15/10/2026
Disabled people need homes they can afford and access, with the freedom to choose where and with whom they live. The EU Affordable Housing Act must put accessibility and independent living at its heart.
ENIL is proposing amendments to ensure that the Act addresses the housing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and reflects their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Why does this matter?
Around 90 million people in the EU live with a disability. Yet estimates suggest that 70â80% of existing housing is unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Building more homes will not solve this problem unless those homes are accessible.
Disabled people also face greater financial pressures. In 2024, 28.8% of persons with disabilities were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared with 17.9% of persons without disabilities. Housing costs placed an excessive burden on 10.4% of persons with disabilities, compared with 7.8% of persons without disabilities.
The costs of housing adaptations, personal assistance, accessible transport and energy can make finding and keeping a suitable home even harder.
What is ENIL calling for?
đ Accessibility from the start
New homes and renovations should follow Universal Design principles, making them usable by as many people as possible. Existing homes should progressively become more accessible, with individual adaptations available where needed.
đïž Accessible and inclusive social housing
More social housing does not automatically mean more accessible housing. Social and non-profit housing must meet disabled peopleâs needs, prevent segregation and support independent living within the community.
đȘ Accessibility beyond the front door
Shared spaces, the surrounding neighbourhood, transport and essential services must also be accessible. A suitable home needs an environment that allows people to participate in everyday life.
đ Housing assessments that reflect disabled peopleâs needs
An area can have enough homes overall and still have a serious shortage of accessible homes. Authorities should recognise these shortages, monitor housing stress annually and act promptly to address both immediate and longer-term needs.
đ€ Accessible emergency and temporary accommodation
Disabled people experiencing or at risk of homelessness must have access to accommodation that meets their needs.
âïž Action on discrimination and housing exclusion
Housing measures must take account of the discrimination and additional barriers disabled people face when looking for a home.
đ Reviews that check whether peopleâs lives improve
Authorities should assess whether housing measures actually improve access to adequate, affordable and accessible homes for persons with disabilities.
Accessible housing is essential for independent living.
Without suitable housing and community support, people may be unable to leave institutions or may face institutionalisation. Housing policy must support disabled peopleâs right to make choices about their lives and be included in their communities.
These needs exist in cities, small towns and rural areas, including places that are not considered to have a general housing shortage.
đ Read the full proposed amendments:https://enil.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ENIL-Proposed-Amendments-to-the-EU-Affordable-Housing-Act-1.docx.pdf
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