housing_policy

Berlin Left Party Candidate Admits Socialization of Housing Firms Will Take Years

Berlin – September 12, 2026 -- Elif Eralp, the Left Party's top candidate for the Berlin state election, has conceded that the planned socialization of large real estate companies cannot happen immediately and will require significant time to implement, she told broadcaster rbb.

Left Party targets landlords with over 3,000 units to curb rents

Eralp proposed socializing property companies holding more than 3,000 apartments as a mechanism to lower rents across Berlin by shifting a larger share of housing stock into public ownership. The party is also pushing for a rent cap on state-owned housing corporations and the creation of a dedicated State Office for Tenant Protection.

Smart City Expo 2026 Puts Housing Crisis at Center of Barcelona Congress

Barcelona – September 11, 2026 -- The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) will convene 25,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors and 600 speakers from 1,000 cities in Barcelona from November 3 to 5, 2026, organized by Fira de Barcelona under the theme "Urban Solutions, Real Impact."

Housing takes top billing as cities confront a global affordability crunch

The 2026 edition dedicates its content structure to housing as one of the most pressing challenges facing municipal governments worldwide. Organizers will launch HOWS Barcelona, a new global housing summit running alongside SCEWC, covering urban planning, land policy, housing regulation, social and affordable housing, and building renovation and reuse.

Smart City Expo 2026 to Gather 25,000 Attendees in Barcelona

Barcelona – September 10, 2026 -- Fira de Barcelona will convene 1,000 cities, more than 25,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibitors at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2026, running November 3-5 at the Gran Via venue under the theme "Urban Solutions, Real Impact."

Housing takes center stage with new HOWS Barcelona summit

The event will launch HOWS Barcelona, a dedicated housing world summit addressing urban planning, land policy, social and affordable housing, and building renovation. The summit opens debate on what organizers call a new residential paradigm, reflecting housing's status as one of the most pressing global urban challenges.