Regional Youth Community Forum

I’d add that a lot of young professionals are willing to invest in homes, but the financial system doesn’t support them. Mortgages are difficult to access unless you have a high, stable income or parental support—which many don’t. What we need is a government-backed mortgage guarantee program for first-time buyers under 35. This already works in parts of the EU. Why not adapt it regionally? It would stimulate construction, increase employment, and help retain young talent that would otherwise emigrate.

We’re also seeing exploitation in the rental market. Landlords know young people are desperate, so they raise prices unchecked, often asking for absurd deposits and offering terrible living conditions in return. There’s no oversight. Rent control policies need to be introduced—especially in cities with universities or fast-growing tech sectors. If we can cap rent increases and set quality standards, we can make renting viable until ownership becomes possible. At the very least, there should be an official registry of landlords and rental units to track abusive practices.

Another angle is zoning and land use reform. In many Balkan cities, there’s land sitting empty due to bureaucracy or private speculation. Meanwhile, youth can't find housing. Local governments should reclaim idle plots for social housing projects or community-led development. Public-private partnerships can also be explored, but transparency and community involvement are key. Young people should be at the planning table—not just waiting for decisions made by investors with no stake in their lives.

Yes! And let’s not forget gender and social exclusion. Single mothers, LGBTQ+ youth, and those without family support often face extra barriers. Solutions must be inclusive. This means housing support programs tied to social services, flexible lease agreements, and legal aid for those facing discrimination. Housing is a human right, not a privilege for the elite or well-connected. If we want to keep our youth here and thriving, we must build systems that account for their diversity.

We also need better data. Policymakers are often flying blind. We don’t have reliable numbers on youth housing needs, homelessness, or living arrangements. Are they living with parents out of choice or necessity? Are informal rentals going uncounted? A centralized, updated database could radically improve planning and budget allocations. And let's integrate this data into digital platforms so young people can access transparent housing information easily.

I’d like to bring in the sustainability aspect. What if we focused on green, modular housing that’s cheaper to build and maintain? Young people care about the environment. Let’s empower them to be part of the solution by offering grants to eco-conscious building cooperatives. It reduces energy bills, supports green jobs, and builds pride in ownership. Plus, it aligns with EU environmental standards, which could open new funding channels.

One thing we don’t talk about enough is the lack of financial literacy. Many young people don’t understand mortgage terms, tenant rights, or how to apply for housing support. Introducing housing finance education in high schools and universities would empower future generations to navigate these systems more effectively. We should also build mobile-friendly tools that help users simulate loans, compare rent vs. ownership, and understand legal responsibilities.

The Western Balkans has a massive diaspora, many of whom want to return and invest but face complex, unclear property laws. If we streamlined legal processes for youth returning from abroad and provided support for cooperative housing investment through remittances, we’d see a wave of well-funded, motivated buyers. Governments should view diaspora not only as remitters but as future stakeholders in national development.

Let’s not ignore the impact of public transport on housing choices. Young people would be more open to living slightly outside of city centers if they could rely on fast, affordable transport. A well-connected metro or bus system reduces central demand and spreads the housing load more evenly. That kind of infrastructure investment doesn’t just serve housing—it supports the entire economy.

Many young people are open to alternative housing lifestyles, but there’s little support. Tiny houses, container homes, van life—even rooftop dwellings—are growing globally but remain stigmatized or blocked by regulation in the Balkans. With the right policies, we could unlock creative, cost-effective living. These options are perfect for students, artists, freelancers—people who want freedom, affordability, and sustainability over traditional ownership.

Let’s take cues from smart city innovations. In some places, digital housing applications allow you to find city-owned rentals, access subsidies, or report landlord abuse directly. Why can’t we develop similar apps in our region? Tech-savvy young people would benefit immensely from an integrated housing portal—especially if tied to social and economic support systems.

The biggest issue is that young people feel invisible in these discussions. Decisions are made without them. We need youth housing councils that directly advise ministries, municipalities, and construction boards. Representation matters. If we’re designing cities for the next generation, they should lead—not follow—the conversation.

In my city, I’ve seen success in cooperative housing among graduates. They pool funds, buy land together, and build apartment blocks designed for shared but independent living. It works because costs are shared, and decision-making is democratic. Governments could support this model with land grants and architectural templates, removing initial barriers for youth collectives.

Let’s learn from neighbors. Slovenia and Croatia have both implemented public-private schemes that incentivize affordable housing for young adults. Why not form a Balkan Housing Innovation Network to share best practices, pilot cross-border projects, and create scalable housing models adapted to our region’s specific needs?

There’s a class divide even within the youth. Those with family-owned property or financial support have a head start, while others are trapped in generational poverty. Subsidized housing shouldn’t just be for the poorest—it should help working-class youth build long-term stability. This includes offering low-interest loans, subsidized rental rates, and pathways to ownership.

Urban housing is overloaded, yet rural areas are depopulating. What if governments invested in renovating old village homes and offered them at symbolic prices or long-term leases to young professionals willing to relocate and work remotely? Coupled with digital infrastructure and tax relief, this could rejuvenate whole regions.

Young people want vibrant, mixed-use communities—not just housing blocks. When new housing is built, there should also be co-working spaces, parks, cafes, and cultural centers. It’s about quality of life, not just four walls. A good housing policy includes urban design that fosters connection and creativity.

Student housing is a nightmare in many cities. Dorms are outdated, overpriced, or completely unavailable. More investment in modern student housing that’s affordable, safe, and inclusive is essential. And why not partner with universities and private investors to build hybrid spaces that serve both students and early-career professionals?

Corruption is a major barrier. From illegal construction to nepotism in housing allocations, young people are losing faith in the system. We need open-access housing platforms that track new developments, list public subsidies, and allow whistleblowing on abuses. Trust is key to long-term engagement in any housing solution.

One of the major hurdles young people face is the lack of transitional housing options. Moving from student dormitories to independent living is a huge leap, especially financially. There should be semi-subsidized living spaces available for recent graduates and young professionals, offering temporary, affordable housing as they stabilize their income and savings. These can be multi-unit complexes with shared amenities that promote a sense of community.