The solution or part of the problem? Social housing in transition: the Danish case

Abstract

The position of social housing is currently changing in many European countries. In this connection this paper describes Denmark’s social housing provision, and analyses recent developments in Danish social and affordable housing. Social housing has retained its formal position in the housing system, despite remarkable changes in who is served and its current inability to deliver affordable housing in pressure areas. The paper discusses how political and other stakeholders are approaching the housing issue, and how commentators are thinking about the future. It evaluates recent developments in the plan to build 5000 new affordable housing units in Copenhagen (in fulfilment of the mayor’s electoral promise)