Housing in the ideology of the radical right

The resource titled "Housing in the ideology of the radical right" is published by the Progressive Politics Research Network and authored by Dorothee Bohle and Lina Ehrich. This research brief analyzes the ideological and policy approaches of radical right parties in Europe concerning housing, highlighting the emergence of an ultraconservative housing paradigm distinct from traditional left and neoliberal approaches.

European countries are experiencing a significant shortage of affordable housing, exacerbated by the decline in public or social housing, stalled construction, and soaring house prices. This crisis has profound implications for labor markets, family formation, and societal inequalities, particularly between renters and homeowners. Traditionally, addressing such housing issues has been aligned with leftist ideologies advocating for social justice and affordability.

The study investigates whether radical right parties maintain a consistent ideological stance on housing. Through an analysis of party manifestos from five radical right parties and their housing policies in Hungary and Austria, it is revealed that these parties redefine housing not as a social right but as a matter of national identity, family values, and private ownership. Their policies primarily target the middle class and select groups among the lower income bracket, often favoring the nuclear family and rural populations.

Historically, housing policies in post-WWI and WWII Europe were shaped by a "housing as a social right" ideology, which promoted state intervention for equitable housing access. However, since the 1980s, there has been a notable shift towards viewing housing as an asset. This neoliberal approach encourages private home ownership and the financialization of housing markets, ultimately privileging institutional investors rather than addressing the needs of individuals and families for affordable housing.

The growing trend of homeownership has also influenced political preferences, with homeowners often supporting less redistributive policies. The research identifies a connection between the rising housing crisis and the increasing support for radical right parties. As housing prices escalate, individuals in declining regions may turn to populist parties, while urban residents facing rental increases may also seek radical right solutions.

The brief characterizes the radical right's housing ideology as "housing-as-patrimony," framing homeownership not merely as an economic asset but as a moral and intergenerational resource. This perspective emphasizes familialism, status-based differentiation, and a focus on rural or community living, promoting policies that resist commodification and financialization of housing.

The analysis includes specific case studies of Hungary's Fidesz Party and Austria's Freedom Party, illustrating how these parties implement their ultraconservative housing ideologies in practice. In Hungary, policies promoting family-oriented homeownership and addressing overindebtedness among homeowners have been successful in aligning with their electoral base. Conversely, Austria's FPÖ has focused on privatization and limiting access to public housing for non-natives.

The research concludes that radical right policies are unlikely to resolve the housing crisis, as they prioritize ownership over tenancy and exclude marginalized groups. The evidence suggests that while these policies may not directly increase support for radical right parties, the ongoing housing crisis and demographic changes continue to bolster their appeal.

To counteract the radical right's narrative, the brief advocates for a progressive housing policy that emphasizes inclusivity and collective life. This involves supporting cooperative housing models and participatory governance structures that reframe housing as a communal good, fostering solidarity and shared responsibility among residents.