The Politics of Housing - Introduction

Resource Overview

The brief “The Politics of Housing – Introduction” is published by the Progressive Politics Research Network, a collaborative platform linking scholars and policy‑makers across Europe. Authors Tarik Abou‑Chadi (University of Oxford), Björn Bremer (Central European University) and Silja Häusermann (University of Zurich) bring expertise in political science, comparative politics and urban studies. The document introduces a series of research briefs that examine housing from a progressive, pan‑European perspective, focusing on how housing policy intersects with politics, inequality and sustainability.

Key Housing Trends

Across the EU, house prices rose about 48 % between 2010 and 2023, outpacing income growth. Rental prices increased by more than 25 % over the same period, with especially sharp hikes in capital regions, university towns and fast‑growing economies. Ownership patterns vary: Germany has roughly 51 % renters, the UK about 35 % renters, while Spain exceeds 75 % home‑ownership. These disparities shape public attitudes toward housing as a social right versus an investment asset.

Political Salience of Housing

Despite housing’s growing economic burden, it remains low on party agendas. Progressive parties often avoid foregrounding housing, while the radical right frames the issue around immigration and scarcity, blaming newcomers for rising costs. The brief highlights two dominant progressive arguments: “build, build, build” (market deregulation for faster construction) and the need to re‑position housing as a social good rather than a speculative asset.

Comparative Contexts

The authors compare “renter societies” like Germany, where strong tenant protections create a sizable rental market, with “owner societies” such as the UK and Spain, where home‑ownership is linked to wealth accumulation. Socio‑demographic factors—age, immigration status and household composition—drive both overcrowding and under‑occupation more than income levels, suggesting that policy must address distribution of existing space as well as new supply.

Research Insights

Recent studies show that public support for densification depends on design, participatory governance and affordability safeguards. Survey experiments across European and North‑American cities reveal that when projects respect neighbourhood amenities, green space and inclusive planning, acceptance rises markedly. Evidence also points to the importance of non‑profit or limited‑profit housing models, as exemplified by Austria’s high share of affordable, public‑sector housing.

Funding Challenges

Progressive parties face fiscal constraints when expanding social housing. While inheritance taxes are politically unpopular, net wealth taxes receive broader public support and could finance housing reforms if paired with credible spending commitments. The brief notes the need for tax designs that limit avoidance and align incentives with social goals.

Sustainable Housing Implications

The brief stresses that sustainable housing policy must combine increased supply with equitable distribution. Policies such as rent regulation, land‑use planning tied to social and ecological criteria, and incentives for down‑sizing or swapping under‑occupied units can reduce carbon footprints while addressing affordability. Emphasising housing as a social right supports broader sustainability objectives, linking secure, affordable homes to reduced commuting, lower energy consumption and enhanced social cohesion.

Building Progressive Coalitions

Effective reform requires broad coalitions across parties, civil society and local stakeholders. The authors argue that framing housing as a cross‑generational, pan‑European issue—affecting lower‑ and middle‑income groups alike—can generate the political capital needed for ambitious reforms. Collaboration between progressive parties, research networks and community organisations is presented as essential for translating evidence into policy.

Concluding Takeaways

“The Politics of Housing – Introduction” provides a data‑rich foundation for understanding Europe’s housing challenges, highlighting price growth, divergent ownership patterns, and the political dynamics that shape policy responses. By grounding recommendations in comparative research and emphasizing sustainability, the brief offers a roadmap for pan‑European audiences seeking evidence‑based, progressive solutions to the housing crisis.