THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2494/95 of 23 October 1995 concerning harmonised indices of consumer prices(1), and in particular the third paragraph of Article 4 and Article 5(3) thereof,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Central Bank(2),
Whereas:
(1) Regulation (EC) No 2494/95 establishes the production of harmonised indices of consumer prices (HICP).
(2) Establishing price indices for dwellings and in particular for owner-occupied housing should be explored to improve the relevance and comparability of the HICP.
(3) With a view to compiling owner-occupied housing indices it is necessary to produce house price indices. House price indices are also important indicators in their own right.
(4) Methodological guidance on compiling owner-occupied housing and house price indices is necessary to ensure reliable and comparable results from all Member States.
(5) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the European Statistical System Committee (ESS Committee),
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Opinion of 19 October 2012 (not yet published in the Official Journal).