Housing Models and Inequality: Perspectives on Recent Irish Experience

Abstract

Different housing models can be identified in Europe and elsewhere, which vary in terms of the relative emphasis placed on market or non-market provision. In market-dominant models, housing is strongly commodified and geared to those with the ability to pay, while social housing is relegated to a residual role. An examination of the position in Ireland in recent years shows that housing provision has been overwhelmingly via the market, which is underpinned by tenure-biased policies and state subsidies. This is reflected in the erosion of social-housing production to low levels and the failure to provide for the housing needs of a whole range of social groups. This model has generated a number of problems, including an escalation in house prices and rents, and inequalities. While for some, the Irish housing system is an engine for wealth generation, others face increasing affordability problems in accessing housing or are excluded from housing altogether.