Housing affordability in Croatian large housing estates in the light of energy renovation and green transition

Anamaria Klasić; Anđelina Svirčić Gotovac

doi:10.18778/1231-1952.33.2.02

Authors

Anamaria Klasić Institute for Social Research in Zagreb https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2902-1476
Anđelina Svirčić Gotovac Institute for Social Research in Zagreb https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9462-0734

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1231-1952.33.2.02

Keywords:

energy renovation of multi-family buildings, housing affordability, quality of life, socialist and post-socialist housing estates, urban green transition, Croatia

Abstract

This paper examines housing affordability in Croatia’s large housing estates in the context of energy renovation. Drawing on survey data, focus groups, and expert interviews, the study highlights challenges in both socialist and post-socialist buildings. Residents report lower satisfaction with buildings’ energy efficiency, interior and exterior appearance, especially in socialist estates. Over 40% of households spend more than 30% of income on housing costs, with affordability risks higher for tenants, low-income households, the mortgage-indebted, single-person households, and the elderly. Experts agree that current renovation efforts of private stock lack a systematic approach. The findings underscore the need for targeted national policy and financial support.

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