Beyond Affordability: Bringing Housing Space Inequality on the Political Agenda

Beyond Affordability: Bringing Housing Space Inequality on the Political Agenda

This research brief is published by the Progressive Politics Research Network and authored by Sebastian Kohl, Max Steinhardt, and Simon Voss. It addresses a critical yet often overlooked issue in the housing debate across Europe: the inequality of living space. While the public discourse predominantly fixates on affordability and the necessity for new housing construction, this brief urges a broader examination of how space is allocated within existing housing.

The report highlights that overcrowding and under-occupation are significant issues in the housing market, particularly in Germany, but also in other European countries. Overcrowding is notably prevalent among immigrants, young adults, single parents, and urban renters, while under-occupation affects older populations more frequently. According to Eurostat data, around 15% of Germans live in overcrowded conditions, a figure that rises to nearly 35% for those in under-occupied homes.

The authors argue that socio-demographic factors, such as income and education, are stronger predictors of overcrowding than affordability. For instance, individuals with college degrees are less likely to experience overcrowding compared to those with lower educational attainment. This trend is consistent across Europe, where young adults, single parents, and low-income renters are particularly vulnerable to overcrowded living conditions, while older adults and homeowners are more likely to live in under-occupied spaces.

The brief compares overcrowding rates across Europe, revealing that Eastern and Southern European countries experience the highest rates, often exceeding 30%. In contrast, Northern and Western countries like the Netherlands and Belgium report rates below 5%. These patterns showcase that the issues of overcrowding and under-occupation are not isolated to Germany but are part of a larger European challenge that requires comprehensive policy solutions.

The authors suggest that policymakers should prioritize reallocating existing housing space instead of focusing solely on new construction, which has a substantial carbon footprint. Potential solutions include promoting housing exchanges, downsizing incentives, and addressing barriers to household mobility. The study emphasizes that addressing these issues requires targeted measures rather than catch-all solutions, as the coexistence of overcrowding and under-occupation indicates a structural misallocation of housing space rather than an absolute shortage.

In conclusion, the research underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how housing policies are framed. By bringing attention to the unequal distribution of living space, the authors advocate for a more nuanced approach that considers both overcrowding and under-occupation. This shift could lead to improvements in social mobility, well-being, and overall housing quality across Europe, making sustainable housing a more achievable goal for all.