Tools and Effects of Austrian Housing Policies

Housing is an essential need, and an adequate supply of housing therefore is a major challenge to economic and social policy. Against this background, the study looks at the economic importance of housing at a theoretical level, highlighting why state intervention in the housing market is justified. This is followed by a short survey of the housing market in selected countries (Austria, Spain, UK, USA, Sweden), with the focus on differences in the economic policy designs against a background of the welfare state paradigm and the overall economy. The study then concludes with a more detailed view of the Austrian housing market and selected state tools (housing subsidies, rent controls) employed by Austrian housing policy.