Success and Failure in Housing Provision: European Systems Compared (Policy Planning & Critical Theory)

Starting with a critique of the theory of free markets, the book proceeds by categorizing alternative housing systems in Europe, followed by a comparative analysis of production, allocation and dynamic efficiency in three representative centres: Britain, France and Sweden. Differences are explained by focusing on alternative housing strategies and land supply systems. A comparative summary completes this important volume.

Previous research into comparative housing has concentrated on juxtaposing empirical differences without exlaining why differences arise. Often this is done within ideal theoretical models that rely on simple state/market dualisms. The aim of this book is to assess the successes and failures of existing alternative systems and to account for their outcome, while asking what sort of state/market mix produces what sort of behaviour.