European Integration and Housing Policy

European Integration and Housing Policy presents a series of debates which arise from individual countries’ differing housing needs within the confines of European integration. Key issues are addressed in four principal sections. First, the consequences of European integration for different housing markets is examined. Charting the progress made towards the integration of housing finance markets and the development of a Europe-wide construction industry, explanations for the differing levels of housing investment are sought and the problems that arise from housing market volatility. Secondly, a series of policies are examined, including the impact that the Maastricht Treaty. Thirdly, the social consequences of European integration are examined assessing income, distribution, homelessness and marginal housing estates. The final section provides descriptive accounts of housing in the Nordic countries and in Eastern Europe. By exploring member state disparities between demand and supply of both subsidies and housing provision, the authors demonstrate that progress towards European integration in housing systems and poliicies is a complex yet crucial issue. Mark Stephens, University of Glasgow, Walter Matznetter, Universitat Wien, Wien, Austria, Mark Kleinmann, London School of Economics, UK, Christine Whitehead, University of