The Politics of Housing - Introduction

The document presents a comprehensive analysis of the politics surrounding housing in Europe, emphasizing the growing burden of housing costs on households. Published by the Progressive Politics Research Network, the authors—Tarik Abou-Chadi, Björn Bremer, and Silja Häusermann—highlight that housing has become a core issue for progressive political actors. Over the last decade, property prices in the EU have surged by approximately 48%, while average rents have increased by more than 25% from 2010 to 2024. Urban centers and lower-income households are particularly affected by these escalating costs.

Despite the urgency of housing affordability, the political salience of this topic remains low among political parties, including progressive ones. Historically viewed through the lens of "real estate," housing has been considered an asset rather than a social need. The authors argue that housing should be treated as an essential social good and integrated into progressive political agendas, as it is fundamental to social participation and economic opportunities.

The document outlines two primary political approaches to housing. The first emphasizes the need for increased construction and deregulation of housing markets—often summarized as "build, build, build." The second, emerging from the radical right, frames housing as an issue linked to immigration and scarcity, blaming immigrants for housing shortages. The authors argue that a progressive agenda should focus on affordable, secure, and non-speculative housing, addressing broader issues of ownership and land control.

The authors adopt a comparative perspective, examining the challenges and opportunities for progressive housing agendas across different European contexts. For example, Germany has a high rate of renters at around 51%, while the UK has approximately 65% homeowners. These differences significantly shape public perceptions of housing and influence political strategies. Understanding how socio-demographic factors affect housing inequality is crucial for designing effective policies.

The document emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research in shaping public debate and policy design. It discusses how housing systems can influence voting behavior and intersect with broader social policies. The research briefs aim to bridge the gap between academic insights and public discourse, focusing on the political economy of housing and the obstacles to reform.

The research briefs analyze various aspects of housing politics, including the decline of social housing and the competition from the radical right. They identify major obstacles to the revival of social housing, such as anti-immigrant sentiments and local opposition to new developments. The authors also discuss the need for a paradigm shift in how housing is perceived—moving from viewing it as an asset to recognizing it as a social right.

The briefs explore effective policy solutions, including urban densification and the role of participatory governance in increasing public acceptance. Case studies from Austria's housing model, which includes a significant share of limited-profit housing, are examined as potential frameworks for other countries. The document also discusses the feasibility of wealth and inheritance taxes as funding sources for progressive housing initiatives.

The insights provided in this document highlight the need for a politically viable and sustainable approach to housing that encompasses the needs of various social groups. By focusing on the distribution of housing as a fundamental social issue, the authors advocate for a progressive housing agenda that aims to make housing affordable and accessible for all, thereby promoting equity and social justice across Europe.