The Czech Housing System in the Middle of Transition

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the changes in the housing system and housing policies of the Czech Republic after 1989. The dismantling of the old socialist housing system, part of a more general transformation of Czech society, is shown to have been guided in the first instance by the belief that the introduction of a market model would create a balanced housing economy. The subsequent failure of this approach has led to the adoption of more pragmatic housing policies which have been developed in conjunction with continued efforts to establish a housing finance system. The paper concludes that the housing needs of low-income households require the introduction of new forms of affordable social housing.