Croatia is emerging as a notable player within the European Union concerning home ownership and the living environments of its residents, as highlighted by a recent analysis from Eurostat, referenced by Poslovni dnevnik.
The study illuminates significant distinctions across Europe in terms of home ownership rates, housing types, and household structures. These variations not only mirror economic circumstances but also reflect long-standing cultural and social norms within different nations.
As of 2024, approximately 68 percent of the EU populace living in private households owned their homes, while 32 percent resided in rented properties. Croatia stands out with an impressive home ownership rate of 91 percent, ranking it among the highest in Europe, trailing only Romania (94 percent), Slovakia (93 percent), and Hungary (92 percent). This dominant trend highlights that home ownership is favored across almost all EU member states, with Germany showcasing a contrasting scenario where 53 percent of its citizens are renters, followed by Austria and Denmark, at 46 percent and 39 percent respectively.
Examining the type of housing, housing trends reveal that 51 percent of EU residents live in houses while 48 percent inhabit flats, with a small fraction in alternative accommodations such as mobile homes. Ireland leads with a remarkable 90 percent of its population residing in houses, while Croatia follows closely with 76 percent of its residents living in this type of structure.
In terms of urban versus rural living, Eurostat data indicates a clear distinction. In cities, 73 percent of residents occupy flats, whereas in towns and suburban areas, living arrangements balance out, with 57 percent in houses and 43 percent in flats. Rural areas strongly favor houses, where about 83 percent of individuals reside in standalone homes.
Additionally, the report highlights variances in living space. As of 2024, the average number of rooms per person across Europe stands at 1.7. Malta leads with 2.2 rooms per person, while countries like Slovakia and Romania reflect the lowest living space, averaging only 1.1 rooms per person.
Another noteworthy aspect is household size, with the EU averaging 2.3 people per household in 2024. Croatia surpasses this average with 2.7 people per household, consistent with Ireland’s figures. Larger household sizes were prevalent in Slovakia and Poland, while smaller households were predominantly seen in Finland and Lithuania.
The Eurostat findings reaffirm Croatia’s deep-rooted commitment to home ownership and house living, particularly in contrast to Western European nations, where renting and apartment living predominate. This enduring cultural preference for such living arrangements underscores the broader social values and priorities prevalent within Croatian society, which may provide a strong foundation for future housing policies and community developments.