HOUSING CRISIS: MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION CAN HELP DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING

In an opinion adopted at its September plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) stressed that modern construction methods can help lower housing costs and boost supply, but only if innovation, quality and respect for workers’ rights go hand in hand.

In its opinion on affordable housing, co-rapporteurs John Comer and Thomas Kattnig argued that the EU could reduce building costs, shorten construction times and lower carbon footprints by embracing modern construction methods. However, Mr Comer underlined that ‘Modern methods of construction can become a key pillar of affordable housing only if innovation, quality, workers’ rights and public interest objectives advance together.’ 

New construction methods can address the low productivity and fragmented supply chains that associated with the construction sector by prioritising off-site and prefabricated manufacturing techniques. This approach has the potential to reduce overall construction costs while improving structural precision, quality control and productivity.

Achieving these objectives will require a well-developed industrial base. This is why the EESC argues that the EU should promote targeted investment to expand the capacity needed to manufacture systems for prefabrication and off-site construction.

The Committee also emphasises that the Member States, the Commission, the Housing Alliance and all stakeholders have a role to play in promoting standardisation, eliminating fragmented regulations and ensuring that modern methods of construction are supported by robust certification and monitoring systems.

‘Modern methods of construction must not be seen as merely a technological or market-driven issue, but must be part of a broader social, labour market, affordability and industrial policy strategy,’ said Mr Kattnig. 

This recent opinion forms part of a prolonged effort on the part of the EESC to press the EU institutions into finding equitable and sustained solutions to Europe's housing emergency; opinions adopted in 2025 as well as in March and July of this year all concerned affordable housing in the EU. (ma/mp)