One of the biggest challenges in the municipality of Tórshavn is the housing shortage. We want to live here, yet we lack the options to do so.

To ease the immense demand for housing in Tórshavn, we urgently need to build more rental and owner-occupied apartments. However, the shortage is too severe to rely solely on new construction. We must also consider bringing empty buildings and houses into use, as these could provide shelter for multiple families in urgent need.

We need innovative solutions to provide housing across the municipality, with all new construction prioritising environmental and social sustainability. Modern family structures are changing, and nearly half of all households now consist of one or two people. As a result, we require varied housing options that reflect today’s needs, respect the environment, and meet future requirements.

Housing Options Should Reflect Tórshavn’s Diversity

We should be able to live here from childhood through old age. This means we need diverse housing options that meet the needs of all residents, regardless of their situation or financial status. The municipality of Tórshavn needs more student housing, assisted living facilities, apartment cooperatives, and properties that are affordable for households on a median income, both in the city and the villages.

The City Council should take a more proactive role in realising these goals. The next council must establish a non-profit housing association to collaborate with Bústaðir in constructing and providing public, non-profit housing.

Neighbouring countries have regulations requiring a minimum percentage of public housing in all new developments. This helps ensure a steady supply of rent-controlled housing, and it is time for Tórshavn to adopt a similar approach.

Finite Land Resources Are Displacing Biodiversity

Biodiversity is also facing a “housing crisis,” as natural habitats are being lost. We need to be mindful of our natural surroundings when planning new developments. Reducing plot division for detached homes and focusing on terraced houses and apartments will allow us to better preserve nature while providing higher, faster, and more affordable housing supply for residents.

However, new builds require both time and land, which is a finite resource. Therefore, we must improve the use of existing empty buildings that could house multiple families.

Current regulations on plot division and terraced housing may be overly restrictive, but they are within the municipality’s control to amend if needed. Additionally, we have few residency requirements and no regulation on Airbnb, which allows properties to be purchased solely for short-term rentals, worsening the housing crisis. The municipality should have the authority to regulate Airbnb and similar short-term rentals to improve long-term housing availability.

We Need a Comprehensive Housing Action Plan Within the Ring Road

A comprehensive action plan will increase housing supply within the Ring Road while preserving both the natural environment and the character of the city. This major undertaking must involve technical experts as well as local residents throughout the process.

No single policy will resolve every housing issue immediately. However, to tackle this challenge sustainably, we need to explore the options outlined here, ensuring our housing policies address social and environmental concerns.

We must work together to provide our residents with suitable, dignified, and affordable living conditions as a foundation for our lives and livelihoods. This will be my top priority on the City Council.

Elsa Berg

Candidate for Tjóðveldi in the Tórshavn Municipal Elections