Bricks, Taxes and Spending
Solutions for Housing Equity across Levels of Government
This report addresses housing inequities through a series of analytical chapters and case studies. The cross-country chapters examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on housing demand, develop a proposal for a green land value tax, evaluate the dynamics between fiscal autonomy and housing supply responsiveness, as well as explore the drivers of inter-regional migration. The case studies unravel the changes of Korea's progressive national property tax and a programme to address regional imbalances, assess the impact of the US property tax system on housing, dive into Norway's property taxation in relation to inequality, as well as survey Belgium's approaches to housing policy. With a blend of empirical data and critical analysis, the report underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies in addressing housing inequities. It also offers insights for policymakers and scholars, highlighting the complex balance between national and local housing policies.
Reducing housing inequity: What can governments do?
Housing affordability and quality are pressing policy concerns in most OECD countries. Rising house prices have worsened housing inequality, with low-income households facing major housing affordability and quality gaps. Subnational governments play critical roles in housing policy through responsibilities like social housing provision, land use regulation and property taxation. There has been a trend towards greater decentralisation of housing functions, and well-designed policy reforms by national and local governments can promote more affordable, equitable housing markets. However, trade-offs exist between objectives like efficiency, sustainability and inclusiveness. Key to effective housing policy is aligning national and local approaches to address housing challenges comprehensively. Thoughtful policy design and coordination of national and subnational policies are essential to balance competing goals and facilitate inclusive, responsive housing markets.
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