Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched the “Validating Policies and Business Models for Affordable and Sustainable Housing” topic under the Built4People Partnership to support research and innovation activities that improve affordable rental housing and advance decarbonisation goals. The initiative focuses on housing affordability, deep renovation strategies, energy poverty reduction, sustainable building development, and policy innovation across Europe.
Program Overview
The “Validating Policies and Business Models for Affordable and Sustainable Housing” topic has been introduced under the Built4People Partnership to support research and innovation actions aimed at improving the renovation and supply of affordable housing. The initiative seeks to strengthen policies and business models that can increase affordability while maintaining sustainability and climate objectives.
The programme aligns with broader European efforts to accelerate building renovation activities and promote access to energy-efficient and climate-resilient housing for households with medium and lower incomes.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The opportunity addresses multiple areas related to affordable housing and sustainable development.
Key objectives include:
• Understanding factors that influence renovation levels in affordable rental housing
• Increasing policy and regulatory revisions by policymakers
• Researching the effectiveness of existing policies and support mechanisms
• Validating methodologies for comparing housing affordability across different housing markets and demographic groups
• Designing and validating improved policies and business models for affordable housing renovation
• Reducing the costs associated with deep renovation projects
• Addressing energy poverty challenges
• Supporting sustainable and climate-resilient buildings
• Contributing to Built4People Partnership objectives
• Encouraging collaboration with the New European Bauhaus hub for wider impact and results
Key Concepts Explained
Affordable housing refers to housing solutions designed to remain financially accessible for households with low or moderate income levels.
Deep renovation refers to extensive building upgrades that significantly improve energy performance and reduce emissions while enhancing living conditions.
Energy poverty refers to situations where individuals or households struggle to afford essential energy services needed for heating, cooling, or maintaining acceptable living standards.
Climate-resilient buildings are structures designed to withstand environmental challenges and adapt to changing climate conditions while maintaining sustainability goals.
Built4People Partnership is a European initiative focused on creating sustainable, people-centered, and environmentally responsible built environments.
How the Programme Works
The programme requires applicants to conduct research and validation activities related to affordable housing and policy development.
The process includes:
- Researching existing policies and regulations at local, national, and European levels
- Examining support mechanisms and business models related to affordable housing
- Validating methodologies for measuring housing affordability across different contexts
- Developing improved policy solutions and business models
- Assessing the impact of these solutions on deep renovation costs
- Supporting knowledge transfer and collaboration within innovation networks
Funding Information
The programme provides significant funding support for research and innovation projects.
Funding details include:
• Total call budget: Approximately €15,000,000
• Expected EU contribution per project: Approximately €5,000,000
Funding is intended to support activities related to research, policy validation, business model development, and innovation implementation.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for participation is open to a broad range of entities according to Horizon Europe participation rules.
Eligible participants include:
• Any legal entity regardless of place of establishment
• Entities from non-associated third countries
• International organisations
• Affiliated entities
• Associated partners
• Certain entities without legal personality, subject to conditions
• European Union bodies
Participation must comply with Horizon Europe requirements and topic-specific conditions.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Affordable housing and sustainable renovation remain important priorities across Europe. Rising housing costs and climate-related challenges continue to increase the need for effective policy solutions and innovation.
The initiative aims to create long-term benefits such as:
• Improved access to affordable housing
• Reduced energy poverty
• Increased building energy efficiency
• Lower renovation costs
• Support for climate goals and sustainability targets
• Stronger evidence-based housing policies
Tips for Applicants
Applicants should ensure that proposals demonstrate measurable impact and clear research methodologies.
Useful recommendations include:
• Focus on practical and scalable policy solutions
• Include affordability assessment approaches
• Demonstrate links between affordability and decarbonisation goals
• Present strong validation methodologies
• Consider different demographic groups and local housing markets
• Include measurable outcomes and impact indicators
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid proposal weaknesses that may reduce the effectiveness of their projects.
Common mistakes include:
• Ignoring affordability differences across regions and populations
• Failing to address vulnerable groups
• Providing weak policy validation approaches
• Neglecting measurable impacts on renovation costs
• Focusing only on technical solutions without policy relevance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The programme aims to improve affordable rental housing and support sustainable renovation strategies through research, policy development, and innovation.
What is deep renovation?
Deep renovation involves significant upgrades to buildings that improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
How much funding is available?
The total programme budget is approximately €15,000,000, with an expected EU contribution of around €5,000,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Any legal entity meeting Horizon Europe participation requirements may apply, including international organisations and entities from eligible countries.
What areas does the programme prioritize?
The programme focuses on affordable housing, policy validation, renovation strategies, sustainability, climate resilience, and energy poverty reduction.
Does the programme support vulnerable communities?
Yes. Particular attention is given to vulnerable situations, lower-income households, and housing affordability challenges.
How do funded projects contribute to broader initiatives?
Projects are expected to support Built4People Partnership objectives and contribute knowledge to innovation networks.
Conclusion
The “Validating Policies and Business Models for Affordable and Sustainable Housing” initiative supports research and innovation efforts aimed at improving housing affordability while advancing climate and sustainability goals. Through stronger policies, better business models, and evidence-based approaches, the programme seeks to create more accessible, energy-efficient, and resilient housing systems across Europe.
For more information, visit European Commission.