Hundreds of shelters need rehabilitation.
Germany's construction sector anticipates stagnant business in 2026 due to rising inflation, material costs driven by the Middle East conflict, and a severe housing shortage. The BVB forecasts minimal nominal growth of 0.3% to €433 billion, with employment expected to decline.
Spain faces a severe housing crisis with rental prices up 30% since 2022, construction at historic lows, and insufficient public housing. Renters spend an average of 50% of their salary, with regional disparities and young people particularly affected.
The death of a five-year-old girl in Alice Springs has highlighted the critical housing shortage in the Northern Territory. Her mother had to move to town for specialist services, a common issue for families in the region.
Quilpie, a town in outback Queensland, is adopting flat-pack homes to address a severe housing shortage. The crisis, exacerbated by the departure of essential service providers, is being tackled by innovative building solutions like modular kits to attract new residents and essential workers.
A fictional sale of Bad Bunny's 'Casita' on Idealista highlights Spain's housing crisis. Amnesty International also used the artist's references to criticize unaffordable rent and difficult access to housing.
Australia's property lobby is defending investor tax breaks that critics say are fueling a housing crisis, leading to skyrocketing rents. Despite claims that winding back these breaks will harm renters, the article argues the current system already causes significant suffering for tenants, with rents increasing dramatically over the past decade.
Thousands marched in Madrid protesting soaring rents and a housing shortage. Organizers claimed over 100,000 participants, while authorities estimated 23,000. The demonstration highlighted concerns over government housing measures and the impact of holiday rentals.
Thousands marched in Madrid protesting soaring rents and a housing shortage. Organizers claimed over 100,000 attendees, while authorities estimated 23,000. The protest highlights the escalating housing crisis despite government measures.
Thousands gathered in Madrid to protest soaring housing costs, a major political challenge for PM Sanchez ahead of 2027 elections. Rising rents, driven by tourism and population growth, have made homeownership difficult, with Spain facing a significant housing shortage.
Thousands protested in Madrid against rising housing costs, a major political challenge for PM Sanchez ahead of 2027 elections. Spain faces a housing shortage and high rents driven by tourism and population growth, with prices up 13% year-on-year. A government plan aims to build more public housing.
Spain's youth emancipation rate fell to a record low of 14.5% in 2025, with young people needing 98.7% of their net salary to rent alone. The housing crisis is a major driver of youth poverty and inequality, impacting even employed individuals.
Spain's youth emancipation rate fell to 14.5% in 2025, the lowest on record, as housing costs consume nearly all of a young person's net salary. The crisis is a major driver of youth poverty and inequality, impacting even employed individuals.
The World Urban Forum in Baku highlighted housing as a systemic global challenge, exacerbated by affordability, climate vulnerability, and displacement. UN officials stressed the need for integrated solutions and better financial mechanisms, warning of increased climate-driven displacement and the breakdown of social contracts.
A fire-damaged, unlivable house in Torrance, California, sold for $1 million, highlighting the state's severe housing shortage. The median home price in California is over double the national average.
A Centre for London report proposes replacing stamp duty and council tax with an annual property wealth tax to address London's housing crisis. The tax would encourage downsizing, fund social housing, and help renters save for deposits.
Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan has criticised Angus Taylor's proposal to restrict welfare access to citizens only, warning it would create a 'two-tiered society' and alienate migrant communities. Taylor's plan, aimed at reducing immigration, would bar permanent residents from key benefits even if they pay taxes.
The World Urban Forum in Baku highlighted the global housing crisis, with officials stressing the need for international cooperation due to rapid urbanization, climate pressures, and infrastructure deficits. Slovakia's Deputy PM noted vast differences in homeownership rates, while Malaysia's Housing Minister emphasized the need for convincing projects to attract investment. Delegates agreed that no single approach fits all, but inspiration and new ideas are key.
Germany faces a severe housing shortage, with immigrants disproportionately affected by discrimination, higher rents, and homelessness. A new report highlights structural disadvantages and calls for policy action to address the crisis.
GoFundMe reports a record number of rent-related fundraisers in the UK, with donations up 60% since 2022. Individuals are turning to crowdfunding to cover rent, household bills, and avoid eviction as housing costs and application refusals for discretionary housing payments rise.
UN-Habitat highlights a global housing crisis affecting over 3 billion people, with 1 billion in slums. The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, will gather over 28,000 participants to discuss solutions for safe, resilient, and inclusive cities.
UN-Habitat highlights a global housing crisis affecting over 3 billion people, with 1 billion in slums. The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, will address solutions for safe, resilient, and inclusive cities.
