Analysis of the evolution of affordable and social housing in England, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands

The social and affordable housing situation across Europe is characterised by a high degree of complexity, with a number of challenges emerging from a number of different factors. These include the rising costs of housing, the reduction in public funding, and the evolution of housing models. The term “affordable housing” is defined in different ways in various countries. The effectiveness of these definitions in meeting the needs of different population groups influences the perception of what constitutes affordable housing. The central research questions examine the relationship between national and sub-national definitions of affordable housing and their impact on housing policy outcomes. A mixed-methods approach is employed in four countries, combining desk research, policy analysis, key informant interviews, and stakeholder workshops. The countries under consideration are England, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands. This methodology permits a comprehensive examination of the policy framework and emerging trends within the affordable housing sector. The principal findings demonstrate that the affordable housing sector has become a distinct entity, targeted middle-income households and exhibiting considerable variation across countries. The research underscores the necessity for precise definitions of affordable housing and advocates for augmented government intervention and private sector involvement to enhance housing affordability.