AHA Budapest (Affordable Housing for All) is an EU-funded programme launched in 2024 to alleviate the housing crisis in Budapest. Housing costs in the capital are disproportionately high compared to wages, putting a decent home out of reach for many.
The AHA’s flagship project, Demo Hub, will provide 26 families with a new home from 2026 by converting an old school. The programme also focuses on breaking down social prejudices, demonstrating that social rented housing can be a dignified solution to housing problems.
The project aims to:
- To create social rental housing by converting an abandoned school building in Újpest
- Develop and implement a uniform methodology for the Early Warning System to prevent evictions
- Establishment of a metropolitan housing office with professionals to assist people influenced by the ongoing housing crisis
- Testing innovative, flexible housing options to increase housing opportunities for socially vulnerable people and reduce the burden on households in energy poverty
- Developing new types of models for expanding the affordable rental housing sector, building on existing good practices in Europe
The Metropolitan Research Institute is involved in the city-wide development of the Early Warning System, the introduction of pilot housing schemes and the development of new types of models in the framework of the project, in addition to the professional monitoring and evaluation of the project.
With direct funding from the European Union, the project will develop pilot solutions that can help address Budapest’s housing crisis in the long term.
PARTNERS
- Budapest Főváros Önkormányzata – Lead Partner
- BURST Group
- MEHI – Magyar Energiahatékonysági Intézet
- KÉK – Kortárs Építészeti Központ
- NART Architects
- Popcode Developments
- ULE – Utcáról Lakásba Egyesület
- Budapest Brand
- Metropolitan Research Institute
MILESTONES
1 November 2024.
Launching cooperation to develop an early warning system with selected districts and NGOs
3 February 2025.
The AHA Housing (Assistance) Office opens with trained social workers.
1 April 2026.
The first tenants move into the renovated building.
1 January 2027.
The financial model for the renovated building, the Demo Hub, is published.
