HouseInc – The report examines the current state of research on housing inequalities through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary literature review to subsequently develop and refine the project’s conceptual scope.
Access to housing in the EU has become increasingly challenging in recent years. Structural factors related to demography, housing financialization and urbanisation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, soaring energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, are making it difficult for many people to find suitable housing. Rising housing prices and a lack of affordable options exacerbate the problem. These difficulties are now affecting not only low-income households, but also middle-income families and certain vulnerable groups. The ongoing housing affordability crisis has had a negative impact on living standards, well- being and social inclusion.
Addressing housing inequality is crucial because of its profound implications for social justice, economic stability and public health. Access to adequate housing is not only a basic human right, but also a cornerstone of individual well-being and community development. Disparities in housing quality, affordability and accessibility exacerbate wider social inequalities and disproportionately affect marginalised groups. In addition, housing conditions have a significant impact on physical and mental health outcomes, educational attainment and economic opportunities. Understanding the multiple dimensions of housing inequality is essential for developing effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting equitable access to housing and fostering inclusive societies.
The report:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts in housing inequality research across disciplines to identify barriers of social equality and drivers of social inequality as well as “at- risk”-criteria for vulnerable groups.
- Identifies and defines key concepts to refine the scope of HouseInc’s research and anchor these definitions within manifestations of housing inequalities.
- Identifies potential research gaps and future directions in the context of the current EU policy landscape.
The report also identifies several vulnerable communities that may be particularly affected by housing inequality, including racial and ethnic minorities, gender and sexual minorities, people with a history of migration, and people with low socio-economic status. These groups are disproportionately affected by issues such as gentrification, mobility challenges and housing affordability crises. In addition, the report organises the literature reviewed into ten overarching concepts that categorise the literature across clusters and disciplines, highlighting key research directions and potential research gaps.