A new study looking into the housing crisis has revealed that 70% of young people under 31 have insufficient income to or buy a property. The study was commissioned by Social Democrat Party MEP, Marko Vešligaj.

It highlights notable discrepancies in housing conditions between younger and older respondents.

While those over 31 typically own or have inherited their homes, younger individuals mostly live with their parents or relatives, either rent-free, by paying rent, or in rented accommodation.

The study was conducted in February by the Hendal agency, surveying 1,001 respondents across Croatia.

Affording independent housing remains a major challenge for young people. Only 39% of respondents can fully afford to rent a home, with this percentage significantly lower among those aged between 18 and 30, reported.

Meanwhile, one-third of respondents can partially afford independent housing with additional income sources, while 28% cannot finance living independently.

Affordable housing is generally defined as spending no more than 30% of household income on accommodation costs, according to Vešligaj's office.

There are several barriers that stand in the way of financing independent housing, notably insufficient income, high rental and utility costs and due to inflation.

Young people also revealed they struggle to find rental properties within their budget and face limited access to housing loans.

The vast majority (73%) of respondents believe the availability of affordable housing for young people is poor, with no significant differences between age groups.

Most respondents also agree that the government should increase financial subsidies for first-time buyers, regulate the rental market to make housing more accessible and expand existing housing assistance programmes, which are currently considered inadequate.

Nevertheless, younger respondents to Vešligaj's survey are more optimistic about their future within the next decade. A fifth believe buying a property in the next 10 years is realistic, while nearly half think it is possibly only with financial support through their parents, partners or loans.

Commenting on the results, Marko Vešligaj - who is a substitute member of the newly established Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS) in the - emphasised the need for urgent action.

He said: "The study confirms our concerns, and it is clear that much work remains to be done to improve the situation.

"At the European level, as Socialists and Democrats, we are advocating for restrictions on the privatisation of public and social housing, fair rental regulations, full transparency in real estate investments, and measures to curb short-term speculation and the impact of on the housing market.

"I also personally believe that rural development could be part of the solution, alongside social housing projects in major cities. Rural areas offer more affordable housing and a higher quality of life. If we invest in infrastructure, transport links, and the renovation of existing properties, these areas could provide suitable living conditions for many families across Europe."

In a new series, 'The Balkans: Europe's Forgotten Frontier', Katya Adler travelled to Croatia, where she met with locals who shared their stories of heartbreak since it joined the and became a booming country.

"The EU got more from Croatia than we got from the EU. As people say, we sold ourselves for a fistful of dollars," said Daniel Pavlic of Kostajnica, which has .