Housing policy: Who Does It Best? - Part 1

The podcast episode "Housing policy: Who Does It Best? - Part 1," produced by The Europeans, delves into the complexities of housing policies across Europe. Hosted by Dominic Kraemer and produced by Katz Laszlo, the episode aims to highlight effective housing strategies during a time of increasing political disengagement and housing insecurity. The series is crowdfunded by its listeners, emphasizing the role of community support in independent journalism.

Housing is a critical issue affecting social stability across Europe. The episode discusses how inadequate housing policies are contributing to societal polarization and the rise of far-right governments. It notes that housing insecurity can lead to delayed family planning and impacts individuals' mental health and job choices. Over the past decade, housing prices in the EU have increased by nearly 50%, while wages have stagnated, exacerbating the crisis.

The podcast highlights that Europe is not a monolithic entity; the housing situation varies significantly from country to country. The hosts emphasize that understanding the differences in housing policies is essential for recognizing who is successfully addressing housing needs.

The discussion reveals that housing is not merely a real estate issue but a reflection of wealth inequality. The hosts point out that millennials face the highest levels of wealth inequality, with homeownership becoming increasingly unattainable without family financial support. This situation has created an "inheritocracy," where wealth is concentrated among those with family resources, further widening the gap between renters and homeowners.

The episode argues that the current housing crisis is a policy crisis rather than a natural phenomenon. It suggests that governments have historically prioritized profit and property ownership over the right to housing, which has led to a lack of affordable options for many citizens. The UN reports that homelessness is rising, with approximately 700,000 people sleeping on the streets nightly in Europe, while 38 million homes stand empty. 🇫🇮 Case Studies: Finland and Vienna Finland's "Housing First" policy, initiated during the 2008 financial crisis, represents a significant shift in approach, focusing on providing homes unconditionally to eradicate homelessness. This policy is contrasted with Vienna, where 50% of housing is social housing, making it a model for other cities. However, the host notes that while these examples are promising, they do not offer a one-size-fits-all solution for other European cities struggling with housing affordability.

The hosts conclude by highlighting Paris as a city actively investing in social housing, allocating over 528 million euros in 2024 alone. The city is taking steps to acquire properties from the private market and convert government buildings into housing. This investment aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing while combating speculative practices like Airbnb.

The episode sets the stage for further exploration in the second part of the series, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to the ongoing housing crisis in Europe. The discussions underscore the importance of re-evaluating current policies and the political will to prioritize affordable housing as a fundamental right for all citizens.