The winners of the 5th edition of the European Responsible Housing Awards

On the 6th of June 2025, we celebrated the ERHA ceremony, awarding the winners of each of the five categories. The Ceremony took place in the context of the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin and was the occasion to finally meet in person and mutually learn from each other´s good practices in the housing sector.

This edition has received 82 submissions across five categories from 12 countries, and we are now delighted to announce the winners of this year’s European Responsible Housing Awards:

“Management excellence for housing affordability” category

Stockholmhusen, Sweden (Stockholmshem, Familjebostäder, Svenska Bostäde)

Stockholmshusen addresses the city's housing shortage through coordinated long-term planning among city departments and municipal housing companies. The buildings are thoughtfully designed, ranging from 4–8 stories, with high-quality architectural details and bright apartments. They meet Miljöbyggnad Silver standards, with features like solar panels, green roofs, and access to sustainable transport options. A joint procurement model and collaboration with contractors streamline production, reduce costs, and encourage innovation.

WHAT THE JURY LIKED: Launched in 2014, with 915 completed units and a target of 3,500 homes by 2026, the project fast-tracked planning from 8 to 4 years. Rents are 20% lower than comparable projects, providing high-quality housing for middle- and lower-income residents within the city. The initiative uses dynamic public procurement, ensuring cost-effectiveness and transparency while enabling innovation. Its collaborative design, replicability, and efficient, multi-stakeholder approach were seen as exemplary and forward-looking.

-It's fantastic to be one of the winners! This shows that our long-term collaboration with Stockholm's key players and stakeholders is paying off. It also gives us an extra boost in our important work of building thousands of new homes with affordable rents. Thanks for inviting us from the City of Stockholm to be part of this great event, and for creating an opportunity for us to share our experiences. – Bengt Rehn

“More than a roof, supporting communities of equal opportunities” category

Sostre Cívic - cooperative housing model, Barcelona, Spain (Sostre Cívic)

Sostre Cívic uses a non-speculative “right-of-use” model, offering homes 25–40% cheaper than market rents to vulnerable groups. The cooperative builds nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), incorporating renewable energy and circular materials for sustainability. Through long-term agreements on public land (75 years), the housing remains a social asset, protected from speculation. Residents co-govern and self-manage the housing, fostering inclusive communities and strong social cohesion.

WHAT THE JURY LIKED: The financial model is innovative, blending resident contributions, social banking, and EU funding without relying on state subsidies. It ensures full resident participation, with 100% involvement in decision-making and cooperative governance. Sostre Cívic is a replicable, scalable model that promotes long-term affordability and sustainability at local and national levels. The use of public land for cooperative housing breaks away from speculative practices, offering a transformative approach for Spain.

“Winning this award is a powerful recognition of the cooperative housing model as a real and scalable alternative to the speculative market. It reaffirms that housing can be self-managed, affordable and sustainable. For us, this is a step forward in making cooperative housing a key pillar of housing policies across Europe”. - Sostre Cívic

Cristian Tabacaru, Director of the Loans & Social Development Directorate, CEB: “The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is proud to see the European Responsible Housing Awards recognise its partner Sostre Civic, highlighting the importance of their innovative and impactful work on social and affordable housing. CEB’s €31 million loan to Sostre Civic in 2024 reflects the Bank’s commitment to addressing this essential social issue at a time when housing markets across Europe are increasingly at risk of pricing out the most vulnerable. As Europe’s social development bank, we welcome the opportunity to support efforts that accelerate access to affordable and inclusive housing for all.”

“Agents of just green transition, leaders of innovation” category

Wientalterrasse, Vienna (WBV-GPA)

The project offers 295 subsidized apartments for diverse groups, including single parents, seniors, and youth in care. The building operates entirely without fossil fuels, using deep geothermal probes, solar absorbers, and wastewater heat recovery to provide heating and cooling. This system helps reduce carbon emissions and keeps energy costs low. Shared spaces such as a generation centre, community terraces, and an on-site repair workshop support intergenerational living, neighbours’ interaction, and a circular economy mindset.

WHAT THE JURY LIKED: The project combines affordability, sustainability, and social inclusion in and exemplary way. With its fossil-free energy concept and focus on diverse resident needs, the project demonstrates how housing can address climate goals while fostering community. The low rents, thoughtful communal facilities, and replicable design set a strong example for future developments.

“Winning the European Responsible Housing Award means far more to our company as a non-profit housing provider than simply receiving a prize – it is a strong European signal affirming the societal relevance of housing for the common good. Our model of affordable, ecological, and community-oriented living is gaining international recognition. The award reinforces our commitment to combining architecture with values and to creating spaces that strengthen and build communities.
Because those who take responsibility in housing don’t just construct buildings – they shape the future.” - KommR. Mag. Michael Gehbauer / Managing Director - WBV-GPA.

“Building strategic alliances, fostering community participation” category

Gestor Entrada - Entrance Manager, Matosinhos, Portugal (MatosinhosHabit)

The project engages residents in managing shared spaces within public housing complexes. Through elections, training, and structured communication, residents take on active roles to improve safety, community ties, and quality of life. Now active in 33 complexes, the initiative fosters co-responsibility, builds skills, and enhances collaboration between residents and housing services.

WHAT THE JURY LIKED: The jury valued the project’s strong emphasis on communication, resident empowerment, and practical training. By involving residents in both day-to-day management and local housing policy, it builds trust and community ownership. It’s a thoughtful, replicable model that delivers clear social impact.

"Winning the European Responsible Housing Initiative is a great honor. It is a recognition of our commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and innovative housing solutions. This Award encourages us to keep improving and setting higher standards." - Vera Santos, director of the Social Intervention department, MatosinhosHabit.

“Going the extra mile for safe and sound living” category

Health Housing: A New Generation of Social Housing for Well-being, Voisins‐le‐Bretonneux, France

Antin Résidences’ “Les Allées du Lac” in Voisins-le-Bretonneux is the first Île-de-France Project awarded the “My Health Housing” label. Blending inclusive design, wellness features, and intergenerational community spaces, the residence enhances tenant well-being through thoughtful architecture and on-site health services.

WHAT THE JURY LIKED: The jury praised the holistic approach combining air quality, accessibility, and green design with real health services and community-building. They highlighted Antin Résidences’ view of tenants as whole people, with emotional, physical, and social needs, and celebrated the model’s innovation, replicability, and alignment with environmental and social sustainability.

"We are delighted to be among the 2025 winners of the Responsible Housing Awards.
This project reflects the core belief shared by the VYV and Arcade-VYV groups: housing is a key factor in residents’ well-being". This award marks the culmination of an ambitious, collective effort spanning several years. We are both proud and grateful — thank you for your support!" - project manager, health department, Antin Résidences

The ERHIN Awards are a great opportunity to share and highlight good practices in the housing sector. The number and the quality of the projects submitted were incredible and we want to thank everybody who submitted their application and the Jury, chaired by Barbara Steenbergen, member of the IUT Executive Committee and head of the EU liaison office, for the amazing work done in evaluating them. Everyone’s a winner, each project goes beyond bricks and mortar, championing affordability, security of tenure, tenant co-decision, fair and just climate transition and good governance in the housing sector” - Barbara Steenbergen.

You can find all the information regarding the European Responsible Housing Awards, its winners and finalists in the ERHA Handbook 2025. We invite you to read it and get inspired by these amazing projects and to participate to the next edition of the Awards!

Organised by Housing Europe and the International Union of Tenants (IUT), with the support of DELPHIS, the Awards showcase housing providers who go beyond bricks and mortar, championing affordability, social equity, security of tenure, climate action, tenants’ co-decision and collaborative governance in the housing sector.

Let´s continue working together for more affordable, inclusive and sustainable housing!