UNECE & 
Housing Europe
2021
Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, Holger Wallbaum, and others
The #Housing2030 Report, a collaborative effort by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UN-Habitat, and Housing Europe, addresses the critical issue of affordable housing in the UNECE region. Published in 2021, this initiative aims to tackle the pressing challenges of housing affordability while sharing effective policy solutions and good practices among countries and cities. The principal authors, Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, and Holger Wallbaum, compiled extensive research to guide policymakers in improving housing systems. The report emphasizes the importance of governance in shaping effective housing policies. It highlights essential tools such as strategic frameworks, institutional capacity building, and multi-level governance coordination. By establishing and monitoring housing standards, policymakers can ensure accountability and resident involvement, facilitating a more inclusive approach to housing. Financial and investment strategies are also pivotal for enhancing housing affordability. The report discusses various methods, including regulating financial institutions, providing rent subsidies, and utilizing public loans. These financial frameworks are crucial for empowering local governments to invest in affordable housing initiatives. Moreover, the report underscores the significance of land policy tools, climate-neutral housing strategies, and the necessity of tailored solutions for different contexts. It advocates for partnerships among various governmental levels to implement these strategies effectively. By employing evidence-based policymaking and utilizing robust housing data, the report aims to foster sustainable housing systems that can adapt to changing needs and improve overall quality of life.
Here is an extensive summary of the key points from the attached report
Title: #Housing2030: Effective policies for affordable housing in the UNECE region
Authors: This report was produced as a joint initiative between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UN-Habitat, and Housing Europe. The principal authors were Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, and Holger Wallbaum.
Published: 2021
Context: This report was developed as part of the #Housing2030 initiative to explore housing affordability challenges and policy solutions in the UNECE region. It aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for improving housing affordability among countries and cities in the region.
Key Findings:
- Governance is crucial for shaping effective housing systems. The report outlines key governance tools including:
- Strategic frameworks and housing strategies
- Building institutional capacity
- Multi-level governance coordination
- Setting and monitoring housing standards
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Supervision and accountability measures
- Dedicated social/affordable housing providers
- Tenant and resident involvement
- Finance and investment tools are essential for affordable housing, including:
- Regulating financial institutions
- Non-profit housing provision
- Rent subsidies and regulation
- Microfinance for housing
- Public loans and investment
- Interest rate subsidies and loan guarantees
- Special purpose financial intermediaries
- Shared equity schemes
- Revolving funds for affordable housing
- Taxation to guide housing investment
- Land policy tools are critical, such as:
- Public land banking
- Public land leasing
- Land readjustment
- Land value capture
- Comprehensive planning
- Inclusionary zoning
- Land value taxation
- Climate-neutral housing policies are important, including:
- Energy performance regulations
- Financial incentives for energy efficiency
- Awareness raising and training
- The report emphasizes there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Countries need to adapt policies to their specific contexts and housing system needs.
- Multi-level governance and partnerships between national, regional and local governments are key for effective implementation.
- Setting clear housing standards and monitoring compliance is crucial for improving housing quality and affordability.
- Evidence-based policymaking using robust housing data and indicators is essential for designing effective interventions.
- Dedicated social and affordable housing providers play an important role in many countries for expanding affordable housing supply.
- The report provides numerous case studies and examples of policy tools being successfully implemented across the UNECE region.
In summary, this comprehensive report outlines a wide range of governance, finance, land policy and climate-related tools that policymakers can adapt to improve housing affordability in their local contexts. It emphasizes the importance of good governance, partnerships, evidence, and dedicated affordable housing providers in creating more inclusive and sustainable housing systems.