European rural areas face housing challenges linked to shrinking and ageing populations, vacant housing, rising property prices and limited support for vulnerable residents. At the same time, rural communities possess valuable social, cultural and natural assets that can support sustainable recovery and strengthen local resilience.
Ruralise is a Horizon Europe project that aims to make rural housing more affordable, accessible and resilient. By combining data-driven research, community engagement and locally adapted solutions, the project seeks to improve understanding of rural housing challenges and support the development of more inclusive and sustainable rural communities.
The project brings together research and practical action through six pilot cases across Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Norway. These pilots will explore and test solutions that respond to local housing needs, taking into account the different social, spatial, cultural and environmental characteristics of rural areas.
A central outcome of the project will be the Ruralise Studio, an online platform combining a knowledge centre with a decision-making environment. It will bring together relevant data, community insights and tested solutions to help local authorities, housing providers, builders and residents make informed decisions about rural housing and regeneration.
Ruralise combines quantitative analysis with participatory approaches. Research into property markets, rental prices, population trends and housing conditions will help identify needs and gaps in available information. At the same time, participatory research, community-led development and public science approaches will enable local residents to contribute their knowledge and help shape solutions.
By the end of the project, Ruralise aims to deliver:
- Clear market insights: Improved data and mapping of rural housing trends and vulnerable areas across Europe.
- Evidence-based strategies: Tested policy guidance and community toolkits to support housing affordability and access.
- Practical village models: Replicable approaches for developing or renovating nearly zero-energy, climate-resilient and inclusive homes in rural communities.
The Technoeconomics of Energy Systems Laboratory (TEESlab) contributes to Ruralise by supporting the collection, mapping and analysis of data related to rural housing and regeneration across the pilot regions. The team also contributes to developing locally informed housing typologies, bringing together data and local knowledge to support the Ruralise Studio and its decision-making environment.
Budget: ~5 Μ. Euros
Duration: 2026-2029
More information: https://ieecp.org/projects/ruralise/
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101288580.