A new global report reveals an alarming rise in land and housing insecurity. According to the 2024 Prindex Report, approximately 1.1 billion adults worldwide – a staggering 23% of the global population – feel insecure about their property rights, with a significant increase over the past four years. This report, based on data from 108 countries and covering 87% of the world’s adult population, highlights a disturbing upward trend in insecurity, with the situation worsening for millions, particularly in East Asia, the Pacific, and North America.

The report paints a worrying picture of rising land and housing insecurity, revealing a trend that threatens the well-being of millions worldwide. The 2024 Prindex Report, a comprehensive study tracking tenure insecurity over time, reports a significant increase from 2020 when 19% of adults reported such insecurity. This translates to an alarming rise of 239 million people facing uncertainty about their homes and land.

Several factors

This escalating insecurity is driven by a complex interplay of factors, with financial pressures emerging as a dominant force. Rising rent and mortgage costs and economic instability are pushing individuals and families to the brink, particularly in middle- and high-income countries. In these regions, 9% of respondents identified financial struggles, such as unpaid rent or mortgages, as their primary concern, highlighting the precariousness of housing affordability for many. The report reveals a stark geographical disparity, with the East Asia and Pacific region experiencing the most dramatic surge in insecurity.

A staggering 176 million more people in this region, predominantly in China, now report feeling insecure about their property rights, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions in this area. However, the report also offers glimmers of hope, showcasing instances where progress has been made. Burkina Faso, Kuwait, and Tunisia stand out as positive examples, with significant reductions in tenure insecurity observed. These countries have achieved decreases of 23, 20, and 14 percentage points, respectively, demonstrating that with focused efforts and effective policies, reversing this trend is possible.

As human rights

The report serves as a stark reminder that secure access to land and housing is not merely an economic issue but a fundamental human right. It underscores the devastating impact of conflict and displacement, particularly in regions like Ukraine, where the ongoing war has fueled a 23-percentage point increase in tenure insecurity. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of insecurity and the specific challenges conflict-affected populations face.

Ultimately, the Prindex Report calls for a global response recognising the multifaceted nature of land and housing insecurity. It urges policymakers to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and adopt country-specific interventions that address the unique challenges different regions and communities face. This includes strengthening financial safety nets and social protection policies to shield vulnerable populations from economic shocks, expanding access to affordable housing options, and tackling gender disparities that disproportionately affect women’s access to secure land and property rights. By taking decisive action to address this growing crisis, we can ensure that everyone, everywhere, has a safe and secure place to call home.