The study of the possibilities of Estonia’s affordable and accessible housing policy is based on the principle that the whole of Estonia would be offered the opportunity to live in affordable and high-quality living space. To this end, it is necessary that housing policy emphasizes, on the one hand, that no region gallops far ahead in terms of prices and quality, and, on the other hand, that each region finds its own sustainable development path that allows for a modern living environment and the addition of new high-quality housing stock.
The aim of this study is to identify the development trends in housing availability and affordability in Estonia and to propose a package of recommended measures that would enable the resolution of issues related to housing affordability.
The fair housing development plan proposed in the study is based on four pillars: strategic direction and monitoring, active land policy, promoting the provision of affordable housing (with a special focus on growing centres) and ensuring high-quality housing (with a special focus on shrinking settlements). Today’s choices affect the long-term prospects for housing affordability, segregation and diversity of the living environment in Estonia.
Working group: from the University of Tartu – Tiit Tammaru, Anneli Kährik, Kadi Kalm, Kirils Gončarovs, Karoli Mägi, Mark Kantšukov, Mariia Chebotareva, Elina Sutela (University of Turku) and from EKA – Luca Alfieri, Mattias Malk, Toomas Tammis, Andres Ojari, Mark Aleksander Fischer, Maroš Krivý.
Study leading group: Kaja Pae – Head of the Department of Construction and Living Environment, Ministry of Climate; Ivo Jaanisoo – Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Climate; Kaspar Alev – Head of the Housing Sector, Ministry of Climate; Jüri Rass – construction expert, Ministry of Climate; Marit Rüüsak – housing advisor, Ministry of Climate
Client: Ministry of Climate
Period: January – October 2025
Overview of the study on the website of the Ministry of Climate