The European Responsible Housing Awards 2027 are launching their sixth edition to recognise good practices that contribute to more affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing. These European awards highlight initiatives that go beyond the construction of buildings themselves, focusing on the social impact of housing, the active participation of residents, innovation and the green transition.
The call is organised by Housing Europe, the European Federation of Public, Cooperative and Social Housing, together with the International Union of Tenants (IUT) and the DELPHIS association, with the support of the European Commission. Its aim is to raise the profile of and promote responsible housing models, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the transfer of solutions across European countries.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to organisations operating in the social and affordable housing sector, as well as organisations working under public-private hybrid models. Municipalities acting as housing providers are also eligible to participate.
Project descriptions and good practice submissions must be presented in English and will be assessed based on their innovation, transparency, collaborative capacity, social and environmental impact, and potential for application in other contexts.
The jury, composed of members of the European Responsible Housing Stakeholder Forum, which seeks to implement the European Affordable Housing Plan at all levels, will pay particular attention to stakeholder involvement, the ability to measure results and the potential for initiatives to be replicated.
This new edition features five categories addressing some of the main housing challenges currently facing Europe:
- Fair financing and economic responsibility: financial models that help maintain housing affordability in the long term.
- “More than a roof”. Local social sustainability for communities: initiatives promoting inclusion, housing security and social cohesion.
- Leading innovation for a just energy transition: solutions to reduce environmental impact, improve energy efficiency and foster resilient neighbourhoods.
- Strategic partnerships and community participation: projects encouraging collaboration between public authorities, organisations and residents, as well as shared management.
- Going the extra mile to provide housing for young people: proposals facilitating access to affordable, well-located and quality housing for young people, students and workers.
Sostre Cívic: a Spanish benchmark and 2025 winner
The previous edition highlighted an outstanding example of social innovation in Spain: Sostre Cívic, which received an award in the second category, “More than a roof: supporting communities with equal opportunities”, in recognition of its cooperative housing model based on the right of use.
Its proposal offers an alternative to the traditional speculative property market through long-term affordable housing, collective management and active resident involvement. This model combines long-term agreements on public land, cooperative financing and sustainable construction solutions, with buildings that also incorporate renewable energy and circular materials.
The jury highlighted its ability to maintain affordability, foster inclusive communities and offer a replicable model. This recognition demonstrates that innovation in housing does not depend solely on architecture or technology; it can also emerge from new approaches to ownership, financing and community governance.
The European Responsible Housing Awards therefore provide an opportunity for public bodies, cooperatives and social housing providers to raise the international profile of their initiatives, share knowledge and establish partnerships with other stakeholders in the sector.
The deadline for submitting applications is 31 December, and the awards ceremony will take place from 7 to 9 June next year in Lisbon, as part of the International Social Housing Festival, an international event bringing together housing professionals, policymakers, researchers, architects and social organisations. For more information, visit the European Responsible Housing Awards website.
