The European Commission has formally recognised student housing as a strategic priority in Europe’s housing, education, and competitiveness agenda, marking a turning point for policymakers, investors, and universities across the continent.

In a landmark address to The Class Conference 2025 in Lisbon, Matthew Baldwin, Head of the European Commission’s Housing Task Force, affirmed that student housing is now a core priority within the forthcoming European Affordable Housing Plan, aligning with 3 core units; Dan Jorgensen the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Executive Vice- President for Education, Roxana Mînzatu , and the Commissioner for Youth, Glenn Micallef.

You can watch the video here: The European Commission's recognition of student housing as a essential infrastructure for Europe’s competitiveness

“Housing is key for the autonomy, for the security, and stability in young people's lives.” Baldwin said. “2.2 million students move across Europe for education for early career experiences, and if they cannot find affordable places to live, they can't take up new jobs, they can't go into new courses.”  

Baldwin confirmed that the Commission will mobilise investment, enable state-aid flexibility, and unlock private capital to expand affordable, purpose-built supply for students and young people. He also highlighted the enhanced €15 billion funding envelope available under cohesion policy for housing, including student accommodation.

This is the first time the European Commission has publicly recognised student housing within a European policy framework, a milestone long championed by The Class Foundation and its partners.

Shaping Europe’s Student Housing Policy

Over the past year, The Class and partners have worked closely with European institutions, cities, and universities to position Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) as critical infrastructure for Europe’s education mobility and competitiveness.  

A key example in this effort was the recent submission of The Class’ 2025 Position Paper, "Student Housing as Critical Infrastructure of the European Education Area."

“This recognition validates years of collective advocacy from our community,” said Kelly-anne Watson, Managing Director of The Class Foundation. “Student housing is not a niche asset class - it is social and economic infrastructure. The Commission’s acknowledgment is a watershed moment for aligning policy and investment across Europe.”

According to Class partner JLL, Europe faces a shortfall of 3.2 million student beds by 2030, representing an estimated €450 billion investment opportunity.

Looking Ahead

As the European Affordable Housing Plan moves toward adoption in 2026, momentum is building across Europe’s student housing community. The upcoming Class Conference 2025 – Reinforcing Europe (5–6 November, Lisbon) will bring together leading investors, operators, universities, and policymakers to explore how to deliver and scale more student housing through collaboration, innovation, and aligned policy.

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