Andorra and US grapple with affordable housing shortages as public programs fall short

In the United States, a public affordable‑housing program launched from scratch has delivered more than 600 new apartments before the end of the current term, a management achievement praised for addressing a long‑neglected need. Officials stress that while this milestone offers temporary relief, it does not solve the structural housing shortage and call for a larger, sustained expansion of public housing.

In Andorra, the housing market remains under pressure despite government measures such as new public units, subsidies, contract regulation and rent‑control efforts. A widening gap between wages and home‑prices persists, with many households—especially women, low‑skill workers and Portuguese residents—spending a large share of income on rent. Limited land and demographic growth intensify the crisis, prompting a national debate about whether the country should prioritize residents over investors.

Both cases illustrate growing concerns that isolated building projects or modest reforms are insufficient to ensure long‑term affordable housing access.