The Politics of Housing - Introduction

The Politics of Housing - Introduction

The document, published by the Progressive Politics Research Network (PPRNet), is authored by Tarik Abou-Chadi, Björn Bremer, and Silja Häusermann. It explores the pressing issue of housing in Europe, particularly focusing on how it has become a core topic for progressive political actors. The research underscores the increasing burden of housing costs on households, whether renting or buying, amidst rising property prices that have surged approximately 48% across the EU between 2010 and 2023. This situation has intensified the challenges faced by lower-income households, particularly in urban centers.

Housing affordability is highlighted as a critical issue, with average rent increases exceeding 25% from 2010 to 2024 across the EU. The document points out significant regional disparities, noting that capital cities, university towns, and economically vibrant areas have experienced even steeper rental hikes. Despite the pressing nature of housing affordability, political parties, including progressive ones, often neglect to prioritize it in their agendas, treating housing more as an asset than as a social need.

The authors identify two dominant political narratives surrounding housing. The first promotes a "build, build, build" approach, advocating for deregulation of housing markets to facilitate quicker construction. Conversely, the radical right has increasingly framed housing issues in the context of immigration and scarcity, attributing housing shortages and rising costs to immigrant populations. The authors argue that housing must be recognized as a social good in progressive political agendas, emphasizing its role in ownership, control of land, and social participation.

The research takes a comparative approach, examining the varying contexts of owner and renter societies across Europe. For instance, Germany has a high percentage of renters (approximately 51%), bolstered by strong tenant protections, while the UK exhibits a higher ownership rate (around 65%). These differences impact political perspectives on housing, shaping public attitudes toward social security and homeownership. The document highlights how sociocultural contexts influence the political dynamics surrounding housing policies.

The authors emphasize the need to bridge the gap between social science research and public debate. They aim to disseminate insights on housing policy that can inform progressive political strategies. The document outlines key challenges, including the decline of social housing across Europe, the competition posed by radical right narratives, and the evolving political coalitions that shape housing politics.

The research briefs included in this series focus on policy solutions that can address the identified challenges. They propose various strategies for progressive housing policies, emphasizing that effective solutions must consider both supply and distribution. The authors advocate for expanding social housing and implementing measures that ensure housing remains affordable and secure. They highlight the importance of participatory governance and public acceptance in the implementation of urban densification and other housing initiatives.

In conclusion, the document calls for a comprehensive progressive housing agenda that recognizes housing as a fundamental social need rather than merely an asset for wealth accumulation. It stresses the importance of inclusivity in addressing the diverse needs of different demographic groups to ensure a sustainable and equitable housing landscape across Europe.