Brussels, Belgium. Cyprus Property Developers Association chairman Yiannis Misirlis called for urgent policy priorities to address the housing crisis during a press conference held with Build Europe ahead of an informal EU housing ministerial meeting.
Press conference ahead of informal EU housing meeting
The event was organised on Wednesday ahead of the informal ministerial meeting on housing, taking place under the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Build Europe, which is based in Brussels, represents national federations of property developers and homebuilders.
Calls for faster licensing and regulatory stability
Misirlis said policy action should prioritise accelerating licensing procedures, ensuring stability and predictability in the regulatory framework, and adopting a realistic and applicable approach to the green transition.
Supply-side focus and role of private developers
Misirlis said that at a European level, the development of new housing units continues to lag behind rising demand, underlining a growing imbalance in the market. He said addressing the crisis requires a shift towards policies that strengthen supply, rather than relying solely on demand-side measures.
“The private sector has a dynamic that must be utilised,” he said, adding that property developers have the expertise, financial discipline and capacity to deliver projects.
Build Europe highlights need for supportive environment
Build Europe president Andreas Ibel said private developers play a decisive role in delivering new housing projects across the continent, and that their ability to respond effectively depends on a stable and supportive political and regulatory environment.
What policy change do you think would most effectively increase housing supply?