Inclusive housing: It all starts with A

Inclusive housing is becoming a top priority for all the larger cities in Europe, to the point of being one of the political cornerstones of the new Von Der Leyen administration.

To address this critical issue, two relevant questions are: What are the causes of housing inequality? What new solutions can be crafted? HouseInc is devoted to providing grounded answers. This project is funded by the European Horizon program, and led by the Fraunhofer Institute in partnership with SDA Bocconi, among other European universities and research centers. 

Step one in addressing housing inequalities is defining the terms: What do we mean when we talk about inclusive housing?

One of the first contributions of the HouseInc project was to provide a comprehensive, original, theoretically grounded yet simple definition. According to our research, inclusive housing is when housing solutions are simultaneously available, affordable, accessible and acceptable: the core of the 4A’s Housing Inclusivity Model. If we take the four dimensions of inclusivity and link the barriers that are related to each one, that would help us identify clearer solution to truly ensure housing for all.

So let’s take a closer look at these four dimensions.

• Availability: This depends on the number of homes on the market in a given area, which is usually a consequence of factors such as urbanization, housing stock management, and land-use policies. The growing conversion of apartments into short-term tourist rentals is reducing housing options for residents, while climate change may affect the number of housing solutions in the most vulnerable areas, such as coastal regions. These are typical threats to housing availability.
• Affordability: When housing costs exceed 40% of disposable income, the risk of exclusion rises. Factors such as inflation, higher energy bills, and the financialization of the housing market are deepening inequalities and undermining the right to housing. Possible solutions here include rent controls, subsidies, and building more below-market-rate housing.
• Accessibility: This concept goes beyond economic aspects and includes physical, geographic, and social factors. It’s not just about ensuring housing for people with disabilities; it’s also about guaranteeing well-connected neighborhoods with essential services, from schools to job opportunities. Maintenance incentives, urban planning policies, and inclusive transportation initiatives can make a difference here.
• Acceptability: Perceived housing quality that meets tenants’ needs is crucial. This dimension considers not just housing conditions but also whether housing satisfies residents’ cultural and social standards, such as the number of bedrooms for big families. More community-centered design and management strategies could improve living conditions.

The findings of the HouseInc project outline a strategy for reducing housing inequalities and ensuring decent living conditions for all. Integrating the four dimensions of housing inclusion into public policies isn’t just about addressing a social emergency – it’s about also building stronger, more resilient communities.

To achieve this goal, governments and local administrations must assess housing availability, adopt measures to control housing costs, and promote accessible and sustainable neighborhoods. Targeted interventions are also needed to ensure that housing meets people’s real needs - not just economically, but also in terms of quality and social integration.

HouseInc’s ultimate goal is to do a fine-grained analysis of the interlinked dimensions of housing inequality, with a particular focus on marginalized communities. The project will continue evaluating and testing the correlations between environmental (ecological), social (labor, mobility, health, and family), and economic (income, energy prices) conditions in shaping housing disparities. By taking a holistic approach, HouseInc aims to provide concrete solutions to alleviate housing inequality, starting with four marginalized communities in Europe.