Governing Second Homes: A Study of Policy Coherence of Four Policy Areas in Finland

Abstract

Peoples' housing practices are changing and their mobility is increasing in contemporary society. An increasing and more diverse use of second homes raises new governance challenges. We apply the concepts of policy integration and policy coherence to analyze the governance of second homes in Finland. We explore two case study areas rich with second homes by analyzing policy and planning documents and conducting interviews in four policy areas: (i) land use planning policy, (ii) regional and municipal development policies, (iii) tourism policy, and (iv) rural and island policies. The results show that second homes are often addressed only implicitly or indirectly. Contradicting policy goals between land use planning policy and rural policy are identified at the national level, as well as numerous conflicts at the local level. Interviews reveal that second homes are considered as a major societal phenomenon that should be addressed more in policy and planning instruments.