In his opening statement, the minister outlined the current state of the housing market, which points to a very modest level of new housing construction and a housing stock that is in a state of disrepair: “We are currently building significantly less than other countries. Today, Slovenia has 410 homes per 1,000 inhabitants, which is below both the EU and OECD average.” He highlighted the problem of the housing shortage, which is growing due to the dramatic increase in the number of households and the consequent growing demand for affordable housing.

Mr Maljevac pointed out that the number of new homes built annually by both individuals and legal entities is stagnating and depleted. He stressed the crucial role of regular and foreseeable public works, as demonstrated by good practices abroad. As a final point on the current housing situation, he drew attention to the upward trend in house prices. Between 2015 and 2022 alone, prices rose 77%.

The ministry’s objective is to provide affordable housing: “We want to establish a robust system for financing and building affordable rental housing; a system that is long-term, clear and predictable for everyone.” As part of the minister's presentation, a timeline for the implementation of the housing policy was outlined. The first phase, which begins this year, is the so-called project phase, where the ministry will ensure the steady construction of the outlined housing projects until 2026. “In the coming weeks, we will work with all stakeholders in the field of housing policy to set a course that will strengthen the field and, with guaranteed public funding, create the outlined 3,000 affordable rental homes per year,” plans Maljevac. He concluded his presentation by again focusing on the New Deal: “Housing is a right, not just a commodity!”