Based on Joris Hoektra's reinterpretation of Esping-Andersen's typology of the welfare state into the housing sector, this thesis examines and compares the housing policies of Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Latvia. This analysis is based on data regarding housing subsidies, regulation of prices and rents, rules and procedures for the allocation of non-profit rental housing, and the organization of housing construction projects.
The aim was to determine the differences and similarities in the housing policies of the countries, the amount of funding each country allocates to different segments of the housing sector, and the key changes or measures in Slovenia's housing policy that would improve housing accessibility in the future. To achieve this aim, the study employed the literature review method, analysis and comparison of primary and secondary sources, analysis of state budgets, and interviews.
The research results show that Croatia and Latvia do not provide subsidies for housing rents and that Slovenia does not provide any subsidies for housing purchase or construction or for the development of affordable rental housing. Slovenia allocated the least funds for housing subsidies (2015–2022), while the Czech Republic allocated the most. Similarly, Slovenia allocated the least for the development of affordable housing, and Latvia allocated the most. Non-profit rent is regulated in Slovenia and the Czech Republic. The process for allocating non-profit rental housing is only regulated in Slovenia. All countries contribute minimally to the number of newly built housing units. To improve housing accessibility in Slovenia, key changes include securing land for housing construction, permanent systemic funding source for public rental housing construction, introducing cost-based rents, and ensuring the state covers the costs of non-profit rent subsidies.
The gathered data supports further research into the housing policies of these countries and provides insight for housing policy actors regarding the key considerations in policy formulation.
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