Zoran Veršić
Episode · #725
ZGRADONAČELNIK Zoran Veršić
Guest Zoran VeršićHosted by Tin BašićMay 3, 2026
Zoran Veršić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The rising cost of real estate has made housing a central concern for many, especially in Croatia, but the concept of "affordable housing" extends far beyond a simple price point. Dr. Zoran Veršić, a professor at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, offers a nuanced view, explaining that the new Croatian National Housing Policy Plan 2030 is not just about building more units, but about integrating sustainability, quality, and a comprehensive legal framework. He highlights that this isn't just a local issue, but a key priority for the new European Commission. This discussion clarifies what it means to build homes that are truly accessible, examining the policy shifts and practical standards required to achieve it.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Croatia's Vice President Branko Bačić announced the National Housing Policy Plan 2030 and 13 new laws at the recent NM 2025 conference. Strategic housing goals require a comprehensive legal and financial framework, not just a plan. The legislative groundwork is as crucial as the vision itself for any large-scale policy implementation.
02
Veršić defines affordable housing as a situation where total housing costs, including utilities, do not exceed 30% of a person's income. True affordability is measured by the total cost relative to income, not just the purchase price. This nuanced definition is essential for creating policies that genuinely improve access to housing.
03
The new European Commission has made housing a key priority, planning for a dedicated Commissioner and increased investment in accessible, energy-efficient housing across member states. Housing affordability has moved beyond national borders to become a core EU strategic imperative. Addressing it effectively demands a coordinated, continent-wide policy response that integrates financial and environmental objectives.
04
A key conclusion from the NM 2025 conference was the need to reintroduce specific standards for residential spaces, including "hygienic-technical requirements" and urban planning criteria for the living environment, which were once in place but are now missing. Effective housing policy must re-establish comprehensive quality standards for both individual units and their surrounding environment. Without clear benchmarks, "affordable" can too easily become synonymous with "substandard."
05
Veršić states directly that "affordable housing must be sustainable and high-quality." The pursuit of affordability cannot compromise sustainability or quality. These are not trade-offs but interconnected requirements for any long-term housing solution.
06
Veršić emphasizes that housing is a fundamental human need, a foundation for individual stability and security, and increasingly, a workplace. Policymakers must recognize housing's multi-faceted role beyond mere shelter. It underpins social cohesion, personal well-being, and economic activity, requiring a holistic approach that acknowledges its evolving function.
07
Implementing the National Housing Policy Plan faces practical challenges, including land scarcity, high construction costs, and the need for land consolidation for new settlement development. Even with a strategic plan, the practical hurdles of land availability and construction economics remain significant. Policy success hinges on directly addressing these foundational constraints, not just setting aspirational targets.