Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
What are the reasons for that and are there any possible solutions for that problem?
Housing prices – they just keep on surging across major European cities, but according to a study published by Politico at the end of last year, Prague residents have it the worst. People working in the Czech capital who would like to buy a 75 m2 flat there would have to prepare 25.3 annual salaries to afford that property.
In that respect, Prague ranked as the most unaffordable city for housing purchases and investment in the continent. By the way, Bratislava came second with the same size flat worth 23.8 annual salaries. What’s up with this, former Czechoslovakia?
According to further analysis done by Czech housing associations, and cited by Expats.cz, this has been a deepening trend in the preceding years. Reportedly, the prices of apartments have surged by 50% over the past years, and by 120% since 2010, according to the Politico study. Likewise, rents have followed suit jumping by 30% in the preceding half-decade period.
And here lies one of the major reasons behind the lack of affordability – the rise of wages has not been nearly as high to catch up. Czech salaries have only been raised by 21% in nominal terms.
What’s more, the situation will likely worsen this year – although mortgage rates have been declining since the end of 2023, analysts believe that this will spur interest in buying property and, therefore, elevate asking prices by about 5 percent.
Other factors that have been noted were the regular high demand for properties that is a feature of major cities and capitals, as well as the energy crisis.
The Czech associations' analysis offers some solutions though. One thing local policymakers could do is make the expansion of Prague's public housing a priority. It currently accounts for only 5% of housing stock.
Another recommendation is introducing progressive taxation on large property owners to curb speculation-driven price hikes.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team