Social Housing Models in Latvia and A Comparative Analysis of the EU Member States

This study examines social housing models in Latvia, comparing them with those of other member states of the European Union (EU) through comparative and document analysis methodologies. The research investigates Latvia's current social housing landscape, its historical development, and the challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Latvia’s social housing sector, characterised by a very small share of the total housing stock and quality issues, is compared with 3–5 EU countries, focussing on funding mechanisms, target groups, and quality standards. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Latvia and other EU countries in social housing provision, with Latvia having one of the lowest incidences in the EU. Key findings include the impact of demographic trends on housing needs and the challenges posed by the ageing housing stock. The study concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and implementation strategies, contributing to the understanding of social housing dynamics in Latvia within the broader EU context and providing information for more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.