Housing in the ideology of the radical right

The research brief titled "Housing in the ideology of the radical right," authored by Dorothee Bohle and Lina Ehrich, is published by the Progressive Politics Research Network at the Nuffield Politics Centre. This document explores the evolving ideology surrounding housing as it pertains to radical right political parties across Europe, analyzing how they redefine housing in relation to national identity, family values, and private ownership.

European countries are experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing, with public and social housing shares diminishing and housing prices rising significantly. This crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting labor mobility, family formation, and exacerbating inequalities between renters and homeowners. Despite the need for policies promoting social justice and affordability, radical right parties have begun to co-opt the housing issue, presenting it through their ideological lens.

The research examines whether radical right parties adopt a coherent ideological approach to housing policies. Historically, post-World War housing initiatives were associated with left-wing political movements that advocated for housing as a social right. In contrast, a new paradigm emerged in the 1980s, viewing housing primarily as an asset. This shift has led to policies that favor private homeownership and market-based solutions, often sidelining public welfare programs.

The authors propose the concept of "housing-as-patrimony," which repositions homeownership not just as an economic asset but as a moral resource passed down through generations. This ultraconservative ideology emphasizes familialism, status-based differentiation, community anchoring, and the promotion of non-commodified homeownership.

Analysis of party manifestos from five European radical right parties reveals common themes despite contextual differences. These parties predominantly target nuclear families, offering incentives such as tax exemptions and subsidies for homeownership. They often portray lower-income groups as "deserving poor," framing access to housing based on moral and cultural criteria.

The document highlights how the trend toward privatization and assetization of housing has led to a significant reduction in state involvement, increasing the influence of institutional investors in housing markets. This shift often prioritizes profit over social needs, exacerbating the housing crisis while failing to provide adequate solutions for those in need.

Radical right parties have gained support by aligning their housing policies with the interests of homeowners, particularly in regions experiencing rising house prices. This support is often fueled by fears of economic decline and cultural displacement, leading to a paradox where rising housing costs drive voters toward right-wing populism rather than leftist redistributive policies.

The brief concludes that the radical right's housing policies are unlikely to resolve the current housing crisis. By prioritizing homeownership over tenancy and restricting access to certain demographics, these policies increase housing inequalities. The authors argue that a progressive housing agenda must redefine housing as a communal resource, emphasizing inclusive policies and participatory governance to counteract the radical right's narrative.